Expert: Cleggsan - 8/29/2009

Question
Hi,

I have replaced some of the parts in my JVC HR-S4700 SVHS VCR but unless I rewind the tape first, it refuses to play straight away. I have been told that it requires a new 'mode switch'. Also, the slide ways of the roller assemblies are dry - do they need grease lubrication or is it better to leave them dry - i have purchased a tube of the correct brand of grease for this machine but not used it yet.   

Regards,   

Rod Whitehouse.
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Answer
Well, fixer.com has a few comments for your benefit.  Have you explored this wonderful, but old, site for everything there is to know about vcrs?  Go to:

http://fixer.com/dbase/jvc/hrs4700uj3.shtml

which covers your model.

You never want to put lubricants where it can spill onto  or rub onto the moving tape.  You can easily tell if lubrication is needed by just turning the parts by hand to see if they seem to have too much friction or tightness.  

Most people find that repairing vcrs is a futile effort because they are hard to service and the cost of a new one is less than the cost and aggravation of trying to keep an old one going.

So, explore around fixer.com and see if you can find some suggestions that work.

I doubt if the mode switch is the problem; I suspect it is more likely the tape handling mechanism itself or the servo system that is malfunctioning.  

Good luck,

C