Sharp RD514E Assistance Please - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Braemar Restore · 2nd Dec 2020, 10:35 pm

Hi All

Advice please. After years of storage I fancied playing some old tapes on my Sharp RD514 Portable Reel To Reel. Tried it today only to find the capstan belt is a gooey mess.
Can anyone recommend the best way of determining what size belt I need and if so where or how can I get hold of one.
It would be a pity to scrap the old girl as I've had her since new so really open to any help.

Thanks All

Clive

ben · 3rd Dec 2020, 12:13 am

A piece of string or bootlace threaded through the belt path will give you a ball park idea. then you can buy a pack of mixed size belts off ebay.

Be sure to clean the goo totally off all pulleys - search forum for 'goo clean' to get ideas and tips

Braemar Restore · 3rd Dec 2020, 2:29 pm

Thank You Ben, I have done so. I've seen and bought some belts but none I've bought so far are suitable......I'll keep trying ........

Clive

Station X · 3rd Dec 2020, 2:33 pm

If the belts have a reasonably large cross section, they can be shortened and the ends stuck together with super glue. Or you can do the same thing with 'O' Ring Cord.

2nd Dec 2020, 10:35 pm	#1
Braemar Restore Triode Join Date: May 2006 Location: Swansea, Wales UK. Posts: 26	Sharp RD514E Assistance Please Hi All Advice please. After years of storage I fancied playing some old tapes on my Sharp RD514 Portable Reel To Reel. Tried it today only to find the capstan belt is a gooey mess. Can anyone recommend the best way of determining what size belt I need and if so where or how can I get hold of one. It would be a pity to scrap the old girl as I've had her since new so really open to any help. Thanks All Clive

3rd Dec 2020, 12:13 am	#2
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Sharp RD514E Assistance Please A piece of string or bootlace threaded through the belt path will give you a ball park idea. then you can buy a pack of mixed size belts off ebay. Be sure to clean the goo totally off all pulleys - search forum for 'goo clean' to get ideas and tips __________________ Regards, Ben.

3rd Dec 2020, 2:29 pm	#3
Braemar Restore Triode Join Date: May 2006 Location: Swansea, Wales UK. Posts: 26	Re: Sharp RD514E Assistance Please Thank You Ben, I have done so. I've seen and bought some belts but none I've bought so far are suitable......I'll keep trying ........ Clive

3rd Dec 2020, 2:33 pm	#4
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Sharp RD514E Assistance Please If the belts have a reasonably large cross section, they can be shortened and the ends stuck together with super glue. Or you can do the same thing with 'O' Ring Cord. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.