Would like to get it functioning again. The heads will engage and play just fine in reverse direction, but in forward direction they only half engage (heads rise halfway, stop (as if stuck) click a few times then retract slightly (not enough to open door/remove tape though).

I tried ordering a new mechanism assembly , but these are no longer available from JVC. Some individual parts are still available, but I wouldn't know where to begin (other than the belt, which seems fine.

Anyone else have this issue? Any ideas?

Gotta fix this one, certainly can't afford a new/used one these days.

Never mind...was a mechanical problem. A metal part was causing interference, not seating correctly after direction change...a slight bend with some pliers did the job.

I actually fixed the damn thing!

well done. That tape deck on the Kabooms looks like a nighmare to work on - complicated too...