Teac A-3300S - Owners Care and Maintenance; Cleaning Procedures

Owner's care of the TEAC 3300S
Cleaning of the heads.
The single most important point in tape deck maintenance
is frequent and proper cleaning of the heads. The heads
should always be cleaned before making important record¬
ings and at least once for every 8 hours of use (record or
playback). Dirty heads will cause a reduction in high fre¬
quency response, irregular head wear, drop out and in ex¬
treme cases may cause the deck not to record at all. The
small amount of time and effort required will be more than
compensated for by the higher quality of recording and re¬
production available if these procedures are followed.
Commonly used cleaning fluids are chJorothane, absolute
(anhydrous) alcohol and TEAC Head Cleaner (Fluid “A" in
the TZ-261 kit).
Chlorothane is non-flammable and has excellent cleaning
properties. Alcohol is harmless but is combustible and its
cleaning properties are lower. TEAC Head Cleaning Fluid
is non-toxic, non-combustible and has excellent cleaning
properties and its use is recommended.
Using a stiff cotton swab or a piece of gauze dipped in
cleaning fluid, rub the entire head surface,being cautious
not to scratch it. Repeat the process on each head until all
discoloration and tape oxides are removed. Clean all metal
parts over which the tape passes, such as capstan shaft, tape
guides, tape lifters etc.
The cotton swabs should have a rigid shaft, a satisfactory
job cannot be accomplished with the slender flexible types
often seen.
TZ-261 HEAD AND RUBBER CLEANER
Cleaning of the pinch roller
After prolonged use the pinch roller will accumulate a film
of oxide. Use only Fluid “B" from the TEAC TZ-261 kit
as it is especially formulated for cleaning rubber surfaces.
Do not use chlorothane as it will cause deterioration of the
rubber roller.
NOTE: The newer tape formulations leave a gray or white
residue which is difficult to detect. Regular clean¬
ing schedules should be established rather than
relying on observation.
Cleaning of the cabinet
Ordinary furniture cleaner and polish can be used to
maintain the attractive finish.
Cleaning the faceplate
A soft cloth and mild cleaning fluids (non-abrasive) can be
used to restore the luster of the faceplate. An oil-damped
cloth will also give good results, but take care not to get oil
on the tape path components such as the pinch roller,
capstan, etc.
TZ-255 OIL KIT