Panasonic RX-5080 warbly, stop and go playback

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and it's been a very long time since I've owned a boombox, but I just received a great Panasonic RX-5080 off eBay. Unfortunately, it's not working perfectly and I'm not experienced enough to troubleshoot it.

Basically, the tape will play, but then it looks like the right spindle slows down, then goes back to normal, then slows down again, and sometimes the tape just stops altogether. There are warbly blips in the playback when this happens. I've gotten it to play one full side of a tape without stopping, but the playback was still inconsistent.

When it is playing properly, it sounds absolutely incredible. Hope I can get this fixed and thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Welcome. Needs full restoration including cleaning and new belts. The pinch roller is probably dirty and dry causing the warble. If any tires they probably dirty and maybe dry or cracked. Heads cleaned and demagnetized. It's actually an easy box to work on.


Bad Boy Bill

Tape deck service is required:

1. Tape deck removal, partial dismantle, lube (light grease on sliding metal to metal parts, light oil on flywheel bushings).
2. Rebelt.
3. Clean of playback/record head and capstan tyre.

That will get you started. Check function after these standard maintenance items.

There are plenty of threads here detailing this.

As some units require a full chassis out tear down to get to the deck, if you're not confident or proficient in boombox maintenance, then I'd suggest you get a friend etc who knows what they're doing to help you out on this first unit.

You'll know what you're doing for next time and you won't have messed up an otherwise perfectly fine boombox.

Good luck,

James....

Ok great! Thank you so much for your replies!