Reel 2 Reel Fixes & Fails

[@jmi5969]

3:00 - a snapped belt is probably the least evil. Real fun starts when rubber disintegrates into sticky black goo and splatters all over the place.

[@brianmckoon6042]

Yes those screws on each side of each reel screws in different. One screws in clockwise and the other is counter clockwise. I did the same thing too working on my dad's same model player.

[@chuckaluck123]

The size of the idler wheel doesn't matter. It's transferring speed from the variable pulley to the flywheel. If it were smaller, the fly wheel would still spin at the same speed. I don't know how else to explain it but it's true! If the idler wheel was the flywheel, then it would affect the speed

[@nick_vee]

For replacement belts, try turntableneedles.com OEM belts probably aren’t available anymore and even if they were, they’d be so dried up and in bad shape you wouldn’t want them. There are however generic belts in different styles (flat, round, square) in a number of lengths that cross reference to different decks. That website has a lookup section that identifies what generic belt goes to what deck/turntable etc. Try using that and seeing what they come up with.

[@nick_vee]

Also curious what the model number of that deck is. I’m looking for a decent but not too expensive starter deck with three speeds and good sound. That thing looks like it would fit the bill without breaking the bank.

[@Recordology]

Sears 34401

[@icpizzaboy]

I hope you can fix it reel to reel decks are fun to use. I have been recording some of my new vinyl pickups to my pioneer rt-707 and the outcomes are amazing my deck is belt-less but only the counter has a belt on the supply spool side techmoan has an rt-707 in his collection.

[@EricLDC]

Here's hoping we both can get ours working.

[@radiorobertakaandy5982]

Seems a shame it got damaged in transit.such a lovely old machine.damage by holding and shipping companies is getting greater and greater of late and it looks like these companies dont give a stuff about peoples items.here in the uk it happens too much.techmoans videos are long and informative but yours a just plain entertaining and enjoyable.

[@pcallas66]

On the takeup reel you can get a jewelers screwdriver and gently tap it into the broken screw with a light mallet and that will put a little groove in the broken screw and see if you can twist it out. It's worth a try. I've had luck with that. Anyway if you can find new belts and find out what size the threads are in the hub screws you may be in business.

[@pcallas66]

Do the same with the supply reel.

[@premier72]

I have this same model but it is missing its capstan sleeve. I guess the just slid on?

[@TMI2024-t5t]

Where can I purchase or find a free download for a service manual for a Realistic 909A reel to reel that I would like to fix/restore and listen to my reel to reel tape collection? I also need a source to purchase replacement parts, belts and idler wheels. And I want to find KZbin videos to fix/restore my Realistic 909A reel to reel tape recorder.

[@pcallas66]

Sony has an idler for its take up reels on the TC series.

[@adrianandkatrinadove203]

that`s a pity..one step forward and ten steps back....story of my life.....real drag about the damage...hope you get it all sorted.as its such a nice thing to own..good ol lakky bands ....good stuff

[@markgabello58]

I think it's an 8 inch tea null, to real from 1970 something. It turns out but the wheels aren't working.I think it's hard to fix

It's hard to get the exact belts but if you find it replace it... If you don't, be shure to replace those rubber bands from time to time 'cos if they melt they can cause a real mess... Good luck!

[@rexoliver7780]

You are a real trooper working on a single motor tape deck such as that.These can be real buggar bears to work with as you see.The ones I dealt with were 3 motor machines-pro-broadcast machines were 3 motor.One motor for capstan drive-other two motors for the reel turntables.Motor on each table.The only single motor machine in broadcast/pro was the Ampex 600 series machines.At best you can try to get a belt kit for your Sears machine-figure it will take lots of hunting around. to find.And-Don't put ANYTING on the belts.They work or they don't.Sadly no belt tension adjust on that deck.Years ago fixed a capstan drive in a Tapecaster cart deck by grabbing several rubber bands from the station secretarys desk to use in the machine-belts from motor to capstan wheel shot.The bands fixed it until proper replacements could be obtained.At least kept them on air! Most cart decks the capstan was direct drive.

[@lesrogers7310]

Sorry but i'm really struggling to see how the previous owner has 'refurbished' this machine. With the filthy fan, pinch roller not clean and worn out belt how is this possible. These are basics surely?

[@jimmiesmith5811]

Yeah notice i that too

[@Recordology]

He lubricated the system and cleaned the heads.

[@nickbitten6037]

A work in progress methinks. Perhaps a spare belt as a precaution might be a good idea? You have come so far with this machine that it makes sense to press on & complete the minor snagging. Should be great when finally plumbed into your main audio system. Good luck & no doubt you will keep us posted.

[@larryshaver3568]

westcoastresale on ebay may have a belt

[@EricLDC]

Great seller and helpful room I second him but he doesn't have any for my model i asked. However I can send them to him he will measure them then sell me the right sizes he says so he's the best eBay belt seller i met.

[@pcallas66]

Replace the belt. If it's the same belt from 1968 it's really stretched.

[@CounterRhythms]

Sucks it was damaged in transit. :(

[@arnoldtolker3505]

Das Bandzählwerk läuft ja auch nicht!

[@soulslip]

I bought a Tascam 48OB and the guy even double boxed it and it still looked like someone took an axe to the corner... literally. I had to file a claim with reverb and UPS and UPS denied the claim because it wasn’t shipped freight for something like that... eventually Reverb gave me a partial refund to get replacement parts so I just used the refund to buy another parts unit. Sad to see the shipping damage. Nice machine otherwise

[@Recordology]

Wow!

[@bobsbits5357]

hi you that one that spend alot on records why don't you spend good money on a RS 1700 or a used studio pro deck there's alot out there buying records and showing them of and having poor reel to reel deck ok a reel to reel re pair tec love to see what lot think out there

[@wolftoxic3915]

Early squad