Teac CX-400 3-head deck with output problem

[93SCMax]

Original owner, deck purchased in 1981. Great recorder and playback, gave me many good years of service, the last 18 in my garage workroom. Last year I replaced all the belts and cleaned some of the switches. I lost the right channel on playback (pic 1). When running a source to the deck for recording, I only get the left channel (pic 2). I recleaned (DeOxit D5) the Tape/Source switch this morning. No change. I also purchased the Service manual but am at a loss on what to try next. I can solder and have a multimeter, but no other troubleshooting equipment. Any suggestions on what to look at next would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[jobrewer1983]

Original owner, deck purchased in 1981. Great recorder and playback, gave me many good years of service, the last 18 in my garage workroom. Last year I replaced all the belts and cleaned some of the switches. I lost the right channel on playback (pic 1). When running a source to the deck for recording, I only get the left channel (pic 2). I recleaned (DeOxit D5) the Tape/Source switch this morning. No change. I also purchased the Service manual but am at a loss on what to try next. I can solder and have a multimeter, but no other troubleshooting equipment. Any suggestions on what to look at next would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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Not a tape expert at all, but you should make sure all your connectors to the heads are properly placed on the main board. If you pulled out the mech to replace the belts maybe the record head cable is loos on the board? Just a guess. Also did you test the RCA cables to the input? Try a new set of RCAs and maybe even a different amp. It could be the output from the amp.

I’d start with checking the RCA cables tho, something easy.

Good luck man!

 

[93SCMax]

Thanks for the input.

Deck is now stand alone on the garage workbench with headphones hooked up to test sound and confirm it matches the meters. For the SOURCE test, I plugged an Ipod into the Input side of the deck and tried to record to a tape. For the TAPE test, I played a know good cassette. No RCA cables or Amp are hooked up.

All record head cables are in place...no busted pins, etc.

I just read on another forum to DeOxit the Play and Record buttons (metal under the buttons)...sometimes they cause a channel to cut out. I did that, but in the process, the cheap plastic play button busted after working it multiple times. This isn't the 1st time this switch has been replaced in the last 40 years. I'll need to source another before proceeding.

Sure would like to keep this running. All input welcome.

 

[jobrewer1983]

Thanks for the input.

Deck is now stand alone on the garage workbench with headphones hooked up to test sound and confirm it matches the meters. For the SOURCE test, I plugged an Ipod into the Input side of the deck and tried to record to a tape. For the TAPE test, I played a know good cassette. No RCA cables or Amp are hooked up.

All record head cables are in place...no busted pins, etc.

I just read on another forum to DeOxit the Play and Record buttons (metal under the buttons)...sometimes they cause a channel to cut out. I did that, but in the process, the cheap plastic play button busted after working it multiple times. This isn't the 1st time this switch has been replaced in the last 40 years. I'll need to source another before proceeding.

Sure would like to keep this running. All input welcome.

Ahh, well good luck with it, Hope you get it going!

 

[skywavebe]

Instead of saying I am not an expert and give a good luck comment- what's the point?
Well I am the other end of the spectrum and I have fixed many decks even of that model. Is there an easy answer? Yes- The answer get the scope out and trace where one channel goes bad or is missing then you will find a broken solder joint or a bad electrolytic. These decks are so old that a complete recap is in order. They were made in 1980-1982 do you know how long ago that was? Consumer electrolytics are not made to last that long so even 10 years ago you were on borrowed time.
It can still be a dirty switch as not all Deoxit spray jobs will be 100% Effective. Want it fixed then either you or a technical person with a scope and schematic will have to look at it.
I am taking on trainees to learn this business but it is not economical to buy the required equipment to do one or two machines but to get into the business as the demand is through the roof. This is probably an easy repair. If you need more help directly contact me by PM.

 

[93SCMax]

skywavebe, thanks for your input and offer to help directly. I am also of the opinion that it's probably an easy repair and possibly something I did or that didn't get cleaned properly when I installed the new belts. It worked well for awhile but then one play channel cut out and now I've let it sit for a year (been using other decks and CD players).

I will PM you for direct help. Thank you for the offer.

 

[jobrewer1983]

Instead of saying I am not an expert and give a good luck comment- what's the point?
Well I am the other end of the spectrum and I have fixed many decks even of that model. Is there an easy answer? Yes- The answer get the scope out and trace where one channel goes bad or is missing then you will find a broken solder joint or a bad electrolytic. These decks are so old that a complete recap is in order. They were made in 1980-1982 do you know how long ago that was? Consumer electrolytics are not made to last that long so even 10 years ago you were on borrowed time.
It can still be a dirty switch as not all Deoxit spray jobs will be 100% Effective. Want it fixed then either you or a technical person with a scope and schematic will have to look at it.
I am taking on trainees to learn this business but it is not economical to buy the required equipment to do one or two machines but to get into the business as the demand is through the roof. This is probably an easy repair. If you need more help directly contact me by PM.

Your an odd one, and if you want to ask what’s the point. I ask the same? Why take the time to be a dick?

Next time quote me so I see your post. Making comments towards someone and not being man enough to quote them. Be direct if you have a problem. What a bitch comment. Haha

Gag me with your “I’ve fixed many decks” good for you, my comments were valid, sometimes it’s the small stuff. Read the whole post.

I guess only experts as yourself can respond to posts? Again, quote people and be direct instead of making bitch comments.

You should probability go outside and get out of your mothers basement and get some fresh air.