How to troubleshoot and fix a tape-eating 4 track 

Woot! Did you find a clip?

User 173 I’ll have to measure the capstan and then I’ll order one online, I think they sell in packs. Thank you again, very helpful!

@@mmmmvermillion No problem. Visual inspection is so important to trouble shooting. I'm glad you got it figured out!

yay! thanks for commenting and letting me know.

They rotated together. did you get it fixed?

oh yeah you'll unfortunately have to buy a machine "for parts" because I don't know where to get one other than to salvage.

hey there! thanks. It's titled "Tascam 414 MK2 Jam || Hysteresis" and you can find it here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3_-ks_tJLp4.html

I am also wondering about this!

@@brycehample8746 for anyone reading in future i read somewhere else that it's 1.5mm or M1.5 or 1/16" E-clip we're wanting

@@olismiscclips6981 Thank you so much. Just came here to ask about this

@@griffinfield4332 no worries! i got that size E-clip and got mine working again

Sounds like your belts are old and need to be replaced. I'd start there. Also get some rubber restorer for the pinch wheel. Finally, make sure to test with brand new tapes so as to rule out a defective tape or tape loop.

@@User173 Awesome, thanks! I just tried the rubber restorer, so I guess I'll move on to the belts. Thanks again for getting back to me!!!

Yeah, that's most likely a noisy Pot. ESPECIALLY since it's just one channel. You notice the crackle when you are moving the slider up and down for volume? you can buy a stuff called "de-oxit" on amazon or at a hardware store. Spray that shit down in the pot and work it up and down, then try it out and see if it solves the problem. Let me know!

As a follow up, what happens is either dirt, debris, or oxydation occurs down on the resistant strip where it meets the metal slider. That stuff getting between the metal slider and the resistant material causes the crackling. The de-ox it may take one or two applications, but it will be virtually gone.

@@User173 Well it's more of a constant crackle on that channel. Moving the slider doesn't cause it, it just increases/decreases the volume of the noise. Made me think it was a problem with the tape head or the tape itself (I'm not using the high bias type II tape). I tried a couple different tapes to the same effect. Turning on dbx helps a bit though...

@@DreamwareMusic oh hmmm... that's interesting. I'd crack it open and have a look at the wire connectors and solder joints that have to do with that channel going to the play head. that is a tough one and would be fun to try and solve!

Hello how are you doing? Your channel is very interesting, I congratulate you on your work. I have a problem similar to Dreamware, when I connect the effects, which is in the first place for example a Reverb, the sound decreases but when on channels 1 and 2, I move the control 1- safe-L and 2-safe-R Up and down the effect reappears, but sometimes the effect becomes diffuse again and I must do the same, even I move some potentiometer and after a squeak as of false contact, the effect returns. However, the sound recorded on that channel does not disappear but rather lowers the volume a bit. I do not understand why when moving these controls the effect returns, is it possible that some dirt could be the problem? I bought it recently and apparently it was not using much time. Everything else works, records and plays normally. I appreciate any help. Greetings from Uruguay!

you'll have to find a person who has parts. maybe find one that's broken and being sold for parts cheap? I don't know where to find those retainer clips outside of salvaging old gear

you can send a message to user173000 at Gmail