Tuesday 3 November 2020

Sony TC-K61 Take Up Reel Spindle

 *** Sony TC-K61 Reel Spindles ***

*Updated: 08/06/2022 - see end of article.

The Sony TC-K61 pictured (top), with the TC-K35 (bottom).

 

Cassette Deck Reel Spindles


Service Manual Description
 

The supply reel spindle (left) has an adjustable 'back tension' facility as illustrated.

Problem

The take-up reel spindle (right) is driven by a idler tyre which eventually wore smooth, and so was less 'grippy' when engaged with the driver from the flywheel assembly. It didn't take much 'loadling' to stop the machine.

Solution

Initially I 'cleaned' the rubber idler tyre with 'Rubber Renew', I had prevously used Isopropyl Alcohol - which worked for a while. However, even the highly rated Rubber Renew had limited success, so I decided to 'rough up' the idler tyre with fine emery paper. This 'opened up' the tyre to the Rubber Renew chemistry, and after another cleaning session, the take-up reel spindle now exhibits strong torque. 

As good as new? - time will tell.

3/11/2020: Article is subject to alterations.


Take up Spool Idler Tyre Fitted

8th June 2022

 



To remove the gear, I had to remove a plastic 'retainer' washer,
which I carefully removed with forceps.
The old tyre's rubber had become hard and slippy.
 

Replacing the idler tyre and gear was not easy.
I didn't want to 'disturb' the take up spool assembly
and risk breakage.
So I compressed the rubber tyre past the
spool's gear using a thin knife and
turned the assembly until it fell
into place.



Take up spool tension now fully restored!


 

 


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10 comments:

  1. carl26 November 2020 at 02:06

    I have same issue but cleaning had no affect... While watching mine i see what drives the tyre is stopping ... kinda lost to what to check next

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. James26 November 2020 at 13:03

      Hi Carl,

      Do you mean the brass looking driver gear/spindle labelled as 'G" above is also stopping?

      Delete
    2. carl15 December 2020 at 20:31

      I got that part working now... Its been one thing after another... Not it crinkles tapes as i start playing them.
      I found that the head//record head assembly that moves up and down was hanging up, and if i watched it start playing i could see the record head was causing the twist in tape as it travels.. The whole record/play assembly hangs up and is twisted.. I can not see that some of that BLUE (guide ? ) is broken so im assuming that is causing the assembly to hang up which makes the record head way out of wack causing twist... Havent taken completely apart as im assuming there is no fix for that

      Delete
    3. carl15 December 2020 at 21:06

      I fixed that part..

      Delete
    4. carl15 December 2020 at 21:11

      Issue now is twisting tape... So i ran a clear tape and see the record head was causing twist as tape was riding on the guides of record head.. I found the record and play head were twisting out of alignment.... and when i shut off unit the head assembly does not return completely off...
      After looking at repair manual i see that there are suppose to be some ball bearings behind the head assembly... Im pretty sure they re missing causing the alignment issue of head assembly is cocked

      Delete
  2. carl15 December 2020 at 20:35

    I have fixed that part ... Now its twisting tapes.. So i ran a clear tape and found the record and play head is hanging up after shutting off and is twisted which causes tape to travel against record head guides .. I can see some of that BLUE plastic is broken behind the record/play head assembly which im assuming is causing it to twist and hang up..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. James5 February 2021 at 20:03

      Luckily, I haven't had any problems when it comes to transport- apart from the take up spindle.

      Delete
  3. carl15 December 2020 at 21:02

    i fixed the take up wheel

    ReplyDelete
  4. PD4 February 2021 at 02:49

    I've had mine since new in the 80s and yesterday replaced the two drive belts for the first time as it was slipping on an old tape that I wanted to digitise. The kit I bought had a third belt for the counter but it was too long and didn't work.

    Anyhow do you know the spec of the light bulb above the transport mechanism as it is no longer working.

    I recently got my old Grundig TS-1000 working again to transcribe old family audio tapes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. James5 February 2021 at 20:09

      Mine is still working, but I have thought about replacing it.

      No, I don't know the spec for the bulb, you'll need to look at the circuit diagram.
      Perhaps the best idea is to see what LEDs will fit and build a DC circuit to work off a DC voltage somewhere off the rectifier?

      Apologies for delays in all replies to everyone!

      Delete

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