cassette tape won't eject from older AC-Delco deck

[GeoNOregon]

I have a 1989 Olds '88' with the factory AC-Delco AM-FM cassette tape stereo with an integrated equalizer. There is a tape in the player that will not eject. The problem this causes is the radio doesn't play unless the tape ejects and I only listen to the radio.

I took the deck out and dis-assembled it. It was the first player of this type I've had apart. I was surprised how modular it is. It reminded me of the stereo I have in my shop, which I have taken apart numerous times to keep it alive.

I spent two hours trying to release the tape. The problem I'm having is I can't remember if the tape loads into the deck by a motor and gear drive, or if it mechanically loads into the deck by manual force, and is held in place by a spring-loaded catch, (the Olds was parked for almost 9 years due to a mechanical problem, so it's been a long time since I used the radio).

If anyone can help me get that **** tape out, I'd greatly appreciate the sharing of your knowledge. I can post as many pics as it would take, to help, (from any angle or distance you request).

I'm disabled and live on SS Disability, so taking it to a shop for repair, or replacing it is something I'd rather not do - besides, the rest of the deck works great, it has some good features, and I primarily listen to talk radio while in the car.

Thanks in advance,

GeoD

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[The HACKER 10+ year member]

I would reccomend using maybe compressed air?? Clean the electrical with some electrical cleaner from the auto parts stores?? See what that might do...does it power up??

 

[goingdef 10+ year member]

is the eject button kind of long if it is more then likely spring loaded it's the kind that took a little force going in then at the last second would give and insert drop down and start playing, I had a few go out and if you f*ck with it enough you can get it out.

 

[Cabin_Pressure 10+ year member]

What's a cassette tape?

 

[GeoNOregon]

@ the Hacker: it powers up, and when I press the 'Eject' button, I hear a solenoid 'clack', but until the tape ejects, the radio doesn't work. I have the unit disassembled, but can't find any way to release the tape. Someone, elsewhere, said it was gear driven and I need to manually move the gears through the 'cycle'. The only things I can move are the plunger of a solenoid and some mechanism that moves the heads against the tape.

It's like the deck is stuck half way between insert and play or between play and eject.

@ goingdef: the car sat for almost 9 years, so it's been so long since I used the unit I don't remember if it's a mechanical load and eject, or if it's motorized. When I was first driving the car, and discovered the screwed up tape portion of the unit, I do remember that if I pressed the eject button over and over, it eventually ejected the tape. Now, all that happens when I press the button is I hear a solenoid 'clacking'.

@deafwish: "What's a cassette tape?" Right now it's a major pain in the posterior!

Thanks for the replies.

Later,

GeoD

 

[power-fanatic07 5,000+ posts]

Take the tape player out and throw it in the garbage. CD players are cheap.