TEAC model 35-2B

[TXhatchetknot]

Hi, Newest of new here...
Could I possibly pick a brain on a couple problems I seem to be having
with my TEAC reel2reel.

I bought this particular unit from a man sometime back and just recently
pulled it back out from hiding to attempt some recording..? Well, After I
got it dolled back up, (a little dusty). I dropped an 1/4 X 10 1/2 reel of
some old recorded stuff just to check 'er out real good and listen to the
"racket" on board. I noticed immediately that the take up reel wasn't
doing it's thing and basically moved just a small bit and would shut down.
After a little closer look, I realized, (What I think..?), The pinch wheel
really seems to be too tight against the capstan(?) roller. In the mix of
all this, I too realized the play button wasn't functioning right either...
Soooo, While pressing and holding the play button, I placed a short piece
of the tape in between the pinch roller and pulled slightly just to see
what was going on and you really have to pull pretty hard for it to rotate
on through. Not quite stretching the tape, But, Super close - Too close
in my honest opinion..? The pinch wheel looks real good, No real obvious
sign of trouble. Nothing actually.

Could I please impose on you good folks for what my next move might be?
With both of these issues please.
I thank you way out front for any and all assistance,
Mike
Pic of actual unit;

[ironbut]

Welcome to the forum, (btw, we use our real names here)

A very common problem with Teac machines that have been in storage for a while is the grease that lubes the pinch roller hardens. Many times the roller won't go far enough to make good contact with the capstan and/or it won't retract to it's correct position. It could also prevent it from rotating correctly. Sometimes if you move the roller manually a few times it'll loosen it up a little but you really need to remove the roller and the faceplate to clean off the old grease and lubricate it with some fresh lubricant.
The roller should rotate freely and the capstan should rotate smoothly. If the capstan doesn't seem to be turning smoothly, it could also be that the belt that connects it to the motor is history. It should be difficult to stop the capstan from turning.

Hope that helps.

[TXhatchetknot]

Thank you sir!
I really appreciate the help and insight. I got into this earlier this morning and can
clearly see the belt is a goner... I was hopeful I might have the information in and
amongst the documentation on hand and as my luck generally rolls, I don't have
the schematic/parts list for this one. At the time I purchased 2 units, This one and
an Tascam 38. There's far more documentation on the T38 here..?

Where would I locate a part# for the belt as the "old" belt is genuine history
and would have no way to reference it. Also, Regarding having to press and hold
the play button... What am I dealing with there? I have to apologise for my novice.
Does it sound to you like a bad/sticky relay? My reasoning in such a dark shot is as
I hold the button and if there's any slight movement by my finger, You can hear it
click. From the back of the unit, The pcb board, (Fairly center and to the right),
holds 3 identical mechanical relays and another more right of them. At any rate,
The 3rd relay, (far right), Is were I see and hear the click from. I would be more than
happy to drop a pic if that might explain the "relay" and it's location better than my
novice babbling...
Again, Thank you so much for your help!
Mike

[ironbut]

Hey Mike,.. Happy Valentines Day!

You should try getting your belt from Teac America (thanks to Tim):
323-727-7632    [email protected]   

I'd get that resolved before you dive into the button problem. It could be just a dirty contact on the button. I'm assuming that the other buttons for rewind/ff don't have that problem?
Either way, once you have your machine pulling tape, you can try squirting a little contact cleaner onto the contacts behind the buttons and "work them" on and off 10-20 times and see if that changes anything. It could also be totally mechanical and something is impeding the movement of the button.
BTW The tape motion functions won't work unless the tensioner(s) are engaged. So if you're trying to get the reel motors to turn without a tape on the machine and the slack pulled in, you'll need to "fool" the machine into thinking there's tape present by holding the tensioners up with some adhesive tape.

[TXhatchetknot]

You too sir and thanks!
Yes sir, I figured I'd tie them up about midway and that seemed to do the trick
to manipulate it into running. Fantastic! Thanks so much for the info and link
re:the parts. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your time and help!
I was curious if I should hit it with some contact cleaner or not..? Just wasn't
real certain there.
Again, I surely do appreciate your help and your time!
Have a great day,
Mike

[steveidosound]

BTW, I think that machine's playback head is wired direct to RCA jacks which then connect to the electronics box, which would make it an easy candidate for wiring to an external tape playback preamp as is common around this forum for Tape Project Tapes.

[TXhatchetknot]

Hey Steve-
Cool, I guess I need to get busy reading through all the info such as
you've mentioned. I really get a kick out of the "older" equipment and
look forward to putting together some projects. I can utilize my Tascam
DP-02CF and a boatload of different softwares... But, It's just not the
same to me. Too old school here..?

I did contact TEAC parts and they identified the drive belt for this particular
unit. FWIW, part#5534692001. I inquired about a "belt kit" and didn't get any
response to that. Seems like that would be the way to go..? At any rate, The
new belt is enroute and we'll go from there. 13.80 and 5.00 shpg + tax.

Thanks so much gents,
Mike