VCR ejecting cassett while tape is still out

[gwgeller]

I'm in the process of digitizing my VHS collection again. I did it years ago but was never that happy with the quality. I found this forum and a bunch of new information so I want to try again. I have two VCRs, a panasonic and philips/magnavox(p/m) going to a Diamond VC500. The panasonic has some tearing issues where the p/m does not, possibly because the tapes were recorded on the p/m?

My issue is that the p/m will stop and eject the tape, but without retracting the tape. So I have to take the cover off and fish the tape off the guides and pull the tape the rest of the way out. This results in the cassette clamping down on the tape and marking it up. It seems to happen most when I stop the tape and rewind. It has flashed the error code 2 & 3. I have found a little on those codes, but I can't find anyone with my problem of the tape remaining out while the cassette is ejecting. It'd be great if someone can help me with the actual problem but if someone can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate that as well. it seems I'm not phrasing it right when searching on google.

[JVRaines]

Ah, the terrible problem of ejection without unloading! (Sounds like a bug in the romance department, doesn't it? ) Take a look at this advice to forestall future disasters.

Unplug the VCR, take off the cover, plug it back in, and play a tape. Watch the ballet carefully to see how the tape guides load tape around the video drum. Now stop and rewind (or whatever it takes to make the problem happen). Did the guides go back to the right place? Did the reels turn to pull the tape back in? Is the tape snagged on something?

[davexnet]

I recently had a VCR repaired ($125) similar symptom. In my case, a clutch and belt were replaced.

[johns0]

Take of the bottom cover and see if the capstan drive belt has fallen off,if it has it might be broken,worn or capstan pulley broke off.Seen this happen many time with the tape being ejected and not being collected.

[JVRaines]

Ah, yes. Consulting Practical VCR Repair (Ronan, David. Delmar, NY: 1995), I see that the reels are commonly powered by a belt from the direct drive capstan motor through slip clutches and idler. Do you find that the belt is more often the problem than the clutch?

[gwgeller]

Thanks for the replies so far, I will try them as soon as I can. I want to add that I can play cassettes fine and rewind/fast forward while I'm playing the video. The problem occurs when I stop the video and try to rewind/fast forward. Hopefully this will help narrow it down even further.

[johns0]

It's not a belt problem,just a clutch/idler drive replacement.

[PuzZLeR]

If all else fails, just follow my practice in therapeutics with VHS in the following (Post 4):

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/364813-End-of-80ss-Samsung-VCRs-whay-are-they-so-sc...=1#post2324776

[mikel]

This site may be worthy of a bookmark.

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/vcrfaq.htm

[JVRaines]

Thanks for the replies so far, I will try them as soon as I can. I want to add that I can play cassettes fine and rewind/fast forward while I'm playing the video. The problem occurs when I stop the video and try to rewind/fast forward. Hopefully this will help narrow it down even further.

I repeat my advice to take off the cover and look at what happens when you stop and try to fast wind.

[gwgeller]

I took to top cover and face plate off and tried to observe as suggested. The bottom cover does not come off. Oddly enough though I was able to rewind and fast forward from stop like normal. There were still occasional errors, a flashing "1", but the tape retracted each time this error occurred, which I can live with.

Maybe it's short lived but I'm going to go with it. I will be back if it acts up again.

[JVRaines]

Guesses:

1. Heat buildup is affecting some marginal part, probably electronic, possibly mechanical.
2. The cover is pressing down and creating mechanical interference, or causing a short.
3. The act of removing the covers jiggled something into place, or something loose.