Nakamichi DR-8 won't play - ideas?

Hi-Fi Corner
1

Hi
I was planning to resurrect a Nakamichi DR - 8 cassette deck bought from Richer Sounds - prob mid 90s. (I always wanted a Nakamichi tape deck) It has had limited use and was in an Ercol Unit with old VHS and sundry DVD players.
Sadly when I hit the play button it makes a noise and stops. Fast forward and reverse work normally. I am hunting my tape-head de-magnetiser and cleaning fluid but that should improve the sound of a working machine shouldn’t it?
Before I take it to Armstrong Audio in Walthamstow - any simple manoeuvre I’m missing?
Thanks John

2

It’s usually either the capstan belt or the capstan drive motor. Does the capstan turn at all?

3

Thanks. It does turn. Beautiful also to see the internal workings. The playback head seems to come up to the tape and then come away again. Relevant? (The interior and belt do look v clean)

4

It likely needs new belts as it sounds like the cam is not strong enough to fully engage.

5

Time for new belts most likely.

6

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