Sony TC-255 speed adjustment

[razpones]

So I had an other thread on this same tape deck, but I thought to open a new one on this particular problem in case others might google it. I have been working to fix this tape deck and now I am trying to figure out how to adjust the speed, in other cassette decks there is usually a potentiometer that controls the speed, but there is no reference to one on the service manual, in fact no reference at all about speed adjustment. So I wondered if anyone here (and am sure some have) figured out how to do it? I played a tape I made on a philips deck I own and it played way too slow, I imagine there has to be an average that this decks have to keep in order to play commercial tapes from bands at the time. Is there a way?
I appreciate the help!

 

[dr*audio]

In the first place, this is a reel to reel, not a cassette deck.
In the second place, this deck has no speed adjustment. the motor speed is governed by the powerline frequency. Look on the plate with the model and serial number. It will say either 50Hz or 60Hz. If it doesn't match the powerline frequency where you live, you need a different motor pulley.
If the frequency is correct, the idler wheels need to be sent to Terry's Rubber Rollers for rebuilding.

 

[razpones]

I know it is a reel to reel but as a reference I mentioned cassette decks having the adjustment, I was asking if there was such thing avaliable, maybe some decks of later make have something, dunno. Anyway, the motor run capacitor has been changed to run at 50HZ as I live in the US. So the only option at this point is rebuild the idler wheels I guess. In any case, if this deck is used in isolation of other decks or tapes made outside of it, is it going to keep changing speed over time or if used will it stay within the same speed?
I saw on an other thread some one dipped the idler wheels in DOT3 brake fluid and that made this particular case come back to normal speed, is this something that can be done? it is on this thread https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/sony-tc-255-suddenly-playing-slower.696978/

 

[audiojones]

In the US we run at 60hz, that deck needs a 1.5uf motor run cap here. If you are using a 2uf run cap then you are using the wrong one.

 

[razpones]

Sorry I meant 60hz, yes, it is a 1.5uf cap

 

[spicer]

Sorry I meant 60hz, yes, it is a 1.5uf cap

Sony decks from the time often had worn capstan shaft bushings, enlarged. I replaced a fair number back in the day. Another thing that would correct small slow speed issues was to disassemble the motor, clean, lubricate and reassemble... applies to capstan bushing and idlers too, mainly the motor though. The correct cap is of course necessary.

 

[razpones]

Another thing that would correct small slow speed issues was to disassemble the motor, clean, lubricate and reassemble.

Thanks for that hint, I will do that. In general this deck looked to me as it wasn't used a whole lot, but I can hear some noise coming from the idler possibly, specially when in pause. Not a smooth like movement, but a bit thumpy, it probably does need new rubber, but I looked at the website for Terry's roller rebuilding, and am not sure I want to spend around $70. Not sure what am going to do, but in the mean time I will lubricate the motor and see if any there is any change, Thanks!

 

[spicer]

Thanks for that hint, I will do that. In general this deck looked to me as it wasn't used a whole lot, but I can hear some noise coming from the idler possibly, specially when in pause. Not a smooth like movement, but a bit thumpy, it probably does need new rubber, but I looked at the website for Terry's roller rebuilding, and am not sure I want to spend around $70. Not sure what am going to do, but in the mean time I will lubricate the motor and see if any there is any change, Thanks!

Well, actually, in my opinion, provided it is running at correct speed and capstan bushing is not out of round $70 isn't bad to have a reel to reel operating correctly and reliably... there are better decks and you have that one and they are well built. Only other thing considering the $70 is head condition, if not overly worn the deck will be worth the 70 dollars... if the rubber isn't cracked try cleaning the driving surfaces with lacquer thinner or finger nail polish remover, I doubt slippage is causing speed issues, usually fast wind is where it shows. While you have it open clean all the switches with the appropriate contact cleaner, especially the record/play switch and channel/track select switches... remover all old lubricant from articulating parts and springs. If the machine wasn't used a whole lot chances are the head will be in good shape. That whole class of Sony decks were simple and reliable, they were known for it.

 

[razpones]

I guess I should have mentioned that I already had cleaned all pots and actually had unstock the pinch roller arm assembly that was the main problem (other than the motor run cap), that was preventing the deck from playing; the tape wasn't being pushed by the plates and the pinch roller wasn't reaching the capstan, and the idle wheel needed lubrication (as well as other wheels and take up wheels) and it wasn't reaching the flywheel so I unstuck that as well. In general it plays well if you make a recording with it, but it plays slow compared with my Philips N4504, which I know is plastic cased, but I really like more.
I do like this deck, it is pretty with the wood case and very sturdy with all the metal parts in it. But I would rather it stand vertical. It is very basic, and it works well other than the speed. I did get it free and have not spent more than $11 repairing it, but as I don't have a job at the moment due to Covid, I was planing on selling it, and trying to spend little if possible.

 

[dr*audio]

This deck can operate vertically but you need the rubber reel hold downs. they are available on line, I think I saw some on ebay.
This deck is capable of very good performance when it is working properly. If you want to flip it to make money, it isn't worth much, even when working properly. Maybe $150. None of the lever operated decks are worth much.
The desire-able machines are full logic, operated by push button switches. So this is something you would put the $70 into if you are going to keep it yourself.
If not, just set it aside or sell it as is.

 

[razpones]

The desire-able machines are full logic, operated by push button switches.

That's why I like the Philips N4504 better, plus it has a noise reduction system call Dynamic Noise Limiter (DNL) that I thinks works well. And it sounds great as well of course.

 

[razpones]

Ok so I figured I should mention that I went ahead and cleaned the two idlers rubber with some alcohol and a green Scotch-brite, after that they are running smoothly, all the clunky and bumping stopped. I did it lightly so they wouldn't get damaged,
I also cleaned the surface of the tape take up reel (not with the scotch-brite though), which I discovered had sticky residue from the idler. It seems to play much smoother over all.
It also seems to be playing tapes made on other deck (not mine, from a lot I got on ebay) and it seems to play at the correct speed. I will have to go thru some of the tapes and see how it does. But so far I think it is working as intended.
Edit some time later:
OK now I have tested tapes made on the Philips N4504 and they play at the right speed, so am quite happy and consider the repair finished and working correctly. Thanks to everyone that chimed in and gave their opinion, this is a great forum with great people!!
Cheers.