Yamaha TC-511S issues playing long-play cassettes

[4ever7]

Just checking with the larger community here... picked up and repaired a Yamaha TC-511S cassette deck (recapped the power board and changed the belts), and all functions are working (specifically F.FWD and REW), and it plays well. One issue I'm having is that the unit has trouble with longer cassette tapes (90min++), where the various functions (Play, REW, and F.FWD) will have difficulty at some point or stop working. However, regular length (60min) seems to work fine from beginning to end.

Is this a known issue? The deck came out in 1976, assuming some cost-cutting measures were taken by Yamaha for their "non-flagship" cassette deck, and that longer-playing cassette tapes were not common, so it wasn't accounted for.

Any guidance or feedback is appreciated

 

[satpaul]

I don't think it's a design flaw. I would probably clean the capstan + rubber pressure wheel, replace it with a new one if necessary, and check the capstan motor. It may be without oil. And check the belts for correctness. Pavel

 

[4ever7]

Hi Pavel, thank you for the feedback

Im assuming for lubricating the capstan motor i can add some oil through the openings on top? Any type of oil, specifically (super lube synthetic)?

 

[satpaul]

No, you can't lubricate through the hole. Only the engine plain bearing. Disassemble the engine, clean it, then lightly apply oil to the plain bearings and put it back together. Pavel

 

[4ever7]

Thank you, Pavel...super lube synthetic will do? Should I look at another lubricant brand?

 

[satpaul]

Use the mildest sewing machine oil possible. Pavel

 

[satpaul]

Hi Pavel, thank you for the feedback

Im assuming for lubricating the capstan motor i can add some oil through the openings on top? Any type of oil, specifically (super lube synthetic)?

Is this really a capstan motor?

 

[4ever7]

its the only motor in the unit, i did a quick search and assumed that was it

 

[satpaul]

I don't think it's a design flaw. I would probably clean the capstan + rubber pressure wheel, replace it with a new one if necessary, and check the capstan motor. It may be without oil. And check the belts for correctness. Pavel

Before disassembling the engine, check the things I wrote earlier and test the functions to see if there is any improvement. Pavel

 

[4ever7]

Hi Pavel

Changed out the belts again (better quality ones) and recapped the control board for the motor (removed the motor lid, it was hidden), and there is an improvement, but I still have issues with the extended play tapes, but the longer play (just over 60 min) is better

Having issues with removing the pinch roller, so still need to replace that

The sewing machine oil gets delivered today, in case I need it

Thanks again for the guidance

 

[satpaul]

You will probably have to replace the pressure roller, I don't know what condition it is in. This forum is here to help each other. Pavel

 

[Nashou66]

You could use rubber renu for the pinch roller. Saved a couple I didn't feel like tearing apart the whole unit to get to.

Athanasios

 

[4ever7]

Got it working!

When I took out the pinch roller and harness, the pin seemed to be spot-welded on one side, so replacing was an undertaking

Since the roller looked to be in good shape, I used isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to thoroughly clean it and then took a very fine nail filer to scuff the surface a bit.

In the end:
- belts replaced
- power and motor control board recapped (since it was opened)
- motor relubed
- tape heads and rollers cleaned

Ive had it running for almost 2 days now and no issues

Thanks everyone for their input (i learned a few things), greatly appreciated

 

[satpaul]

Very good

 

[Nashou66]

Got it working!

When I took out the pinch roller and harness, the pin seemed to be spot-welded on one side, so replacing was an undertaking

Since the roller looked to be in good shape, I used isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to thoroughly clean it and then took a very fine nail filer to scuff the surface a bit.

In the end:
- belts replaced
- power and motor control board recapped (since it was opened)
- motor relubed
- tape heads and rollers cleaned

Ive had it running for almost 2 days now and no issues

Thanks everyone for their input (i learned a few things), greatly appreciated

Awesome you got it working.

I would look to buy some Rubber Renew and treat the rubber parts with it. But before use this Rubber cleaner made by Caig , the same company that makes DeOxit.

 

[4ever7]

Awesome you got it working.

I would look to buy some Rubber Renew and treat the rubber parts with it. But before use this Rubber cleaner made by Caig , the same company that makes DeOxit.

will do!