Ferrograph 631 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

jimpick67 · 14th Mar 2011, 6:06 pm

I have a ferrograph 631 which has started to slow down when playing back tapes at 3.75 ips, the other 2 speeds are fine, when I pull on the lever that is attached to the idler wheel it picks up speed and when I release it it slows again I have cleaned all the parts that need cleaning but I am now at a loss as to what to do any help will be appreciated as I love my machine.
Jim

zooterman · 14th Mar 2011, 6:49 pm

It's quite possible you need new idler wheels.

Phil G4SPZ · 14th Mar 2011, 11:38 pm

I had exactly the same problem with my Ferrograph, and new idler wheels cured the fault.

david craig · 30th Mar 2011, 11:11 am

I'm sure you have already had the correct answer to this - idler wheel problems - but I have also had a problem with 'sticky' tapes gumming up the whole tape path! David

Tim · 30th Mar 2011, 2:39 pm

Swap an idler from another speed, to prove. Are they held against the drive column by springs? If no change when you have swapped then try spring.

14th Mar 2011, 6:06 pm	#1
jimpick67 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Sunderland uk Posts: 26	Ferrograph 631 I have a ferrograph 631 which has started to slow down when playing back tapes at 3.75 ips, the other 2 speeds are fine, when I pull on the lever that is attached to the idler wheel it picks up speed and when I release it it slows again I have cleaned all the parts that need cleaning but I am now at a loss as to what to do any help will be appreciated as I love my machine. Jim

14th Mar 2011, 6:49 pm	#2
zooterman Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lampeter, Dyfed, Wales, UK. Posts: 369	Re: ferrograph 631 It's quite possible you need new idler wheels.

14th Mar 2011, 11:38 pm	#3
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: ferrograph 631 I had exactly the same problem with my Ferrograph, and new idler wheels cured the fault. __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts

30th Mar 2011, 11:11 am	#4
david craig Triode Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Battle, East Sussex Posts: 25	Re: ferrograph 631 I'm sure you have already had the correct answer to this - idler wheel problems - but I have also had a problem with 'sticky' tapes gumming up the whole tape path! David

30th Mar 2011, 2:39 pm	#5
Tim Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 3,310	Re: Ferrograph 631 Swap an idler from another speed, to prove. Are they held against the drive column by springs? If no change when you have swapped then try spring. __________________ "Nothing is as dangerous as being too modern;one is apt to grow old fashioned quite suddenly."