Akai 4000DS MK2 Rewind issue

[PJay1966]

Hello all

I've had my Akai R2R for a while now and after some significant cleaning and lubrication its worked perfectly, and is used quite a bit. Over the weekend it developed a new problem and I was hoping to get a bit of advice on what to do to rectify it. Basically all functions work fine apart from rewind, it starts to rewind ok but after a while the automatic stop lever drops and tape is de-spooled from the take up reel. All ends up in a bit of a mess!

I have cleaned it thoroughly and applied rubber renew to all rubber friction parts to no avail. It happens on all tapes including a brand new Quantegy one I tested it with.

I am hoping to avoid tinkering aimlessly so would be very grateful for any advice or tips!

[TIMTAPE]

I would remove the front cover to see what is causing this. When the problem occurs, does for example the motor stop turning, the idler wheel start slipping, etc?

[PJay1966]

Originally Posted by TIMTAPE

I would remove the front cover to see what is causing this. When the problem occurs, does for example the motor stop turning, the idler wheel start slipping, etc?

Thanks, the motor stops as the stop lever drops down so the microswitch is open. Will take it apart and have a proper look though.

[jamesperrett]

Originally Posted by PJay1966

It happens on all tapes including a brand new Quantegy one I tested it with.

Quantegy haven't made tapes for many years and, as they are basically rebranded Ampex tapes, they will be starting to go sticky by now. If the other tapes that you have tried are Ampex or US made 3M tapes then the issue is almost certainly down to the tape rather than the machine.

[DMcMahon]

If you disable the Auto Shutoff operation by switching the Power switch from "SHUT OFF" To "ON" and thread the tape so that it does not contact the shutoff lever, does Rewind then work normally ?

David

[TIMTAPE]

Originally Posted by jamesperrett

Quantegy haven't made tapes for many years and, as they are basically rebranded Ampex tapes, they will be starting to go sticky by now. If the other tapes that you have tried are Ampex or US made 3M tapes then the issue is almost certainly down to the tape rather than the machine.

Also if that is the case, these tapes may have deposited sticky goo on the machine's "tape path", possibly making even good tapes slow down. The tape path would need to be thoroughly cleaned. Picture below of tape path after a Sticky Shed tape was played. See brownish deposits on tape heads and guides.

[Welsh Anorak]

I give in - what machine is it in post #6, Tim?

[TIMTAPE]

Otari MX-50.

[PJay1966]

Thanks for all of the comments. Regarding the sticky shed syndrome wouldn't that affect FF as well as REW? FF and play on this machine works fine, no issues at all. I will go back and deep clean the tape path with isopropyl and see if it helps though.