Looks like the old stretched/dirty belts trick is part of the problem. I've had a TC-440 since 1973 when I bought it new. Still works like new after almost 50 years of heavy use.
Short and self explanatory repair video respect from India I have Sony TC350 and Sony TC 660 with me, TC 660 is not working and am looking for its service manual
Hey it looks like the CP405 Cap/Resister modules on the power supply board are all blowing their caps. Lots of swollen and expanded caps inside the little orange rectangular cases on the Power Supply Board. Did you replace those as well? They add torque to the FF and Rewind functions.
Thanks, there are plenty of others that show every screw that they take out. I don't think that someone wants to watch me take things apart or it would be a very long video.
My 440 will not play in either direction! Do you think it is likely the same issue you had with that chip? It will FF and RW no problem just will not turn the reels when you try to play, the motor is not starting. Thanks
brilliant video !! can I just ask, I got one myself, and it has a couple of issues, first there is this whistle noise on main direction sometimes, not on reverse, second, my right roller looks like the axle of it came somehow through the rubber cap on it. It works fine but I think it might need attention soon. Finally ,are there calibration pots inside, if so where, because I have a big difference between the incoming signal and tape play on one channel ,it sounds amazing, but the VU meters not corresponding to what you hear. I had a choice between an AKAI and this, I loved this one and I think once calibrated etc. it will work for many years.I use external DBX for NR. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this video. I liked the fact that we did not have to watch every screw being removed. I love to the point videos and this was a great one. I just picked up a working Sony TC-440 and am getting ready to open it, inspect for any problems, lubricate the places Sony says to lubricate, clean and demagnetize the heads and replace the belts. The take-up reel belts shown in the video look easy to change but not sure about the main capstan drive belt. I saw in the video that you had removed that belt but was not shown in the video. Were there any problems removing and reinstalling the belt? Again, Thank you for a very informative and great video.!!!
Thanks for watching. Myself I don't like watching someone taking out all of the screws. I get bored with it. I don't remember what it took to replace the belt. Sony does have good manuals with good break downs. I take lots of pics when I tear these things down. If you need that chip they still have have them in stock. www.bdent.com/cx032-sony-14-pin-dip-integrated-circuit.html
I have this exact same model I picked up. It runs....but could use a once over. Any chance You could do your magic again ? I'd be happy to ship it to you and pay you.
Hi. I have the same deck. I’ve cleaned and lubed the mechanism. It is all free. I’ve changed the bulging RC’s on the power supply board, and put new belts I. FF and RW now works fine. I have no play or reverse play. Would you share how you diagnosed the IC as bad? I have no service manual, so I don’t know what the voltages should be. Thanks!
You can find a service manual on HiFi Engine. I was getting no voltage to the transistor on the top of the deck. That IC chip is what controls it and also a shot in the dark. I was lucky to be able to find that chip. I think is was around $14. www.bdent.com/cx032-sony-14-pin-dip-integrated-circuit.html They still have some in stock.
I have a TC 440 also, had trouble with FF & FR also. Followed your video and cleaned those earings , now works fine. I'm having trouble with the capstan pinch rollers not engaging with capstan revolving pins. Do you think I should disassemble the whole pinch roller unit? Tried to spray wd40 etc no result. Maybe a little heat . Any suggestions? Thanks
Yes the linkage can get gum up. I had one where the pivot point was a shaft that slid inside another part. I had to use head to get them apart to clean it up. I don't remember the linkage on this deck. If you do take it apart, take good pictures of every step you make so you will know just what you did. Go to hifiengine.com for a service manual. Sony has really good manuals.
Hi Patrick, Spent most of the day working on my tc440. You were right on, I heated with a clean soldering iron at the pinch roller pivot point, worked it out slowly, did the same at the other pinch roller pivot point. They were stuck like glue. Clean them , put a little super lube oil and now they work. Thank You again. Now for the rev play back, tape coming up near head guide on the right side, the take up capstan. Fred
