Strange RT909 pinch problem

[rt909fan]

This has just cropped up and it is weird. The pinch roller on the right side seizes up. It does not start that way. I can remove it and clean out the bearing and the shaft. Put it on and give it a spin. it will spins till it slows and stops. If I play the deck for a few minutes, I get tension problems.

Now here it is: I stop the play. try to spin the roller and it won't. In fact it only moves if you push it. Almost seized. If I go through cleaning it again there is no gunk in the bearing or shaft. I can flip the rollers and the same thing happens. It can't be friction on that one side, can it?

What the heck is going on?

 

[hertzdonut]

Missing washers?

 

[pustelniakr]

More than likely not the roller, but the capstan on that side. Is the capstan spinning strong?

If the capstan is spinning strong, you may have pinch roller pressure issues. This can happen if the mechanism lube has turned to wax.

Good luck,
Rich P

 

[rt909fan]

got washers.

it's the pinch rollers themselves. they don't spin. for them to spin you have to push them with you finger. Stop pushing the stop moving. It's like the bushing is rubber and not brass. They do not spin freely no matter how much I clean them.

I will check the capstans though.

 

[tapetech]

Be sure both pinch rollers have a small amount of end play. Adjust washers if not.