Hi,

After lots of hours working on the RX5350 I had the tape and radio working fine. Now the tape section works intermittently. Sometimes if you wait for a while and turn it on, it works fine. What could be the problem? How can I get this problem fixed? My volume controller when turned low, shorts and high volume comes out of the left speakers. But if you turn it a little up the problem vanishes and sounds fine. I tried to spray with DeOxit and there are no open holes seen on the potentiometer except for a very small one.

Please help!

I had a problem with my RX-5350 that was similar to your problem. I ended up being a dirty worn power/function switch. Maybe try cleaning yours with your Deoxit and see if it help,it surely can't hurt.

P.S.
Is your RX-5350 the one for sale on the Chicago Craigslist?
If it is I wished I had the $$$$ to buy it from you. All I have are a few I could trade,but I'm sure you aren't interested in a trade.

Hi Skippy, Thanks a lot for your advice. I will soon try cleaning the power/radio/line in switch like you suggested and see how it goes. I got my RX5350 years back from a friend for a good price. The volume control potentiometer problem and the cassette tape power shut off is something I need to fix. I can manage with the potentiometer issue. The tape shut off while playing is very annoying.

Hi Skippy,

I thought you mean the tape/radio/line in switch. Is that the one you want me to clean with deoxit, or it is something else? If it is different, where is that switch located?

Please advice

Yes the tape/radio/line in switch. I would try cleaning that one. It can cause all kinds of problems if it is dirty.
The volume pots can be cleaned by spraying a very small amount of Deoxit into the small hole in the side of the pot. It doesn't take much to clean them. Then I would move the volume control knob back and forth vigorously to work it in.
Make sure the power is disconnected while doing this.
The tape shutting off,could be caused by worn belts,are your belts new? If the belts are worn it can trick the "auto shut off" mechanism into thinking the tape is at the end of it's run and needs to stop. Bad belts can cause all kinds of weird things to happen.
I hope this helps you.

HI Skippy,

Thanks a lot for your help and advice. I will soon order new belts for RX5350 and work on cleaning the power switch and pots.

Thanks again for your help!

Sure,good luck with it.

Hi Skippy,

Good Morning!

I replaced all the belts with new ones. It is a little tricky to open it up and put all back together. I was so careful and did an excellent job! I cleaned the pulleys and flywheel rubber track surface with alcohol to remove any residue. Now the tape plays fine and once in a while it slows a little for a few micro seconds. I lubed the capstain and the pinch roller carefully with very little oil. The power switch contacts were cleaned with Deoxit. I don't know why this speed variation for a few microseconds is happening. Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome.

hey BBL, what a gorgeous machine that 5350 is, i bet it sounds top notch quality as panasonics usually do. sorry i can,t help you with the tec side, i just wanted to comment on that fine box you got there