Akai 1710
 

I have also 1710 and the leader of the tape keeps rolling of the pinch roller towards the inner side of the recorder after you reset it on the actual brown tape it will play ok .I have put a new rubber on the roller but still the same any one know what might be wrong please

Re: Akai 1710
 

Check the back tension - this can fall as the clutch felts age, and up to a point can be adjusted by shifting the counter pulley on the underside of the supply clutch slightly. It needs to be high enough to prevent spillage at the beginning of a reel but not so high as to cause wow at the end.

Re: Akai 1710
 

Equally, excessive take up tension can can contribute. Felt clutches can increase in torque over time. Best to check both tensions as per the service manual.

Re: Akai 1710
 

I have looked at the manual I downloaded and it says to check the main coil spring and washer but it does not tell you what you should do .Do I put in a thicker washer or stretch the coil spring slightly or nether can any one advise please

Re: Akai 1710
 

How far are the tensions out?

Lawrence.

Re: Akai 1710
 

Yes as ms says you need first to measure the tensions with an empty reel, a piece of cord wound around the hub, and attached to a spring gauge as per the manual. There shouldnt be too much "limiting friction" or "sticking" either. The clutches should begin to slip smoothly.

Re: Akai 1710
 

I've gone through all this and it seems that you have to use trial and error placing or removing shims in whatever order gets it to work. I found it's better to err on the side of lowest tension that will allow take up to work and on feed spool, getting enough tension over the head. Thinner tapes give the greatest problems

Re: Akai 1710
 

I would also check the surface condition of the pinch roller, should be oil/grease free and mat finish and soft. If hard, dirty or shiny etc use meths solvent to clean then Platenclene to rejuvenate it