Teac 4300SX in reverse mode tape slips out off the guide

[Isha]

Hi, my first post so please be patient with me.
I have a Teac 4300SX which runs and record fine except :
1- In reverse mode as soon as I push reverse button the tape slips out off the guide. It plays fine in forward mode.
2-When I record a song I have to crank up the the input knob to have the VU meter to move. When I play it back I have to crank up the output knob way up to have some movements on VU meter.
3-When I record a song with proper level on VU meter then play it back the right chanel is weak. However tapes recorded on other Teac will play fine on 4300SX both channels working properly with active normal VU meter movement.
inside of the deck has been cleaned. Heads have been thoroughly cleaned. Pinch roller working fine and slide up and down properly.
I appreciate any help !

 

[rojoknox]

Greetings from RojoLand!

(1) Tape "slipping out of the guide" in reverse play is usually due to a worn-out pinch roller, and/or insufficient back tension on the right reel table. If the pinch roller is the original one, it's tired and screaming for replacement or renovation. Check out: terrysrubberrollers.com

I'm hoping the right tension arm has not been bent out of position. Check it to be sure.

(2) How do you have your audio system connected? It's also possible that switches and/or relays in the deck need to be cleaned. As for the output knob, normally it should be at the 2:00 position (this is Teac's "specified output level"). If level is insufficient at this setting, then the heads may be worn out or very dirty, or again there may be dirty switches, or an issue with the deck's electronics (needing recapping). Do you have a known good recorded tape to try on this deck (like a commercially pre-recorded tape)? If such a tape also plays at low levels with the Output control at 2:00, all the above items should be checked. If you are playing your own recording back (you said you have to crank the levels on Record) then the deck is apparently not recording properly, or your input signal is bad (that's why I ask about how your system is connected).

(3) OKeh, this answers some of my questions. Does a tape recorded on the A-4300SX (with weak right channel) play correctly on your other Teac, or also weak on the right? That points to head cleaning and/or calibration issues. Has anyone mucked with the deck internally?

"Heads have been thoroughly cleaned." Gosh, maybe I should read the whole message before replying! (LOL) How much wear is apparent on your deck's heads? I have the 10-1/2" big brother deck, the A-6300; you should have seen how badly worn the heads were on that rig! How 'bout a 1/16"-deep groove across the heads! Believe it or not, it still played *some* audio! Replacement heads made that deck shine.

Take care,
—
J. E. Knox "The Victor Freak"

 

[Isha]

Thank you so much for the replay and the tips. For some reason I'm not getting any notification for the messages. I will try this and will report back !