Clairtone 7980 - Tape 1 Mech Question

[Endervox]

I recently picked up a Clairtone 7980 that someone has tinkered with (I know... it's the worst). Part of it is that I believe the capstan roller assembly has either shifted off the lifting mechanism OR there's a spring missing. Can anyone provide any close up photos of their Tape 1 mech showing how the capstan pinch roller assembly looks?

I also happened to find a spring inside the 7980 case just floating around (assuming it didn't fall out of the JVC MC90C I just finished). Anyone know where this spring may have come from on the 7980?

Lastly, the mechanism is in an engaged position (read tape). It does not disengage when stop is pressed. I'm kind of nervous someone really messed around and damaged the mech. Thoughts?

 

[caution]

That spring is for that thin pivoting bracket inside the deck door that holds the cassette. There'a a spring like that on each side. They're kind of tricky to insert, you'll probably have to pop out the bracket first.

 

[Endervox]

That spring is for that thin pivoting bracket inside the deck door that holds the cassette. There'a a spring like that on each side. They're kind of tricky to insert, you'll probably have to pop out the bracket first.

Do you have a pic specifically showing that springs location?

Also, thanks for the photo, can you get one at an angle where I can see if the lip on the capstan bracket (tape side) rests on the mech that moves up and down?

Much much much appreciated!

 

[caution]

Sorry bud, I took that picture years and years ago. The unit is no longer open.
Here's where that spring goes

 

[Tinman]

It looks like your pinch roller is disengaged from the torsion spring.
From the two top pics, the spring is the one directly below the capstan shaft.
There's probably an engagement point on the back part of the pinch roller frame.
Pinch rollers typically use torsion or tension springs.
Also, looking at caution's pic, it looks like your pinch roller is missing the retention screw which might be the one in your pic.
I'm just guessing but your pinch roller might be under the mechanism so it could be holding it up in the play position.

 

[Endervox]

Sorry bud, I took that picture years and years ago. The unit is no longer open.
Here's where that spring goes

So weird... I can't for the life of me see where the spring would go. I'm going to order belts and wait to dive back in until they arrive.

 

[Endervox]

It looks like your pinch roller is disengaged from the torsion spring.
From the two top pics, the spring is the one directly below the capstan shaft.
There's probably an engagement point on the back part of the pinch roller frame.
Pinch rollers typically use torsion or tension springs.
Also, looking at caution's pic, it looks like your pinch roller is missing the retention screw which might be the one in your pic.
I'm just guessing but your pinch roller might be under the mechanism so it could be holding it up in the play position.

Yes. It is definitely under the slider. I am confused by the how the spring could actually attach to the capstan assembly. Some closeups of others mechanisms would be incredibly helpful. Hopefully someone will see this thread.

 

[Tinman]

It doesn't attach to the capstan assembly, it attaches to the pinch roller frame.
That torsion spring is mounted on and raises and lowers with the head assembly.
When engaged with the torsion spring like it should be and after you press PLAY, the pinch roller will raise up (with the head assembly) to the capstan shaft putting the correct amount of pressure on it (because of the torsion spring) pulling the tape over the heads at a constant speed.
That's what the job of that torsion spring is, putting the correct pressure between the pinch roller and capstan shaft.
After you press stop or it comes to the end of a tape and it auto stops, the heads along with the pinch roller (because of the torsion spring) drops releasing the tape.
Again, it looks like your pinch roller is missing the retaining screw (possibly the one in your first pic?) and is sitting underneath the head assembly which is why that won't disengage.
I could be wrong because I've never had a 7980 and it's difficult to troubleshoot something through a couple of pics.

Just to verify:
The capstan shaft is the chrome shaft sticking out of the bronze bushing.
The pinch roller is the rubber wheel on the metal frame.