Hi guys,

I recently became interested in Walkmans and managed to find a WM-F65 at a local flea market for $12.  It seems to be in good working condition aside from a broken/disintegrated belt and I'm hoping to get it playing tapes again.  As I found in another topic it shares the same belt as some of the similar models, part number 331540500.  I even found it on partsource.com and Sony's own site, the only problem is I live in Canada and they don't ship here.  There is one German seller on eBay with the belt but it's a little expensive.  Anyone know a source for this part that will ship to Canada?  Or could anyone sell me a belt?  I'm able to pay with Paypal.

One more question, the only service manual I could find is for the WM-15, which looks like almost the same thing, but I'm having trouble with a part that fell out during disassembly, I don't know where it goes when I need to put it back.  It's a small metal rectangle with two circular holes in it.  If it helps I can take a picture.  I'm also completely inexperienced with repairing electronics so simple terms would be helpful.

Oh, I just remembered the left-side sound sometimes cuts out when I'm adjusting the volume, is there a fix for this, like cleaning the contacts or something?

Well I managed to find another seller on eBay with non-OEM belts:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220766064201&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Does anyone know which of these (if any) will fit?  I've read that the WM-10 and related models such as my WM-F65 (I think) all take 0.8 or 0.9 mm belts, and the smallest these go to are 1.0 mm.  Would these definitely not work?  If they would work thickness-wise, which length will fit?

Someone please help me out, I really want to get my Walkman working.

Careful if using larger thickness belts as a thicker belt can affect the tape speed.

I have used www.turntableneedles.com for the odd 0.7mm diameter belt.

Of course there's always our resident belt supplier DocP, if you want to ask him for a quote of a new belt for your WM-F65.

Excellent, thank you!  It looks like turntableneedles.com ships belts worldwide for free.  However, the belt they are recommending for WM-10 and related models is also 1.0 mm thickness x 5.2 inch.  Does anyone know if this will work and does the WM-F65 share the same belt for certain?

I might try sending a message to DocP soon and see what he says...

index.php?board_oid=193392314111653483&content_oid=200429294414390082

wm10 and wmf65 share the same belt ..0.9mm, square cut, 49mm dia

Thank you for the confirmation.  Interesting, so turntableneedles.com comes up with an incorrect size when you use their make & model search function, however if you simply search 'WM-10' in the search box it comes up with this:

http://www.turntableneedles.co...l-58-Inch_p_399.html

0.7mm thickness x approximately 47mm diameter.  Do you guys think the slight size differences will make a noticeable difference?  The belt is only $2.95 with free shipping, so I suppose it might be worth a try.

Well, I got my belts today, but now I ran into a problem trying to install it.

This blue wire came disconnected from wherever it was soldered:

I'm pretty sure I can resolder it or run another wire as long as I can figure out where it goes.  Anyone know where it connects to?  I unfortunately do not have the service manual, the closest thing I could find is the WM-F15.  I also don't really know how to read schematics...

Here is a closeup (red circle noting other end):

Also pictured is an aluminum shim with two large holes and a screw hole which fell out when I disassembled the Walkman.  Anyone know where it goes?

Any help is appreciated, thanks everyone.

Hello.  What belts did you end up ordering and how did they fit?  I am about to start working on a Sony WM-AF64 and might replace the belts.  Thanks.

I ended up ordering a SBR5.8 Square Belt, Reel 5.8 Inch.  It seemed to fit, however the Walkman still wouldn't play.  I don't know if my belt measurement calculations were wrong of there is something else wrong with the player, or if it's because I disconnected a wire during installation.  The belt I ordered is the belt the site recommends for WM-10 and related models, however.

Thanks for your response.  I guess for under $3 it can't hurt to just buy a belt and try it.  As I disassemble the unit, I will note if it has the plate you are inquiring about and take pictures of where it goes.

Have you done a google search for the service manual for your unit?  I found several website selling the manual for the AF64, so you might find one too.

I found one for you HERE for $15.  It is downloadable.

I didn't know the WM-AF64 is similar to the WM-F65. 

Thanks for the link, unfortunately I'm not confident that my repair skills are good enough to fix it even with the manual.  I also don't have a very good soldering iron.  But I would very much like to know where that part goes if yours has the same thing, so please do let me know if it's in there.

I don't know for certain that they are similar either, but given the single digit difference in the model number I think they might at least be similar.  I will let you know what I find.

I have a user manual for the F65 and I know were the blue wire goes. Would you like a photo?

Yes please, I'd really appreciate that.