VCR Trouble

[plutogrl03]

If you moderators feel this is in the wrong place, my deepest apologies. I didn't feel that this question would fit well in any of the Tech sub-forums.

Now, here is my problem: My VCR has started to pull too much tape out when I put a cassette in. When a cassette is in there, it won't play and it won't let me eject the tape unless I unplug the VCR for a few hours and then replug it. I know I could just buy a new VCR but I've only had this VCR for a few years. It's practically new!! If there is a way to fix this problem please let me know. Arigato!

[Link Antilles]

Perhaps, it just needs to be cleaned. Rent a lot of movies? They can be pretty grimy. -I always wipe off DVDs or game discs before popping 'em in.

VCR tapes are different of course....so, I'd pick up a cleaning kit for the VCR from an electronics store. Shouldn’t cost much.


Aside from that, I still can't set the clocks on those things... so, I hope that helps.

[ShiroiHikari]

I'm not sure what it could be...what brand of VCR is it? just curious. it might be better to just get a new one...you can get them for like 35 dollars now.

[plutogrl03]

It's a RCA and where did you find a VCR for $35? I've been to every Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, and Costco in my area and the cheapest VCR I found was for $45 plus tax.

[termyt]

Cleaning is a good bet. I'm not sure where you find cleaning cassettes anymore, but try that first. (I also wouldn't put a tape that your really care about in it until you're sure it's working properly).

You can also clean it by opening it up and rubbing down the read heads with alcohol. This maybe a better route to go since you can also clean out the dust and oil all of the moving parts and make sure everything on the inside is in good working order.

[shooraijin]

Ratty Shock, er, Radio Shack still has them, and I imagine Fry's does as well. The problem with using alcohol on a swab is that 1) the alcohol runs and can short out nearby circuitry 2) related to #1 is that most store isopropyl and rubbing alcohols are almost 30% water (usually 71% alcohol), and water doesn't evapourate very fast. If you're going to try this, buy the 91% isopropyl alcohol, or a higher strength if you can find it.

The advantage of the tape is that most kits have the 91% alcohol solution already, and they apply it more precisely to the heads than with a swab.

[youngWilliam]

call the manufaturer(sp) and complain. that's what I usually do

[plutogrl03]

I might go ahead and complain but I didn't register my VCR so I could get the warranty(not that it would have mattered now since I've had it for well over a year). I'll try the cleaning methods suggested here though.