Sony tc-540 only plays ffw

[srwilco]

I got a Sony TC-540 and when I put it in forward play mode, it plays like it's in fast forward. The fast forward switch moves freely and isn't engaged when I put it in play mode. This happens in all three playback speeds. When I opened it up, it appears that the idler wheel is hitting in the right spot and everything mechanical is working well. Is there an electrical switch or some other part that actually controls the speed? I'm very much a novice to this sort of thing but would like to get it up and running on my own if possible. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[audiojones]

Sounds like the pinch roller isn't engaging all the way. It's the little rubber roller wheel under the head cover, and it has to pinch the tape against the capstan shaft (spinning metal shaft next to it under the head cover) to regulate the tape speed. Linkage is probably all gummed and preventing it from moving all the way into place when you shift the machine into play.

The pinch roller on this machine retracts down out of the way when play is not selected. When play is selected the roller is supposed to pop up and move forward at the same time pushing the tape against the capstan shaft.

 

[srwilco]

Thanks for the tip--that was stuck and I got it moving freely but still had the speed issue. Turns out on the take-up spindle there is the part that contacts the idler wheel and the part that turns with the reel--those two were stuck together. I did my best to clean between the two and put a little oil in there to loosen them up--now the play speed is correct. Still needs more old grease cleaned up inside, but it spins at the right speed now. Thanks