My wife bought a used Minolta V-1400 camcorder and yup, it didn't work. Unit was originally made by Hitachi but I don't have a model cross-reference (believe it may be either a VM100 or VM1200). I've replace all the belts, but have a question. On each of the gears that drive the spindles there is residue indicating that there was either a belt or tire on that gear. Each gear also has a spring-loaded pressure foot riding in the groove. Since I don't have a manual I was hoping someone could help with this question. Is there supposed to be a belt or rubber tire riding in this groove?
A prior owner pried open the cassette carriage when the load/unload/eject belt broke to get the tape out, which bent the carriage. I realigned the carriage and replaced the load/unload/eject belt and idler drive belt. The unit now loads, unloads, and ejects, but when I record a tape, it plays back with snow. I believe this may be caused by excessive back tension because the mystery belt/tires are missing. Any help would be appreciated.