Sony TC630 Full Mechanical Repair

Here it is full mechanical repair for a vintage Sony TC630 R2R Tepecorder

[@Granddpasoffice]

Thank you so much. I have a Sony TC355 purchased in 1968. It sat idle for 20 years. I followed your video and now it's good as new. We're going to enjoy all those recorded albums all over again.

[@larryshaver3568]

i have a tc 355 now but can't figure out what is wrong with it i replaced the motor run capacitor even

[@sergiomoreira5383]

Thank you very much for your pacience in producing this video. It was very handy since I decide do repair my own TC630, which my father gave me when I was 16, back in 1969. My tape recorder was out of service for 30 years. Following your instruction I was able to put it back in action. Thank you once again.

[@thebuzzardandtheworm190]

Your videos are great. I have a TC-630 that just started having a problem, so I used this to help with maintenance - super helpful!

[@AlbertAGhazaleh]

Love old VU meters always bring back a lot of great memories old stereos and tape decks

[@matambale]

On the strength of this video, and a few of your other Sony R2R videos, I repaired and tuned up my Dad's old TC-350. Excellent unit. Needed a new motor run cap, a new cap in the audio chain of the playback amp board (that one surprised me), and some 3-in-one oil in a few spots - that's it. With those fixes in place, I then captured several family Christmas day recordings from five and six decades ago. Priceless stuff now. Great audio quality. Some tapes required hum removal and slight speed correction - the recorded hum turned out to be a handy reference LOL. Gotta be the first time in my engineering life that the hum was actually USEFUL! Most of these tapes were recorded on a much older deck than the Sony. Thanks for all these videos. (And no way was I going to test out these tapes on my GX Akai - that already turned the first few feet of an old tape into brown dust)

[@hobo1452]

I bought my 630 at the PX in Vietnam and I always enjoyed using it. I thought (and still do) that it was one of the best looking machines of that era, and loved the big VU meters. The echo was a big plus, and would have been even cooler if it could be used on playback as well. Being fully mechanical, they are pretty much bullet proof. Although the amp was pretty decent with a good set of speakers, I mostly used it as a deck without the amp. It's been gone for over 20 years now, but I got re-bitten by the R2R bug when I pulled all my old tapes out of a box and realized I had some pretty good stuff on them, and being stored properly, they are still in good shape. I have always wanted a 630D and recently came across a decent one for a good price. Got new drive belts on order, along with some studio grade tape head cleaner and rubber re vitalizer and I'll be using this great video as a reference to get it running at it's full potential.

[@drteeth7054]

I'm not so amazed that David can take these things apart nor that he can fix things. What really amazes me is how he gets everything back together again 😀!

[@victrolux]

Thanks for this! I am the original owner of a TC-630 that I got when I was 17 years old in 1972. So I may dig in and see what I can do to bring it back to life!

[@tvtech2582]

I wish you were not so far away I could talk to you forever about electronics,such a great channel,Steve.

[@dafyd242]

i've had this machine nearly 40 years. a couple new belts and some lube and head cleaning, still going strong. came with 2 detachable speakers. and it weighed a ton. also needs a new counter belt, the old one is drying out.

[@ashbashbaby2]

Love this picking one of those decks up Friday great video given me the knowledge to sort any issues it may have

[@joemcknight9622]

Thank you! VERY informative and easy to understand video. I just bought a TC630 today and am looking forward to seeing if I can get it working. My deck has been used, but was in the original box and packaging.

[@CountryAndClassics]

I still have Mine!! But I need a rewind belt now. I've had it since new. Has it a a lot of parties as well.

[@JCHaywire]

36:20 EXACTLY what I needed for MY deck! Thank you.

[@FreddyBronx]

I've had several of these great machines ( when they work properly), over the last 20 - 30 years, I have repaired and serviced many ( the same ways you do yours), with great success. Some I've sold, and one I pieced together using better shaped parts from several machines, for my own enjoyment. These Sony's are solid well built, very heavy reel to reel tape recorders from back in the day and still, very fun to play with. Excellent videos you produce. If I may suggest...... You clean your work bench ( How many times has a vital little screw or e-clip has hidden itself under some crap you have on your work bench), and maybe use a little multiple pocket part holder to reduce any confusion as to what screws, washers, springs go where. We all have certain ways we do things, and I notice you do things a little differently than I do. Something about myself, is to have the desire to share ways I think are a bit better. I enjoy your video a great deal.Keep up the great work you do. Freddy P. Gore

[@romealzoomalan5653]

Good job on this Sony I really like your videos keep up the good work

[@MarcelVanHoekElvis]

Great video, thanks for the upload! Greetings Marcel from The Netherlands.

[@tvtech2582]

That hard grease was just like the Mitsubishi and also the Sony VCR grease that was all over their chassis in the 80s and 90s. When ever you ordered replacement parts from Mitisu.they would send packets of their new yellow grease.I also remember Mitsubishi used a type of yellow glue on their PCBs that over time would turn brown and become very conductive.What a job it was picking that off all the circuits.

[@12voltvids]

Yes the evil black molybdenum grease and the equally bad yellow circuit glue. Was great for business though. I still have tons of that yellow molykote grease the mitsubishi supplies with their new pinch arm/roller assemblies

[@pcallas66]

It sounds great!!! Fantastic job.

[@bones007able]

My buddy's brother had one of these , he too was a part time musician, he would record a track at a time for each instrument, and he used the echo effect quite often..

[@tubewakwak]

Thank you so much from Spain.

[@dvddale111]

When I replaced a belt on one of my T recorders, I found capstan shaft bottom end sitting on a ball bearing, not sure now whether it was captive now or not. Enjoying your R-R videos thanks. Fory years ago I bought an EMI machine with 15 IPS and 7 IPS speeds on it, a very big heavy machine, which I no longer own.

[@michaelheaton4465]

Removing the pinch arm lever: the WD-40 idea just didn't work. Lots of WD-40 and it still wouldn't budge. I put a tray under the tape head assembly and poured a small amount of boiling water on the lever where it was bound to the post. It came right off. Thanks so much for putting this video together.

[@tragmadat]

Got one today. What a great machine! Starting the unsrcew now Now I am a little more prepared ;)

[@ltshering]

Full of information sir , I have a TC 350 and working well

[@ronniepirtlejr2606]

That is a beautiful unit!

[@nomad7412]

miraculously the circlip appeared after some quick handed work in placing another(with a spring) at the bottom of the stereo center logo. I seen the original circlip jump into the gap on the right hand side near the selector into the back of the machine. I owned one of these machines when I was a young man about 1968-69 UK( can't be sure though about the exact date. ). It weighed around 52 pounds with the speakers attached (again, so long ago). Elvis had one of these in one of his films too. (bit of useless info maybe). :)

[@Shoker511]

Спасибо вам за ваши видео! Привет из Беларуси

[@robertspodienok5489]

Was lucky enough to purchase a TC 730 while in Nam, 6 head bi-directional, but as all good things come to an end, it ended up in the electronic recycle bin. Now I own a Teac A-2340, Teac x300, And a Aki GX-225D.

[@peterk743]

Awesome video!

[@klinkske]

thx, part of this video made me able to have my capstan run again, the capstan drive wheel was not touching the flywheel. i cleaned all and it works :D

[@53peterv]

Just what I need. I have two of these machines. Same problem. What was the key aspect of fixing this problem?

[@klinkske]

@@53peterv not sure but i think it was some old grease that made it kinda stuck in it's normal movement. i think it was some of the metal stuff on the left side. Has been too long to remember.

[@vk3hau]

How do you keep pumping out such good content. Loving the channel.

[@12voltvids]

I wonder that myself sometimes.

[@Yootjoob]

he is using the blue pill.

[@crashbandicoot4everr]

vk3hau He is defeating his troll commenters :)

[@wendellporter4810]

i though about doing youtube vids on repairing gear about a few years ago i never got around to it yet

[@12voltvids]

The troll is going to find himself in jail if he keep up the crap he has been pulling lately.

[@Musicradio77Network]

I remember this. I used to have one when I got at a garage sale back in 1999. I paid $10 for this and it’s working fine, and the speed was kinda slow, and the motor gets heated overtime. When I looked at the back of the unit, inside it was full of rat’s nest. I decided to remove it and get it running. I had this for a year, and I rid of it a long time ago. I missed this so badly.

[@richstibrick5535]

Thank you for posting this!!! I would like your suggestion on what to use to replace old grease with on some of the internal parts. I am reconditioning one I purchased &!your video was Excellent!!!

[@LifeSized101]

Far out those VU METERS are massive. I have TC252 and the TC330 cassette/reel. Like your advice alot

[@12voltvids]

Yes it is a great old R-R deck.

[@tremayne3]

These videos are fun !!!

[@8memaw]

Thank you so much for making this video and freely sharing your knowledge! I have the same Deck as this one and I followed your cleaning instructions to the letter! my problem was the speed fast not changing ( after watching video I realized the pinch wheel was not moving into place so was glad to see how detailed you were in the video, after cleaning and lubricating bearings making sure parts were moving a little easier and the flywheel and rubber rollers were clean of any oil it still would not change speed and pinch wheel is not taking its position when turned to play I'm hoping you or someone reading can give me your thoughts on this because I'm stumped! would love to get this operating I have a lot of music on reels i would love to play! Thanks in advance!

[@mariacoco6236]

Are you willing to repair a tape recording machine my Sony

[@mariacoco6236]

Are you able or willing or would like to repair my Sony tape recorder the drive belt is slipping 3:20

[@JCHaywire]

Interesting, I'm working on a 530 and that A30 Capstan Idler is mighty desiccated. It seems like could never have been a large enough diameter to come into meaningful contact with the flywheel. To the extent that I doubted that it was supposed to drive the flywheel at all?! But this video amply demonstrates that I was wrong. On the largest/lowest knurled position on the motor shaft it's fine now (I machined a groove and put on an o-ring), but won't drive the two lower speeds/diameters. This video's really helpful. Thanks.

[@peejay996]

Great video, thanks. Had a similar problem with the speed selector on my TC 630 and tried the same solution, but alas, no fix this time, e.g: to play at 3 1/2 ips I need to place the selector half way between 3 1/2 and 7 1/2 or else it's plays way too slow.

[@user-cj1qw5ms3y]

Nice video .

[@Felix2417425]

36:12 Nice slow down hahaha that was cool! :D

[@MHannaYouTubeHandle]

Nice video, very helpful. Got that done! Now how do you remove the toggle switches on the amplifier control side so the volume switch is accessible? I need to clean the volume pot. They don't seem to pull or twist. Appreciate any help.

[@rumblemanwray2469]

I just got a couple of reel to reels recently. A sony tc 630 and a pioneer rt 1020h. I brought the sony into my local audio repair shop and was told the pinch wheel is too small. It was replaced over the years with one that is too small. I'm new to the reel to reel experience and would love to find the part required to get it going

[@markanderson350]

I had a TC352D as a teenager and made my own echo just using a pot between the input and output. I used the echo on air live with my CB radio, sort of an illegal broadcast, LOL

[@12voltvids]

Yes I did the same with my GX265. Just ran the output into a mixer, and back into the input, put the monitor on TAPE. That is essentially what the echo control is.

[@markanderson350]

I had an issue that when I used my dads heathkit receiver and switched to tape mon and switched to source on the deck, it would go into feedback that once blew a transistor.

[@johnsampson1096]

Another great video! I don't know how you always keep track of the hardware when you do a tear down. Most of us have flying or missing screws on reassembly........

[@technixbul]

just use your head ;)

[@gasgiant7122]

Greetings from UK, great content, I'm glad plp like you are keeping these old machines on the road, I have had a ReVox B77 mk2 high speed - 7.5ips - 15ips since 1994ish I think it needs some restorative work like caps lube etc. What's your view on replacing the motor run caps? Can I test them in situ?

[@RyanTDunn]

Hey there! Thank you so much for making this video. I’ve been working with variations on this machine for 10y (you can see some of the results on my channel) and hadn’t yet gotten into one of them this intensely. After watching just some of the beginning of this I was able to clean up the flywheel capstan (and learn some terminology!) and replace the tension arm with one from a wrecked 540 due to a stripped screw threading I discovered. I am having an issue with my 630 though that’s causing me some problems - the roller that drives the flywheel doesn’t meet it, and as such the machine playback is very irregular. Any lead on what might be happening/not happening correctly?

[@Dev850]

The arm is made from what they call “pot metal” or “die cast”. It is a cast metal made from 11 herbs and spices and is used not for its strength but it’s cost or lack there of. It was a staple of industry in that era for parts that didn’t need to be particularly strong and couldn’t be stamped from sheet metal.

[@guesswho6573]

Nice Video , Thank You. I have the same machine. I need a belt for mines. Headed over to ebay to see if I can find one

[@manuelmalave2160]

thanks for the video very informative will help alot soon. my dad had an old R2R I do not remember what make/model & we have all his old tapes. been looking to hear them for long time. this video will help as I recently pcikup on of these from second hand store recently for cheap price. it was working when the place that sold it to me when they got it. as it was sitting around long time in there place they misplaced/lost the power cord and the fuse holder cover on the right side. can you tell me if the cover is a screw cap or not?

[@stuckinthestation]

hi! i just acquired a TC360, in great external conditions, although completely frozen by years, if not decades, of resting. Thanks to your priceless tutorial, i've been able to disassemble, clean and lubricate all mechanism; i even changed a spring or two, in order to make the speed selector work properly. Problem is, i found that, the spring loaded "door" that pushes the tape towards the erase head (hence determining the correct positioning of the tape), is too sloppy, or at least, doesnt't put the tape close enough to the following heads: the quality of the playback is very bad, unless i literally push that closing mechanism, towards the erase head with my finger; and then, playback is clear and volume is ok. How to fix that? sorry for my english, cheers from Italy!

[@steamy38]

I just discovered your repair video on the Sony TC630 which I found very interesting. My father has the same machine which has not run for many years, he says the selector shaft for play, rewind etc will not turn. After watching your video I would be pretty confident delving into the inner workings. He also has an Akai M10 which has the same problem, I remember was a fantastic reel to reel in its day but I not confident in tackling the repair until I find out more bout it. Have you any experience with the Akai M10? I live in Australia cheers JS

[@eliasvrionis6848]

happy New Year! what are you holding with your left hand? 24/21?..... and why? constructive video.

[@sharonlee4773]

Clearly explained,Thank You! Is it a major big deal to add a pitch control to the Sony tc630? Regards W

[@skycarp3bb]

I’m have a hard time finding a capacitor for my TC 630 any ideas ,places to get one? And thank you for putting this video out I’ve gotten it running smoothly except for the slow down after starting. Thanks again

[@georgeg3350]

Hello, you did a good job. I have the same unused device for 30 years. When I give play, does not work. Rolls in both directions. Besides, do you think I have to replace the condensers?

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! I thought a "belt boil" was in order but I guess not....LOL

[@jfz313]

If pinch lever stuck try using a heat gun, worked for me .

[@49badrobot]

Thanks for all the video info......I just picked up this unit and it runs a little and stops. Seems to stop once pressure is applied. The wheels etc are all free & easy to spin. Is the silver unit in the centre...the one that the wheels and the belt run from, is that the main motor? It sure sounds like it could be a capacitor..what are your thoughts? I have minimal skills for testing..

[@larryshaver3568]

that music is familiar.Joyce Meyer used that as the opening for her program several years ago

[@ronkessler1599]

Great video!!! I still have mine and my grandaughter thinks it is something brand new!! LOL. However, after running 15-20 minutes it really slows down. I replaced all the capacitors I could get to and put on new belts. Any suggestions? Thanks again for taking the time to make this.

[@bradcurtis5324]

Is there an adjustment for the reel height. I have to put spacers in so the tape winds up in the correct position on the reel. Other than that the sony 630 runs fine. slow start too, like you had at the beginning. I noticed yours snapped to full speed at the end of the video. feed back is good. Replaced the big rear cap so speed was consistent. works fine except for small time of slow start.

[@edkolcz]

Hi 12voltvids, came across this video and looks like it may help me. My deck started experiencing many of the same issues as yours. I also ran into the 'sticky shed' syndrome with one of my tapes when playint them to convert to digital format. Found a temporary solution to make the tape playable again. The 'sticky shed' syndrome gummed up my transports and heads and who knows who knows what else. I cleaned up what I could but still experiencing the same issues as your deck. Hopefully your video will help me. I'm not a service person. Just a consumer that likes to dabble with vintage gear. My question to you is- what are you using for grease/oil ? Thanks!

[@DarkSideofOzSE]

The spring next to the main motor is rubbing on the spindle. Have you ever had that issue?

[@adamregan4921]

Wow, this is gold!!! Just purchased one of these. Thanks for uploading. Q. Where to buy the rubber drive belt? I'm in Australia. Cheers. 👍🏼

[@8memaw]

I have the same deck and purchased belts on amazon

[@knottreel]

Many of the tech manuals give recommended lubricants for certain parts. Is there any advantage to using grease as opposed to oil. It seems like the grease has a lot of disadvantages as the years pass.

[@StefanWiswedel]

Would a food grade silicon based grease and WD40 work for greasing and oiling parts? It's just what i have on hand. And do you have a video about getting into the bottom portion? My power switch is faulty

[@superbetahifi]

You mentioned the Akai 1710 !! Mine has no capstan adapter (metal cylinder allowing higher tape speeds). Would you have a source for one? Thanks.

[@NamVet68SigBn523]

My TC-630 has a little piece of (felt?) on the pressure pad that flips up under the head when playing. I assume to give an even pressure of the tape against the head. Yours looks like it has the glue marks where the felt was (see times 48:38----48:40). Can you shed any light on this; was it just simply felt, or some special material and, where to get a replacement?

[@larryshaver3568]

I usually clean tape decks and turntables with pipe cleaners and lighter fluid. lighter fluid dissolves old grease with very little effort

[@mitchellchannel5265]

Hey i need some help on my sony tc-630, its my first reel to reel and it used to work fine until one of the belts broke but i replaced the belts and now when i hit play as soon as the right side rubber roller hits the motor it slowed down to a stop. the speed selection roller doesnt slow down the motor when it connects its only the right side roller that powers the right tape spinner. thanks a bunch if you can help, ive been trying to fix it for ages

[@lstein3372]

Did you change the counter belt? Did you notice how much it was wobbling?

[@elijahayers2429]

My pinch roller seems to be stuck after some reassembly, and I've oiled it so I know there's some lubricant there but it simply will not shift up and down. Any tips?

[@mathieuchateaudegat3740]

Great video. Hello, I have a TC-630 and I would like to know the voltage and type of bulbs in order to order them. Can you help me with this?

[@bobleclair619]

y love the video

[@kennethroymeehan5146]

I did all of the above and everything seems to be nice, clean and in working order now.. the only (big) issue is that when i put it into play, it doesn't seem to go at the speeds i set it at. it is always WAY to fast.. any suggestions??

[@josh6715]

I have that deck it Needs new felt new eclips because a couple took flight a belt and a good head cleaning

[@EBPization]

Having a left channel low volume/no sound issue on my 360-D. Cleaned up the sliders really well but still no. Any ideas?

[@grb1184]

Great vid about a standard LCD 2-track recorder/player. One question: where do you get the replacements for all the rubber parts such as tires, belts, pinch rollers? 'Have some other really great items where the common failures are in those rubber parts. The mechanical items are not that difficult. Thanks again.

[@12voltvids]

Terry's rubber rollers can rebuild tires and pinch rollers.

[@stephenlawson6009]

Are replacement belts available for these vintage units ?

[@allenfleckney5969]

Hi. Great video as usual. I’ve just serviced one of these , was gummed up now fine. But it won’t erase / record. I’m sure I’ve seen a vid of you repairing this. Any help appreciated. Thanks

[@12voltvids]

Check your bias oscilator. No bias no erase or record.

[@dmlong47]

i have the same one and the roller keeps pushing the tape out... any suggestions?

[@breeeep]

Great video, these machines are quite complex. Any ideas on why the high-freq is missing when recording on a TC-377 ? Playback is good on older tapes. Only new recordings sound bad.

[@12voltvids]

Bias level incorrect.

[@user-cj1qw5ms3y]

I had once in 70ies some kind of tape for cleaning. What is this self made magnetizer ? Is it possible to make self. Sorry about my bad english. I'm from Finland.

[@decoprez]

Hey! Thank you for the advice! Very grateful for this. It all runs smooth whitoutt the spools I’ve done it all, yet the when I put the reels the engine looks like does not have the power and does not run Any advice? Thanks

[@12voltvids]

If you mean the main motor stops then it's going to be the run capacitor is bad. That's a large typically oil filled AC capacitor. Usually between 2 and 4uf rated 400 volts. It's large and attached to the chassis. That provides the rotating magnetic field that ac induction motors require. When they get weak the rotating field also gets weak and the torque of the motor drops substantially

[@decoprez]

Thank you, that surpasses my knowledge… But old figure it A big cheer from across the world Isaac

[@bewarethedecks]

My church has a 630. While it "works", it is in need of some repairs (lubrication, belts, contacts cleaned and so forth). Not sure how confident I am taking the machine apart. 🥺

[@koozmusic]

Even after replacing the front cover, it looks like the right reel table height needed some adjustment.

[@mariuszciso]

good morning, super ,I am looking for a PP-30-2902A head for SONY TC-630, possibly other ones matching this model, thank you for your help :)

[@SDsailor7]

Why were the meter pegging out? was it because the volume was to high?

[@zx8401ztv]

Hmm that took a bit more to make it live again, sounds smashing :-D Erm, i noticed the jocky wheel spring washer vanishing down the side of the deck. You bad lad ignoring it LOL :-D :-D. That takeup reel holder may have a height issue.

[@12voltvids]

Extra parts. Not needed :) Now if the E clip had vanished that would be a different story as there would be nothing to hold the spring in place.

[@zx8401ztv]

Oh yes, the e-clip would need a magnet on a string to do a bit of metal fishing :-D. I'm glad you don't take my comments as an attack on you, sometimes my comments may sound nasty when they are not ment to be.

[@Truckguy1970]

That would worry me because knowing my luck it would drop into the circuit board later on once I stood it up and short something out.That's why I always look for everything I accidentally drop into the chassis lol.

[@slangking1]

15:00 I've spent 3 days heating, squirting wd40 into both ends trying to free the aluminium arm from the shaft. It will not budge in the slightest and I am using a lot of force (axially and not so much laterally). It is seized on there rock solid - the only rotational movement is in fact the the shaft within the plate (which is not supposed to happen but has loosened very slightly due to the above). ANY ideas from here on greatly appreciated, the unit is in great condition other than this..

[@zachwatkins4426]

I just got this same machine.Was working fine and now it seems the heads are stuck in the pause position even though the machine is stopped

[@larryshaver3568]

i bought a TC 252 a few years ago and a small capacitor near the motor burned up 10 minutes after i started using it

[@janosfodor2365]

Super

[@Capturing-Memories]

What is the best grease for plastic and metal mechanism parts? Also what is the suitable oil for brass bearings. And as a cleaner for switches and potentiometers what is the best stuff in north american market? Thanks.

[@12voltvids]

Cleaner, no brainer, DeOxit. I have a can of vintage NuTrol, and it is very good, but you can`t get that formulation anymore.

[@Capturing-Memories]

Any recommendation for grease and oil ?

[@nordwinds2561]

Good boy

[@thetemperors]

Do you know of any services that I can send mine in to get repaired?

[@caroman6761]

do you remember the name of the Musictitel on your Tape, was to hear in your Vid?

[@caroman6761]

It was to hear on minute 26.

[@Raul-yg5oz]

Like I put the plastic reel and it dose spin but at the very moment I put the tape and press play it doesn’t spin idk why

[@cpodurnell3701]

I just bought one, David, the left channel is weak on playback. Any troubleshooting tips?

[@12voltvids]

Swap the wires on the head. If the weak channel goes to the other side it is a head issue. If it stays the same it is an electronics problem