So I recently bought a WM FX-101 but it played cassettes super slow. I opened it up and tried adjusting the speed but the maximum speed was still too slow. I put in a new belt so it can’t be the problem. I did find that some of the capacitors looked a little crooked and I’m wondering if this is the problem. If it is how do put them back in place? see photo below
I posted some old articles about troubleshooting your portable in the tech section, read those and see if there's anything of value. I'd start first with the easy stuff, changing the belt is always number 1 but also making sure you've got all of the old belt out is also important. The old one turns to sticky goo and will get in the gears and shafts causing excess friction. Using IPA fluid, clean the pulleys and if you see any black goo, keep cleaning until it's gone. The pulley shafts may need a drop of oil, I think sewing machine oil is prefered in a pinch but check other threads to be sure, some of these don't need any lubrication. Check your batteries, two different brands is always a bad sign, get new batteries or plug into the wall if it has an power jack (I checked photos and didn't see one). Harbor Freight always has coupons for a free multi-meter and that basic model is perfect for doing a ton of testing, including battery voltage. If there is any green corrosion on the battery springs, that must be sanded off. Try a different cassette, they also can get sticky and add friction. Is the radio giving you sound? I wouldn't worry about the capacitors unless they are bulging, leaking or it looks like a metal leg might be loose. This is a very basic unit but a great unit to troubleshoot with, there's several things that may cause a slow motor so there is no easy answer.
ive tried all of that already minus the plugging into a wall (I don’t have the right sized barrel connector). Is there anyway that I could possibly maybe oil the motor or do something to make it run up to speed. Or how difficult would it be to replace the motor
This is a very basic unit, it would be cheaper to find another one on Ebay for a few dollars than to spend money on it. It is a good unit to try things on since it doesn't have much financial value. If you can run it with the cover off, watch the belt and see if it's slipping on any of the pulleys.
It might be the capacitors, if you have a multimeter and the service manual you should be able to touch the solder spots of the capacitors and make sure their voltages are around the same as in the service manual during normal operation. If they're fine, try replacing the batteries and cleaning the contacts. If it's still playing slow it's definitely the motor itself or the belts . You said you put in new belts are you sure they'e the correct belts because tension matters and may counteract the rotation of the motor affecting playback speed. You may also want to relube the shaft of the motor in case it's become stiff over the years.
