Repair Completion Report
Unit: Sony TC-366 Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder
Customer: Jack
Technician: Kevin (K-Tronix Electronics Repair)
Status: Completed
Mechanical Service
Custom Rubber Re-tire
Motor Run Capacitors
Extended Playback Test
Customer Context
| Condition on Arrival | Customer had already opened the face area and performed initial cleaning. Unit had been stored / not played for ~25 years. |
|---|---|
| Primary Request | Install drive components correctly (belts / idlers), restore smooth transport operation, and verify reliable playback and function. |
Note: On vintage tape transports, rubber components and old lubricants are the most common
cause of slow speed, slipping, and inconsistent engagement after long storage.
Work Performed (Detailed)
- Capstan drive idler wheel: replaced using a custom re-tired wheel to restore correct drive geometry and reliable torque transfer from the motor drive to the capstan/flywheel system.
- Capstan idler wheel: also custom re-tired to ensure smooth engagement and consistent traction.
- Motor run capacitors: replaced. Originals showed leakage and were no longer dependable for proper motor performance.
- Mechanical service: transport disassembled as needed for service access. Old dried grease removed and replaced with fresh lubrication for smooth, quiet motion.
- Lubrication: pivots, bearing points, and sliding surfaces cleaned and re-lubricated to restore proper mechanical timing and reduce drag.
Parts & Materials
| Custom Re-tire (Rubber) | Capstan drive idler wheel re-tired to fit transport geometry and traction requirements. Capstan idler wheel re-tired for consistent engagement. |
|---|---|
| Run Capacitors | Replaced due to original capacitor leakage / age-related failure risk. |
| Lubricants | Old dried grease removed; fresh grease/oil applied where appropriate for smooth operation. |
(Component values / brand details can be appended here if you’d like the report to list exact capacitor values and part sources.)
Testing & Verification
| Extended Run Test | Completed a continuous functional test totaling ~7 hours of playback/transport operation. All functions performed as expected throughout the run. |
|---|---|
| Transport Operation | Verified smooth engagement and reliable operation after cleaning, lubrication, and idler service. |
| Speed Performance | Playback speed runs close to proper and is stable in operation following the re-tire work and capacitor replacement. |
Speed Note (Informational):
The TC-366’s speed is primarily determined by the motor pulley / motor assembly geometry.
Conventional fine-adjustment parts for speed calibration on this model are not readily available today.
As a result, speed is brought very close to specification through correct mechanical restoration
(idler geometry, traction, reduced drag, and proper motor operation). In normal listening and operation, performance is
consistent and behaves as expected for a properly serviced vintage transport.
Outcome
- Unit starts, engages, and operates smoothly after lubrication and idler service.
- Motor performance improved by replacing leaking run capacitors.
- Extended testing confirms stable operation and expected function.
- Speed is close to proper and consistent within the practical limits of available adjustment components.
Invoice
Date: January 06, 2026
Customer: Jack
Unit: Sony TC-366 Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder
Technician: Kevin – K-Tronix Electronics Repair
Message:
Hi Jack,
Your Sony TC-366 repair is completed and fully tested. Thank you very much for your patience, and my apologies again for the extended turnaround.
This invoice reflects the completed mechanical restoration, custom rubber re-tire work, capacitor replacement, and extended testing. Your previously paid $89 bench evaluation has been applied as a credit toward the total.
Please let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll coordinate pickup once payment is complete.
— Kevin
K-Tronix Electronics Repair
Hi Jack,
Your Sony TC-366 repair is completed and fully tested. Thank you very much for your patience, and my apologies again for the extended turnaround.
This invoice reflects the completed mechanical restoration, custom rubber re-tire work, capacitor replacement, and extended testing. Your previously paid $89 bench evaluation has been applied as a credit toward the total.
Please let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll coordinate pickup once payment is complete.
— Kevin
K-Tronix Electronics Repair
| Item | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Mechanical Service & Restoration | 1 | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Custom Rubber Re-Tire – Capstan Drive Idler Wheel | 1 | $55.00 | $55.00 |
| Custom Rubber Re-Tire – Capstan Idler Wheel | 1 | $35.00 | $35.00 |
| Motor Run Capacitor Replacement | 1 | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Extended Functional Testing & Verification | 1 | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Subtotal | $250.00 |
| Dollar — $89.00 off Entire Sale | -$89.00 |
| Tax | $0.00 |
| Total | $161.00 |