Lifted my VCR to dust underneath it and dropped it back onto the shelf. The fall was know more than 18 inches or so. Since than it eats tapes when fast forwarding or rewinding. Also, when recording the VCR will shut off after 15 minutes.

Can anybody lend me some advice in what the Heck happened and how do I fix it.

sf1ruiz, September 2004

sfruiz:
Butterfingers. Even if you hadn't dropped the VCR you'd had problems with it eventually. The Hitachi is known for these problems when submitted to be repaired. Here's what the Intrepid-video database has to say about this model and that problem:
VTFX613 Ejects tape on load - Repair solution replace Mode switch. Not an expensive item. They can do it for you if you are still feeling like a kultz. http://intrepid-video.com
Or you can attempt it yourself with the following websites.
http://www.kenselectronics.com/lists/VCRrepair.htm
http://www.fixer.com/
http://www.howstuffworks.com/vcr.htm
But if you're like me and you need a visual representation of the words go to Jon Steigers site and see how he repaired his VCR and maybe it'll keep you. If it does send him all the change in your pocket through paypal.
http://www.jonsteiger.com/WWW/VCRFIX/
Good luck to you slippery fingers.

Jon Kemp, September 2004