How to Repair a VCR That Swallows Tapes
Tapes deposit magnetic particles on tape heads and guides inside a VCR. Over time, these deposits become mildly adhesive, grabbing tape as it travels over the heads and capstan. The motor will continue to run, causing the tape to loop back over itself, and jam inside the machine. Simple drugstore products are all that's needed to alleviate this issue.
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Instructions
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1
Unscrew the top of the VCR with a Philips screwdriver. Set aside the top, and apply power to the device.
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2
Blow out the unit with a can of compressed air, hitting the circuit board and all internals. Ensure all loose dust is removed as much as possible.
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3
Locate the large silver drum-shaped head in the center of the mechanism, and the smaller rubber capstan wheels to the periphery of the larger head.
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4
Dip the cotton swab into the isopropyl alcohol, and gently swipe back and forth across the large silver head. Do not swipe the cotton swab up and down, as this may break the delicate video head. If any strands of cotton get stuck on the sharp video head, carefully remove them with your fingers.
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5
Hold a fresh cotton swab with alcohol on the rubber captan as it rotates when you turn the VCR on, taking care not to allow the small silver tension posts to grab the cotton on the swab. Clean all metal posts and guides that come in contact with the tape. Clean the cylindrical erase head near the silver drum during this time.
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6
Let the alcohol fully dry, and replace the top of the unit. Do not put a cassette tape in the machine and attempt to play it until the alcohol is completely dry, or the tape may stick to any surface that is wet.
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Tips & Warnings
Tape can also be "swallowed" in a VCR caused by a broken belt on the "take-up" reel. Inspect all belts.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit death of vcr tapes image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
