A week ago I landed a free to me Pioneer CT-F4242 that “didn’t work” or so I was told, and was going to be tossed In the trash. My buddy picked it up at a yard sale with a SX-550 and PL-510A. He wanted the receiver, sold me the turntable and was going to toss the cassette deck. All from the original owner. The table is as mint as could be so I assumed the tape deck just needed belts....
My buddy dropped it off a few days ago, and I was happy to see it was in great cond. inside was nice and clean.
Powered it up and noting from the right side, and a loud hiss from the left.
Checked the belts, all 4 of them..... and the take up wheels. They all seem to be in good shape for being 40+ years old. I had the flat belt on hand, but not the square belts. They have been ordered and shipped. When I pull the mechanism out of the unit I’ll document it all in this thread. I haven’t seen a thread on the 4242 break down. I will try to explain my process as best I can.
Hit the play/record switch with some D5 and some G5. Bingo, we have a working deck.
Had to pic open the pot to get to the inside. The double pots sometime have sealed ends. The cap on it covered the little hole so it had to be removed.
Cleaned the pot and few switches on the unit. That’s what oozed out of that pot.
Went to record and noting was being recorded on the right channel. The catch that moves the switch is broken, I will either JB weld it or use some superglue when I pull the mechanism out. Don’t want to pull it apart yet, want to do it all in one servicing.
Rather happy with the SQ, and am shocked the belts are still working. I almost don’t want to change them but new ones will be better in the long run.
So my questions, if anyone even knows.
This deck uses belts and a hand full of take up wheels, or older wheels. I’ve swapped them on other decks, but I’m not finding replacements for this 4242. That said they look to be in good cond. I can just tell they are a little hard, no cracks or anything like that but if I RW or FF and I touch them I can feel them slip.
I just ordered a bottle of Rubber Renue the 408A formula. I’ve never used it, but watched a guy on YT who I see use it a lot. Any of you ever use it? I am thinking I want to use it on the pinch roller too, I usually replace the roller but this one looks brand new just a little stiff.
Anyone ever rebuild a 4242, and have any tips for me before I start? The belts and rubber renue should be in soon, so more to come. Just trying to get a jump on this one.
My buddy dropped it off a few days ago, and I was happy to see it was in great cond. inside was nice and clean.
Powered it up and noting from the right side, and a loud hiss from the left.
Checked the belts, all 4 of them..... and the take up wheels. They all seem to be in good shape for being 40+ years old. I had the flat belt on hand, but not the square belts. They have been ordered and shipped. When I pull the mechanism out of the unit I’ll document it all in this thread. I haven’t seen a thread on the 4242 break down. I will try to explain my process as best I can.
Hit the play/record switch with some D5 and some G5. Bingo, we have a working deck.
Had to pic open the pot to get to the inside. The double pots sometime have sealed ends. The cap on it covered the little hole so it had to be removed.
Cleaned the pot and few switches on the unit. That’s what oozed out of that pot.
Went to record and noting was being recorded on the right channel. The catch that moves the switch is broken, I will either JB weld it or use some superglue when I pull the mechanism out. Don’t want to pull it apart yet, want to do it all in one servicing.
Rather happy with the SQ, and am shocked the belts are still working. I almost don’t want to change them but new ones will be better in the long run.
So my questions, if anyone even knows.
This deck uses belts and a hand full of take up wheels, or older wheels. I’ve swapped them on other decks, but I’m not finding replacements for this 4242. That said they look to be in good cond. I can just tell they are a little hard, no cracks or anything like that but if I RW or FF and I touch them I can feel them slip.
I just ordered a bottle of Rubber Renue the 408A formula. I’ve never used it, but watched a guy on YT who I see use it a lot. Any of you ever use it? I am thinking I want to use it on the pinch roller too, I usually replace the roller but this one looks brand new just a little stiff.
Anyone ever rebuild a 4242, and have any tips for me before I start? The belts and rubber renue should be in soon, so more to come. Just trying to get a jump on this one.
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