I have a Panasonic Omnivision PV-1231R top-loading VCR and since top-loaders are such a rare commodity around here, I've been really trying hard to get it to work. I've cleaned the heads and capstans, I blasted the mode switch with contact cleaner, I even replaced the belts, but it still just won't play a tape.
When you insert a tape and push play, it pulls the tape out like normal and the head drum starts spinning. But after about 30 seconds, everything pulls back and the head stops spinning, leaving the tape pulled out like this:
https://i.imgur.com/GHP39Cl.jpg
Is there some other cause to this problem I just haven't considered yet?