R2R slowing down during play

[bre's dad]

I was given an old Realistic tr-3000 (rebadged Teac X-3) and it has issues. When playing, it will begin to slow down almost instantly and eventually stop (kinda entertaining, especially while drinking). While its playing or even ff, you can grab the take up reel and it will stop (a far cry from my my Akai, that will rip your fingers off it you touch it while playing, let alone ff). I've heard of this before, but what exactly is it? Motor going bad? I'm more inclined to think its a power issue... if you raise the tape sensor arm and hit play with no tape loaded, the capstan motor does the same thing. I also noticed that while rewinding, as it gets toward the end of the tape, it sounds like its slowing down some. Any ideas and can it be fixed easily... and cheaply? I'd like to use this with my 7" reels on the stereo upstairs...

 

[Jay Pemberton]

Drive belt from the capstan motor to the flywheel is shot. A new belt should be available from Teac. As you have observed, it's a Teac X-3 through and through. Replacing the belt is tricky but far from impossible. Good luck!