My first AKAI ever

[Kenwood61]

I was recently given an Akai GX-M50 cassette deck. It's super clean on the exterior, but I can see a bit of grime, dirt and/or dust in the tape bay. I've never owned a three head deck, so I want to get this cleaned up. It powers up, but I am NOT going to put a tape in there with dust on the head.

I'm going to see if there are any general cleaning posts to help me not mess up, but I think I should have most or all of the chemicals/materials necessary to bring this baby to a full clean status.

Any thoughts on what to expect? I have a Nakamichi BX-1 and a Yamaha TC-520.

[retrokeeper]

Well....get the canned air out,deoxit,a small soft bristle paint brush,the proper type of alcohol,q-tips,some 409 cleaner diluted with water,a dollar-store toothbrush,a nice well-lited work surface to lay everything out on (including the deck,of course)...and go to it!! Being myself,I probably would take the faceplate off and clean it,if it's brushed metal,and then you also have better access to the grime in the cassette well.And who knows...you may even get in there and see you need to change the belts out....another fun job!! Rob

[Kenwood61]

Well, I cleaned the deck out last night. Looks real good now. Everything seems to work except for the reverse mode. Without a tape it works, but with a tape, it doesn't seem to have the same speed/torque (as in forward mode which works fine) and comes to a dead stop. I looked on the inside, and it appears to have one large belt that serpentine's around pulleys and such. My guess is that the motor isn't getting the same torque both ways.

[Scorpion8]

You may want to clean the motors by flushing with DeOxit, and it may need a lube and belt job.

7835

[Kenwood61]

I have DeOxit, so I can do the flush and and see how that works. If that doesn't cut the mustard, I'll buy a belt.

Thanks!

[Kenwood61]

The DeOxit didn't do the trick. I felt the pulley on the motor and it's strong both ways. What I did find out is that something behind the post that grabs the tape reel on rewind, does not have much torq. The belt seems to be moving with the same speed/torque both ways, so it's looking like either a smaller belt is awry or something responsible for the tension in that area is the culprit. I should probably find a service manual

[VintageSteve]

...The belt seems to be moving with the same speed/torque both ways, so it's looking like either a smaller belt is awry or something responsible for the tension in that area is the culprit. I should probably find a service manual

I have a GX-M50 that has the same issue. (did you post on AK? I responded there..). I've not opened mine up yet due to other projects right now, but did order a three-piece belt kit which - I hope - has the following: "drive", "counter" and "wind" belts. Ordered from Marrs Communication.

I also recently bought an original Service Manual for it (mint condition, no less). I'd be willing to try to scan it for you and email it to you. I won't be able to get to it for a few days, though. PM me with your email address...

[Kenwood61]

Hey Steve, I don't remember posting on AK. But I sold the deck yesterday. I decided that it was the smart move for me, and the new owner is taking to THE shop north of Seattle for a look-see . . . fully expecting it to be a belt issue. The deck was in great shape, so once that's taken care of, I expect he'll really enjoy it.

[shotwell]

Which shop are you referring to? Northwest Audio Service?

[Kenwood61]

yep. that's the one. :)

[shotwell]

So how did it go? It's not still with John at NW Audio is it?