Nakamichi 480 not working

[plumonium]

My Nakamichi 480 isn’t working, and I’m wondering how difficult the repair is.

As soon as I turn it on, I hear a half second of movement, but no visual movement of the cassette.

In play, I hear a motor whirring, but there’s no movement of the cassette.

In reverse or fast forward, I hear a second of the same rotation sound as I hear at power on. Again, no movement of the cassette.

This is such a great unit, but what problem am I looking at?

 

[radiokom]

This unit needs full overhaul, including disassembling the mechanics, removing cleaning and relubricating of pinch roller lever axis etc. etc. As with all Nakamichi classic transports, you should know what you are doing. And when reassembling mechanics you need M-300 or similar gauge.

 

[plumonium]

Would the overhaul include new belts/wheels, etc.? I’m wondering what you think the broken part might be.

Would repairing/replacing any part or parts get it operating again?

Thanks for your help.

 

[radiokom]

Would the overhaul include new belts/wheels, etc.? I’m wondering what you think the broken part might be.

Would repairing/replacing any part or parts get it operating again?

Thanks for your help.

This machine worked before without problems? Or you got one and wonder why it does not work?

 

[plumonium]

This machine worked before without problems? Or you got one and wonder why it does not work?

Yes I just bought it and foolishly didn’t test it.

 

[radiokom]

Bad news for you. It means transport is completely stuck because hardened grease on pinch roller lever axes. And you can not simply disassemble and reassemble it. You need tools and know how. This is common problem with all classic transports. There are many nuances including reassembling - you should turn all screws left to catch original thread and only then right (you do not want to ruin plastics). So, if you bought this deck as working I advise to rise "item not as described" claim and send it back. It is too complex for beginner to restore it.

 

[plumonium]

Bad news for you. It means transport is completely stuck because hardened grease on pinch roller lever axes. And you can not simply disassemble and reassemble it. You need tools and know how. This is common problem with all classic transports. There are many nuances including reassembling - you should turn all screws left to catch original thread and only then right (you do not want to ruin plastics). So, if you bought this deck as working I advise to rise "item not as described" claim and send it back. It is too complex for beginner to restore it.

It’s ok! I’m only disappointed because it’s a beautiful deck. I only paid the going thrift store rate for what they thought was BPC. I’ve scored many great pieces there and never had a problem, so I didn’t even think of dropping a test cassette in.

I’ll sell it on to someone who can restore it.

 

[radiokom]

It’s ok! I’m only disappointed because it’s a beautiful deck. I only paid the going thrift store rate for what they thought was BPC. I’ve scored many great pieces there and never had a problem, so I didn’t even think of dropping a test cassette in.

I’ll sell it on to someone who can restore it.

OK, it is good parts deck even for 3 headers. So in this case better do not try to do anything and sell it as is for parts or repair.

 

[plumonium]

OK, it is good parts deck even for 3 headers. So in this case better do not try to do anything and sell it as is for parts or repair.

I was so excited to see it. Nakamichi is one of those halo brands that’s nice to add to a collection, like Sansui or NAD.

 

[radiokom]

I was so excited to see it. Nakamichi is one of those halo brands that’s nice to add to a collection, like Sansui or NAD.

Then repair it. Not a rocket science for those who know what they are doing. If you are in US you can contact nakmandan a member here, he is one of the best.

 

[plumonium]

Then repair it. Not a rocket science for those who know what they are doing. If you are in US you can contact nakmandan a member here, he is one of the best.

I’ll think about it, now that you mention it. I have a million other things to do at the moment, but I could hold onto it for a later date I suppose!

 

[perryinva]

Yea, the problem with a 2 head classic transport deck like the 480, is that it basically cost as much to restore it as a 3 head 482, as the heads are never the problem (on the 480). They are amazing sounding 2 head decks, especially for playback of prerecorded tapes, as they are all mostly Dolby B. As radiokom mentioned, it does require a number of specific gauges and test tapes to being them back as well as knowledge of the mechanism. Hardened grease on the pinch roller arms is the main, time consuming and precision repair involved, and then replacement of the belts and idler tire, which are also quite specific.