SONY D-250 middle gear lubrication/replacement

Stated before the motor and caps are a known issue on this model.
The caps need to be replaced, see the link in post #19 for details. While they may not look leaky, they're faulty and this is the reason there's no sound.

Regarding the skipping and slow tracking, these are most likely caused by too much play in the spindle motor.
Lubricating the motor can help with this, but in the end chances are you will need to replace it. There was a thread about this, but can't find it at the moment.

Also, if there are more questions please start a separate thread about the Z555, although there is enough information available online already.

 

Hello everyone,
I recently acquired a D-250. I replaced the middle gear and lubricated the pickup rails. I thought that would be sufficient, but the disc spins and repeatedly accelerates, it seems the laser pickup is repeatedly failing to focus and emits a dreadful clicking sound. I haven't altered any other circuitry or components.

I need help. I would be very grateful. Thank you.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B3WJlf-UFfRaSxWeB-jdyDYxtX1k1HVS/view?usp=sharing

 

The laser is moving correctly into the ToC position, that's not your problem.
Fact spindle motor is accelerating and decelerating, while lens is moving all the way up and down (making that click) suggest there is either no RF present or it's very weak (not being able to produce a FOK signal).
First thing to check is if the laser is actually powering on. With cover open, close the lid switch manually and press PLAY. Best can be seen with a camera, since most of the emission is IR.

One thing NOT TO DO is playing with the laser power adjustment.

 

Thank you for the advice. I captured a video of the laser using my smartphone in both dim and low-light environments. A faint red light was visible on camera, though its intensity was relatively low.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SnKq0LLiw_tZ9AGGkusIKY3Q28Anmb__/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PKcBNQr8SH0UXzeoApOc-igAa37Ig2KH/view?usp=sharing
Whats my next step? should I check the RF signal level?

 

Laser looks ok on camera, since you're looking at it from an angle so won't see the full brightness.

I would check the RF level and the shield over the flex cable from the laser head.
Signal is very weak and there are some DC-DC converters on the board right near that cable which can easily interfere with the RF if not properly shielded.

 

I’m still pretty new to electronics, so I really rely a lot on online help—huge thanks to everyone.
I noticed that post #6 in the "D-250 power problem" thread on kaosuncd describes my exact issue: it shuts down after 15 clicks. But, they didn't mention what the actual cause was. I'll be spending some of my spare time fixing it slowly.

No CD, len moves smoothly
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14_r3aU66wJ8u5J277lbYsMUTadDyB96n/view?usp=drivesdk

With CD, 15 len click sounds then shut down
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tOZbIhC_QSSShQrGu0dMQON17vWfNjB7/view?usp=drivesdk

 

Not sure if I can help much further apart from re-stating what I already said.
Don't know what the 15 clicks and stop mean and if it means something more specific than weak RF.

I think @Jorge can bring more light about that.

 

Unfortunately - NO
all I can say is that this is Not the power problem. When laser does not lock on CD, it may be as easy as a 5-sec fix, OR a whole lot of pain'n'cursing!

 

Quick update here, and a huge thank you to the two masters for your valuable advice!
Since there were no power issues (honestly, that part completely goes over my head), I followed the service manual to measure the RF. Sadly, I couldn't see the eye pattern at all. So I figured, why not try replacing it with a KSS-220A? And wow, it actually fixed the problem!
Sigh... a quick heads-up: that flex cable connector is tricky and I accidentally ripped it apart. Be extra careful if it's your first time.

Love this place—the posts here are a true goldmine!