*Help* with cassette recorder

[Verblac]

hey folks,
I have an old radio shack tape recorder that has an issue. The spindles rotate when fast forwarding and rewinding, but not when playing.

Can anyone help please?

The supply reel will spin when the tape is being pulled, but the take up reel is idle

 

[ramussons]

Look for a broken belt.

 

[Verblac]

Thank you for your help, it wasn't a broken belt, but the one belt is not strong enough to rotate both wheels

 

[Tha fios agaibh]

Belts are likely stretched out. Play engages capspan roller that requires more torque on the belts. See if it will work (somewhat) if you hold the play button down half ways.
Cleaning everything with isopropyl alcohol on a q-tip will help too.

 

[Tha fios agaibh]

Also check for weak springs by assisting mechanism with a screwdriver.
Weak springs can often be strengthened by shortening them.

 

[Verblac]

awesome, thanks for the info! All very helpful