Tascam Portastudio issue

[antigraiisse]

Hello,

I have got a Tascam Portastudio 464 since almost two years now. The thing worked very well until now: it now has a problem with the tape player/reader. When a tape is read the thing is grinding, creating a small distorsion in the sound coming from my speaker. I cleant the reader head with demineralized water and a q-tip but it does not seem to improve the situation.

Anyone could tell me what kind of symptom it is?

Regards,

Arthur

[Theodore]

With every tape ? Where the grinding sound comes from ? Use isopropyl alcohol -isopropanol- for cleaning, the purest you can find, i use this https://www.amazon.de/Wentronic-26045-Teslanol-Isopropanol-1000/dp/B001C5EVWK , 99,5% . Dont clean only the heads. Clean the rollers, capstans, tape guides, everything that comes in contact with the tape. And do it regularly. That's general cleaning instructions. Dont know if it will help, cause to be honest i didnt understand what the problem is, nor i have a Portastudio.

If others here cant help either i suggest you to ask here : http://www.tapeheads.net/forumdisplay.php?f=6 . But with more details if possible. I mean you cant expect a solution when you just say the thing is grinding !

[antigraiisse]

In fact it seems the grinding happens with one tape in particular - but it does not look damaged. Grinding seemed to come from the reading compartment, probably near the pinch roller. Anyway I cleant everything like you suggested, and now with other tapes it works fine. Will grab some isopropyl alcohol, thanks for the tip.

Thank you for your answer.

[Theodore]

If after the cleaning you did that tape still grinds then it's the tape. Doesnt matter if it looks fine. Maybe has something like this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sticky-shed_syndrome , or lost its lubricants http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=77034 .

Clean your unit according to its manual. I do it every 15 hours of use, expect the rollers which i do every hm lets say 30, or less if they look dirty ofcource. Make it a habit. It's quick, it helps, it's necessary ! Use only isopropyl alcohol.

[WhiteWarlock]

Eye have Tascam 464 & 488... Motor is grinding or capstan/pinch roller in sticky?
You can actual oil those motors in Tascam cassette tape multitracks.
Worst case solution replace the motor... can give you motor model number for searching if need it... yet that job requires some experience.
Also very likely have the 464 Service Manual in PDF