Hello, I've got a WM-D3 that I found for $10 and it was advertised as working. However, it's working only barely. It has 3 major problems and I have no idea what might be causing them because I'm a beginner. Before I list them, one important thing: The center gear, despite being original, is somehow not cracked and the small reel gear's been replaced. 1. The Walkman engages rewind only if it's laying flat down, with the front side up. Pressing rewind while it's in any other position results in a horrible gear-grinding noise. 2. FFW goes into correct speed only if the thing is laying in the position described above, sometimes it doesn't engage at all and it's just horrible grinding noise again. 3. It keeps jamming during playback. For each revolution of the reels, there's a harsh gear-grinding noise, the reel hub under the capstan shakes once (barely noticeable) and the sound from the tape audibly slows down. Effectively, the tape is being played in small "jumps". After a very short period of time, the device can jam completely, resulting in a constant grinding noise. However, it will *always* pick up after pressing stop and play again, even if it'll jam seconds later. I looked inside the thing and the lower set of teeth on the center gear (the ring that cracks) keeps getting stuck. What could be causing this problem? I have recorded a video presenting the operation of my WM-D3, so if it's needed I can link it. Thanks in advance for any help.
I can guess where the problem is. By what you explained the unit is opened fro replacing a small gear. To replace any gear there are certain parts that need to be removed to access any gear. There are 3 plastic washers that hold 2 parts : one for central gear, one for assembly lever and the 3rd one holds the central gear axis in place. Its extremely common to lose at least one of these washers during repair. Once you lose these parts the unit will work partially and once you place the walkman face up it will work but once you try to move it to the sides or upside down the parts start to move and you can guess the outcome ! anyway, I lost a lot of these washers and I know what happens if you lose them. above comment can be applied to any DD walkman. For D3 it is little bit more complicated since you have extra washers for the extra part. I think you need to send this walkman to somebody to open and reinstall the parts. The way you describe this walkman can be an easy fix for a professional.
I'll look at the washers in comparison to my other WM-D3 which was never serviced. But I don't think I misplaced any since the small reel gear doesn't have any washers.
Sure you are right the small gear doesn't have any washer BUT to access that small gear other parts must be removed where you have to remove those washers. anyway, I have dealt with this issue few times and by placing the washers resolved the problem. Your walkman might have other issues but i think it can be an easy fix.
Oh, I mean the gear of the source reel, not the take-up reel. But I've located the issue to be precisely something under the take-up reel - its plastic assembly's most likely cracked as well and is causing these abnormalities - giving the reel hub a nudge with a flat screwdriver makes the thing run better - it still grinds, but it doesn't jam.
