Hi ALL,

It's been a long time since I've posted here. My '86 Sport has a tape player that has never right. I've had it apart a few times. I changed the belt, de-magnetized the head and cleaned the pinch rollers.
I've found a great thread by member "Clousborn" (circa 1962). However that thread was for another model.
Seems Clarion made several different models for, 86-90FCs. My player is a model PT-8051u.
To the point, I need to verify the correct belt path. The old one was off the capstan, loose and had been stretched enough that I couldn't figure it out. My unit has only one belt.
Any ideas where to look for one?
Thanks for any ideas
Greydog

 

Hi. I don't know where you got "1962" from, but the stereo you're describing is the "System 2" which uses the non-logic cassette deck.

I just so happen to have one of those, took it apart and took some pictures for you showing the belt path on that unit.

 

Hi, Cluosborne.

Not the sharpest knife in the drawer, I may have confused your join date or, more likely it's due to me being an idiot.

Anyway, thanks for your help. Pictures are great. If memory serves, I think I decided to route the belt my own special way. Incorrectly I might add.

So as much as I hate r&r-ing the audio units, I'll tackle that tomorrow. It's not like I don't have most of my dash, seats and heat/air duct work under repair!

Thanks again for your help. I'll let you know what I find out.

Joe

 

Welp, I took the audio system out and, as I predicted my belt installation was not up to Mazda standards.it seems as though if you put in wrong the damned thing won't work. Who knew?
Anyway, with the help of a few great pictures from Cluosborne I managed to reroute the belt (which I suspect the original designers had an evil sense of humor). So, I put everything back in the car. (Insidenttly, do you think Mazda could have made the cigarette lighter light wires a little shorter?)
It verks! No wow or flutter as I was expecting. However, very low volume and a lot of noise from the right channel.b The noise isn't there listening to the radio.
Hunting that down will have to wait until the beer truck backs up to my garage.
Thanks again for your help.
Joe

 

Check the DIN plugs for corrosion and it there's also an EQ, disconnect that completely and plug the cassette player's DIN plug directly into the back of the radio/preamp and see if the problem recurs. Make sure that any connections are fully seated too. Check the DIN cable connections inside the cassette player chassis as well. There might be something loose. It could also be cold or broken solder joints on the player's circuit board.