Is this Akai 4000-DS junk?

[Quick Cal]

I just had this given to me for free for parts. We were hoping it would have the same flywheel that my Roberts 1719 has. But it does not. But it does have the motor capacitor that I needed. But I all ready put a ceiling fan cap in the Roberts.

So I was going to post a bunch of pics and start asking questions. But I'll start with this video. Maybe that will be the end of the story. Is this an electrical problem or I need the rest of the parts in place for it to play right?

Is this thing worth spending any money on? Is it a better unit than my Roberts 1719? It's newer by a bunch,,,lol.

 

[Quick Cal]

Just for the record. I figure out the noise isn't coming from the heads while trying to play a tape.

If I flip the tape/monitor and the SOS switches back and forth the noise goes away.

 

[rojoknox]

Greetings from RojoLand!

Clean all those rocker switches using DeoxIT D5. The "S.O.S." (Sound On Sound) switch should be left OFF — not much call for that function these days. I don't remember this model having the rotten-cam syndrome (I have a 4000DS and a 4000DS Mk-II).

Do you not have a take-up reel to use, instead of letting the tape spill? (I know you're just testing…)

The 4000DS does have the notorious Sanyo LD-3141 ICs known to croak (I had to replace two in my 4000DS; used discrete components), and also has the infamous 2SC458 transistors.

Take care,
—
J. E. Knox "The Victor Freak"

 

[Quick Cal]

The reason I didn't use a take up real is because it wouldn't spin with the broken cam And I couldn't spin it fast enough with my finger to keep up. The tape was a junk old church sermon. Sounds horrible on anything. So I can just let it eat,,,lol.

I did deox-it everything.

The track "stereo" switch on the heads is absolute garbage. And Ai said what you said. Resisters. So you're as smart as Ai,,,,lol.

I've been looking for that track switch but can't find it separately. Could this be my problem? I hate to buy heads just to get that switch and it still not be working right.

I'll make another video soon show more details.

 

[Quick Cal]

Here's an updated video. Does it tell us anything?

I swear the thumping on the one cap was much louder before I started filming. Go figure.