I have a Sony SLV-N71 VCR with the marketing gimmick known as an
"Automatic Head Cleaner." How would I remove this thing from the VCR?
I'm thinking it would be fairly obvious after opening it up, but I would
like to know from someone who has done this before.

Since the unit is now several years old, I cannot imagine that the
automatic head cleaner is doing anything good. By this time, it is
probably just making the heads dirty when they were previously cleaned.

I'd rather clean the heads and tape path manually when necessary. It
also seems like this would prolong the life of the heads.

Also, does anyone know who manufactured the majority of the components
inside this VCR? I've seen several references for other Sony models, but
not much about this one.

Thank you.

Jim K wrote:
I have a Sony SLV-N71 VCR with the marketing gimmick known as an
"Automatic Head Cleaner." How would I remove this thing from the VCR?
..

There is an arm with a sponge roller that contacts the head during tape
loading. Simply peel the foam off the roller hub. Make sure the hub
doesn't make contact with the head (it shouldn't)

John

John-Del wrote:

There is an arm with a sponge roller that contacts the head during tape
loading. Simply peel the foam off the roller hub. Make sure the hub
doesn't make contact with the head (it shouldn't)

Thanks for the information.

I got it out... it lifted right off and the hub does not contact the
heads or the drum. The other VCR will be getting this same treatment.

It was, in fact, causing some problems. The foam was starting to break
down and flake off. It wasn't much, but it was enough to temporarily
clog the heads. It looks like it could eventually damage the heads by
getting caught on them, especially as it wears out more.

For future reference for anyone who finds this in a search, the auto
cleaner activates every time a tape is inserted or ejected (I watched
it). It is worth taking a few seconds to remove it before it damages the
heads.