In my experience the worse the cap the slower the motor up to and including not running at all. IOW, losing torque and being overcome by friction.

Might as well go through all the mechanics, eh? I mean, that was a LONG time ago.

Yes replace the motor capacitor. A good going through the mechanics will be beneficial. Clean all the old grease off everything that has grease on it then apply new grease. WOuld be best to get a service manual before doing any dissasembly. Also should consider replacing the electrolytic capacitors on all the PC boards.

I just picked up a Sony TC 630. not in the best of shape. The speakers are missing as is the speed select knob.

I picked this up just to transfer some late 60's communication tapes between my parents and I to modern media. And they are on 1-7/8 speed.

I downloaded a PDF service manual from hifiengine.com but most of the diagrams of where to oil etc are too black to read.

Anyway after removing and relubing the wheels etc it turns out that the horizontal spring that engages a wheel to the capstan and flywheel is weak. at 1-7/8 Everything seems to work if I put some extra tension on this spring. I am wondering if anyone has new springs or should I just take a couple of rounds up on this one. I should say that at 7-1/2 speed everything stops rotating except the motor and capstan unless I put a LOT of tension on that spring.

Thanks

Replace the idler wheel - it's not the spring.

Idler wheel. Need to either replace it or try this stuff http://www.reelprosoundguys.com/RestoreKit.html

ok, anyone got a idler wheel?

If your idler wheel has no cracks in the rubber try the stuff I mentioned first and see if that helps any unless of course someone has a good idler wheel.

Ok, not trying to start a argument here but

How soft of rubber are these wheels supposed to be. I'm guessing there are no very new wheels available.

And when the unit is in 1-7/8 speed the spring is just hanging there, there is no tension on the idler wheel.

And the capstan is knurled for the faster two speeds but smooth for the 1-7/8 speed.

Dis-assembly and cleaning is in order to correct issues due to 40 year old grease.
Replacement rubber is in order if 40 year old drives slip.

Otherwise, a thread with 4,000 posts ensues.

LOL

Thanks, I have cleaned and relubed most of the moving parts including all the wheels.
In this area nothing is hanging up anymore. Chunks of hardened lube fell out of some of the springs.

This wheel is hard, not cracked but you can't leave a fingernail imprint in it.

so I found a replacement pinch roller kit and a belt replacement kit. hopefully these fix the problem. I will also try to clean and re grease it. Any suggestions on the brand of grease to use? I'll have to figure out the caps when I crack it open.

thanks G