Philips EL3542 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

giuliano · 15th Jul 2005, 10:41 am

I have an old PHILIPS EL3542 and a few months ago its square cut belt broke. It has the following measurements: 30 inches circumference, 3 mm. thick. I managed to get an O cut belt but it does not work properly and the sound is somehow funny (eg. to reproduce a song that should last 3 minutes it takes 3 minutes and 10 seconds). I suspect the cause is the belt that has not got enough elasticity. Can anybody help me in finding a new belt with the dimensions I mentioned above? I would be very grateful. I have got some recordings that for me are rather important and I would be very sorry not to be able to listen to.

jwood43 · 2nd Aug 2005, 10:04 pm

I have the identical Stella ST455 machine, and although my drive belt is still intact, the tape drive was "funny" as you describe. I believe that the cause was primarily the disintegration of the three rubber friction drive pads under each of the two drive hubs. They have now completely crumbled away and I need to source new ones (or improvise) to get the machine going again. You may have the same problem - worth a look. If you do find a source for new drive bands, I would be interested too - also can anyone tell me where I can get new friction drive pads as described above?

Stewart · 3rd Aug 2005, 8:15 am

The three "friction drive pads" jwood43 describes under the spools only operate during fast winding, not on play or record, so won't be responsible for poor playing. Originally made of a wax like material they never lasted very long. I have had some luck replacing them with cut down 6mm silicon rubber bungs obtained from a scientific supplies company (can't remember who now).

Sadly I can't help with belts. The profile of the drive belt determines how it sits in the pulleys, thus effectively dictating the final diameter of the pulley and therefore the running speed. The tension and elasticity will also have an influence on the wow and flutter too. Belts are always a pain on Philips machines!
Stewart

peter_scott · 3rd Aug 2005, 8:49 am

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...highlight=belt

This thread might help you. (Searching for "belt" also threw up issues of safety.

)

15th Jul 2005, 10:41 am	#1
giuliano Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1	Philips EL3542 I have an old PHILIPS EL3542 and a few months ago its square cut belt broke. It has the following measurements: 30 inches circumference, 3 mm. thick. I managed to get an O cut belt but it does not work properly and the sound is somehow funny (eg. to reproduce a song that should last 3 minutes it takes 3 minutes and 10 seconds). I suspect the cause is the belt that has not got enough elasticity. Can anybody help me in finding a new belt with the dimensions I mentioned above? I would be very grateful. I have got some recordings that for me are rather important and I would be very sorry not to be able to listen to.

2nd Aug 2005, 10:04 pm	#2
jwood43 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1	Re: Philips EL3542 I have the identical Stella ST455 machine, and although my drive belt is still intact, the tape drive was "funny" as you describe. I believe that the cause was primarily the disintegration of the three rubber friction drive pads under each of the two drive hubs. They have now completely crumbled away and I need to source new ones (or improvise) to get the machine going again. You may have the same problem - worth a look. If you do find a source for new drive bands, I would be interested too - also can anyone tell me where I can get new friction drive pads as described above?

3rd Aug 2005, 8:15 am	#3
Stewart Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: N.E. Surrey, UK. Posts: 361	Re: Philips EL3542 The three "friction drive pads" jwood43 describes under the spools only operate during fast winding, not on play or record, so won't be responsible for poor playing. Originally made of a wax like material they never lasted very long. I have had some luck replacing them with cut down 6mm silicon rubber bungs obtained from a scientific supplies company (can't remember who now). Sadly I can't help with belts. The profile of the drive belt determines how it sits in the pulleys, thus effectively dictating the final diameter of the pulley and therefore the running speed. The tension and elasticity will also have an influence on the wow and flutter too. Belts are always a pain on Philips machines! Stewart

3rd Aug 2005, 8:49 am	#4
peter_scott Dekatron Join Date: May 2003 Location: Edinburgh, UK. Posts: 3,274	Re: Philips EL3542 https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...highlight=belt This thread might help you. (Searching for "belt" also threw up issues of safety. )