New to me Nakamichi BX-150

[trofeo]

Hi everyone! I'm new and I purchased a Nakamichi BX-150 cassette deck that needs some TLC. The idler tire needs replacing due to the system not playing. FFW or RWD does not work with or without a tape inserted. I removed the transport plate to reveal the tire to confirm that it jumps to the left for 1 second and stops. The other issue is the pinch roller and capstan do not make contact. When pressing play, the heads do not move up into the cassette but I notice the capstan spins. Does this point to the controller motor? Does anyone know where I can get a replacement motor, belts and idler/cam wheels? My electronics skills are basic but don't mind wrestling with audio gear! TIA

 

[WernerO]

Mechanism should be taken apart, cleaned, lubricated. Ideally cam and reel motors are removed and internally cleaned and soldered (cam). Failing this they should be run on a battery or external supplies in both directions for many hours. All rubber should be cleaned thoroughly and if deficient replaced. Replacement belt is PRB FRSW6.5, although the original often is still good. There are many suppliers for the idle tire, but the ones sold by 'Zedex' on tapeheads.net and the one from ES Labs are probably the best. Also PRB ST590.

Record/play relay is to be replaced. These always fail. Omron G5V-2-H1-12VDC.

Lots of information on tapeheads and here, search for maintenance of the single-capstan belt-drive Sankyo mechanism.

 

[zedex]

When you shut the door, the idler tire should swing left and rotate for around 1/2 second. That idler tire looks too big for some reason. The fact it swings left confirms the reel motor is working but, if the tire is too big its not going to turn. Problem 2 may be be cam/mode motor may be deadspotted. Usually all these BX decks have dead spotted reel motors and or mode motors. They should all be rebuilt. Otherwise deck will never operate reliably even if you get them working. As Werner suggested replacing that relay is advised.

 

[trofeo]

Is this the relay that needs replacing with Omron G5V-2-H1-12VDC?

 

[zedex]

yup

 

[trofeo]

what is the part number for the bx150 cam rollers? I found the belt and tire but the cam pinch rollers are elusive

 

[tapetech]

What's a cam roller? Not a good idea to guess names because it creates confusion. names are in your service manual

 

[perryinva]

He probably means pinch rollers, and they are usually just in need of cleaning. Unless damaged, Nakamichi pinch rollers don’t go bad.

 

[eizner23]

My plan for a BX-100 in addition to what was suggested above is to remove the two hubs and the flywheel, clean and reapply thin machine oil.