I have this old 8 track player, and some tapes seem to drag on it while others do not. Is there any way I can oil the tape heads, as I could have sworn that someone said the tape head are supposed to have a tiny bit of oil on them to help make the tape move easier.
To me that does not make a lot of sense, as I would figure that it would be like a cassette or anything else where you would want a clean tape head. In fact, I have a cleaner cartridge and I have also cleaned the heads with alchohol using a q-tip.
So, is this problem of mine have more to do with the fact that the tapes that seem to drag are worn out, or is it the idea that I should put oil on the tape head? If so, then what kind of oil should I use?
Or should I just chunk the dragging tapes in the trash and keep the heads clean of oil?
Thanks everyone!
2006-10-09 17:20:58 · 6 answers · asked by Middy S 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
Thanks for the imput so far...but seriously folks, I'm not exactly anti-tech here..after all I AM on a computer right now!
Besides...I do have an CD/MP3 player and all that stuff. The 8 Track is a novelty that I enjoy on occasion for the goofy retro fun of it all!
2006-10-09 17:30:44 · update #1
OK seriously, it is the 21 cetury, get at least a cd player if noy an ipod. Those are so old its a wonder that any of they play. Its a dead technology.
Please don't tell me you have a beta-max, too. That would just be sad.
2006-10-09 17:23:42 · answer #1 · answered by crchase16 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dragging tape cartridges can be one of three things. The reel in the cartridge has too much friction, the pinch roller at the head of the catridge is either worn down unevenly, or also has friction, or the tape has stretched from either heat or prolonged use.
You may use a minute amount of oil on the reel hub inside the cartridge, or oil on the shaft the pinch roller. Cleaning the pinch roller on the cartridge might also help. NEVER put oil on the heads!
You might also consider cleaning the drive capstan of the player, making sure there isn't any dirt or oxides.
If the pinch roller is worn or uncleanable, you might be able to replace it from an old cartridge where the tape is bad, but the mechanics are still good. Ditto for the internal reel.
If the tape is stretched, there isn't anything you can do. That cartridge is dead.
Rock on!
2006-10-16 14:04:40 · answer #2 · answered by Bear 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tapes are worn out. Probably stretched. sometimes the reel inside the cassettes get wound so tight that it'll start to drag. I advise chucking the whole thing and catch up with the rest of the 21st century.
2006-10-09 17:26:52 · answer #3 · answered by webwriter 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wedge your pocket comb (or a matchbook, or folded paper) under the tape. usually the left end works best, but it can be the right or even the center.
oil is not a good idea.
2006-10-09 17:26:08 · answer #4 · answered by Sylvia H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
remove the cover off the unit, use a pencil eraser to clean the head and the rubber drive wheel as well. while the unit is oopen. then reassemble. thats it. there.
2006-10-09 18:03:50 · answer #5 · answered by burntvalentine 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it could be bad tapes or bad drive belt
don't use oil on head
2006-10-09 17:39:44 · answer #6 · answered by barry r 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋