Problem with Sony TC-FX311 cassette deck

[Bill Harris]

I have a Sony TC-FX311 cassette tape deck that doesn't work. When I
insert a rewound tape and press play, it moves the tape forward for
about 2-3 seconds and then stops. While the tape is moving, the deck
puts out seemingly good quality (including correct speed) audio, as
observed by listening through headphones plugged into the headphone
jack.

If I press rewind, it rewinds for a few (2-4) seconds and then stops,
but it seems to do it a bit more slowly than I might expect (it wasn't
mine, so I don't know how it worked previously).

If I press fast forward, it start moving forward for about 4 seconds and
then stops. During those four seconds, it doesn't move the tape
rapidly, and the speed isn't constant.

It looks like it would be a decent unit, if it worked. Does anyone have
any experience with this or similar tape decks to suggest whether the
repair would be easy (and what it might be) or whether it would be a
time (or money) sink with uncertain results?

Thanks,

Bill

 

[b]

whatever is driving the spools needs checking. my money is on a rubber
idler tyre which needs resurfacing with emery paper or replacing. you
will have to open the unit up and see what happens - grasp the take up
spool to see if there is much resistance in play. Motjon sensors may
need cleaning - look for a reflective plate under the spool or a reed
switch if the deck is old.

-B.

 

[Cliff Top]

Most likely the belts are slipping and maybe rubber tyres too, due to age.
The autostop cct is usually run by the counter belt turning a magnet near a
sensor. check that it is rotating.

Cliff

 

[Bill Harris]

whatever is driving the spools needs checking. my money is on a rubber
idler tyre which needs resurfacing with emery paper or replacing. you
will have to open the unit up and see what happens - grasp the take up
spool to see if there is much resistance in play. Motjon sensors may
need cleaning - look for a reflective plate under the spool or a reed
switch if the deck is old.

Thanks, Cliff and B. I think you're right. I think I posted a
follow-up to my own note saying that I did discover a motion sensor that
wasn't moving; when I pulled on it with my fingers, it started to work.
It still doesn't fast forward or rewind as quickly as I think it should,
but it's better.

I hadn't thought of the emery paper on an idler idea; I'll check to see
if that might work. I was betting on the belts.

Bill