Teac X7R

[Richiecee]

I have an x7R that I have been working on for a bit. So far I have changed both belts, cleaned the entire tape path, adjusted hubs, lubricated moving parts and cleaned and conditioned capstan rollers.

I purchased a new Pyral 7 inch blank reel and started to give the recording function a go. I recorded just a few songs and in playback mode, the recording fades in and out. Sometimes plays for a minute then fades and comes back. I did notice that the tape was not staying in place on the guide rollers and thought it may be that so I tried it again to make sure tape was staying in line. It seemed to record better so I am not so sure its the heads. I then tries using the heads on the reverse side and everything seems great.

Is it possible the tape is not staying put when going through the guide rollers under the head cover? I would figure that if it was the heads they would not work at all.

Any help would be appreciated.

Best
Rich

 

[oldvinyldude]

The dual capstan loop design of these Teac X-series decks is prone to this sort of thing.

Sounds like a case of inconsistent tension of the tape on the head area. This can occur with either the forward or reverse tape travel, or both directions.

These decks are very sensitive to having OEM spec belts. Where did you get the capstan belt?

 

[Richiecee]

I bought the capstan belt directly from TEAC. But why would this be fine recording in the other direction? Do you think its the heads? I am not sure as I said in my original post that it records and plays fine in the other direction.

 

[Vintage TX]

Swap the pinch-rollers and see what happens in forward mode.
These are sensitive, both pinch-rollers has to be in top shape for working correctly.

 

[eddisc]

remove both p/r (carefull! w/tiny washer/spacers!!!) and wash gently/well w/DAWN and Scotch-Brite. Clean capstans w/92% or better isopropyl alcohol.

 

[jmiles1960]

I have one of these decks that is missing the left and right tape guides. I don't plan to restore it so, if anyone needs parts, contact me. I am not a big fan of the Teac "X" series and just want to find this one a new home.

 

[Richiecee]

I had the same issue so what I did first was remove the left pinch roller as the tape was playing in normal direction. Immediately the tape stayed on the path and was able to play and record without a problem. I purchased a brand new set of rollers from Germany for about $70ish. I have also purchased brand new in the box dust cover as well as the Teac slun reel. Now I am looking for the wood cabinet as a prototype to have a real wood cabinet made.