Issues with my Sony TC-252 reel to reel tapecorder

[Analogovic]

Hello, I've received today the TC-252. When I'm trying to play a tape, instead of playing the machine starts to do the fast forward exactly the same like in the >> position. After a while, it stops far away from the moment I am interested in, plus the left reel doesn't stop, it continues spinning for a while, which results with something, let's say... unaesthetic- like on this video:

Playing is possible after eliminating the tape mess on the left side.

The second issue is, it playes 1/4 of a tone lower (a tiny bit too slow). It is not a big issue, but for me as a musician it is noticeable

Thanks in advance for any suggestion, what to do, sorry for my English.

 

[audiojones]

The fast forwarding and tape spillage problem is happening because the mechanism is stiff and in need of lubrication. When it is properly lubricated the pinch roller will snap up into place immediately when you shift the lever over to play. The tape is spilling because the pinch roller slowly engages and stops the tape when it’s running away.

The slower playback speed may be caused by a glazed / dried out idler wheel inside the machine and / or mechanism in need of lubrication, also make sure the machine is set for the proper voltage and cycle for your power supply. This machine is roughly 48-50 years old, it’s going to need some servicing to work properly. Very rarely do these things work right out of storage without some effort being put into them.

 

[Analogovic]

The fast forwarding and tape spillage ...

Thank you, I'll try the lubrication, although I have no experience with it, I hope, I will not mess up by giving a drop on some improper place The voltage and Hz is correct. Could you recommend some lube good for this machine?

 

[audiojones]

Thank you, I'll try the lubrication, although I have no experience with it, I hope, I will not mess up by giving a drop on some improper place The voltage and Hz is correct. Could you recommend some lube good for this machine?

I like to use propanol or cigarette lighter fluid first to remove the gummed up grease and oil, then I generally use fine sewing machine oil or the synthetic clock oil they sell on ebay for rotating parts that require oil and white lithium grease for parts that slide. Be very careful not to get any oil or grease on the flywheel or the rubber drive surfaces of the idler wheels (they should be thoroughly cleaned up with propanol when you are done cleaning and lubricating).

You can find the service manual for the TC-252 on HiFiEngine here, it has disassembly and lubrication instructions as well as cut-away views of the mechanism. You have to join the site to get access to the manual library but it's free and a great site, they won't spam you. It's a pretty basic mechanism though so if you're mechanically inclined and take the face plate off you will probably see what it sticking and holding things back.

 

[Analogovic]

I like to use propanol or cigarette lighter fluid first ...

Thanks for another great piece of information with pictures. I'll try... Have a nice day!

 

[Analogovic]

Here is an update of my issue: I've lubed everything according the instruction. There is almost no tape spillage, just a tiny bit on the left side, so, there is a significant improvement. But still the sound is 1/4 of a tone too low. Maybe I should replace the belts... It would be great, if there would be somewhere inside the speed regulation, like just a screw... I've noticed also, there is a rhythmical noise from the inside, as if somebody would rub with a finger on a sheet of paper.

 

[dr*audio]

This deck has only one belt, for the tape counter. There may be a round belt for fast forward or rewind, I forget. Everything else is driven by idler wheels. They can wear out and cause speed issues. the parts are no longer available so you have to get them rebuilt. Here in the USA we send them to Terry's Rubber Rollers for rebuilding. Maybe someone in Europe does this.

 

[Analogovic]

oops

 

[Analogovic]

Thank you for your suggestion. There is the belt for counter and another one in constant movement, it seems to me pretty loose, I am not sure, if it is OK- like on the video:

And yes, I believe the idler wheels are wore out.

 

[dr*audio]

Thank you for your suggestion. There is the belt for counter and another one in constant movement, it seems to me pretty loose, I am not sure, if it is OK- like on the video:

And yes, I believe the idler wheels are wore out.

That belt is bad. It only affects rewind.

 

[illinoisteve]

motor bearings might need a drop of lube

 

[Analogovic]

Thanks again. Interesting thing happened, after I've cleaned everything spinning inside more careful, and after ... adding 1 extra drop of a watch lube on the previously lubed parts (according the manual it is 1 drop too much), now the pitch is tiny bit too high! It is more pleasant for my ears than too low, the fraction is so small, less than 1/4 of a tone, that I'm satisfied now

 

[Jewels21]

I like to use propanol or cigarette lighter fluid first to remove the gummed up grease and oil, then I generally use fine sewing machine oil or the synthetic clock oil they sell on ebay for rotating parts that require oil and white lithium grease for parts that slide. Be very careful not to get any oil or grease on the flywheel or the rubber drive surfaces of the idler wheels (they should be thoroughly cleaned up with propanol when you are done cleaning and lubricating).

You can find the service manual for the TC-252 on HiFiEngine here, it has disassembly and lubrication instructions as well as cut-away views of the mechanism. You have to join the site to get access to the manual library but it's free and a great site, they won't spam you. It's a pretty basic mechanism though so if you're mechanically inclined and take the face plate off you will probably see what it sticking and holding things back.

Hi. Am restoring mum's tc252 in hopes that the box of tapes contauns family stuff like gramps playung music or reading stories. Thanjs so much for the link to the pdf. Ive used that site before

I like to use propanol or cigarette lighter fluid first to remove the gummed up grease and oil, then I generally use fine sewing machine oil or the synthetic clock oil they sell on ebay for rotating parts that require oil and white lithium grease for parts that slide. Be very careful not to get any oil or grease on the flywheel or the rubber drive surfaces of the idler wheels (they should be thoroughly cleaned up with propanol when you are done cleaning and lubricating).

You can find the service manual for the TC-252 on HiFiEngine here, it has disassembly and lubrication instructions as well as cut-away views of the mechanism. You have to join the site to get access to the manual library but it's free and a great site, they won't spam you. It's a pretty basic mechanism though so if you're mechanically inclined and take the face plate off you will probably see what it sticking and holding things back.

Thanks so much for the link to the pdf. Ive used their site for several years. I cant however find the lubrication details in the doc. I suspect this is all thats needed for the reels to run smoothly. I even found a place to order new belts if that turns out i need too. You guys rock.

 

[dr*audio]

Try running the deck vertical, I bet the speed drops. The reason for this is the Sony take up clutch pulls harder in the horizontal position due to the weight of the tape.