I have a Daewoo ST700D VCR that I haven't used for quite some time. A few days ago I was searching for something, and the first two tapes played just fine, but when feeding the third tape, it looked to be empty. I went back to some other tapes, and they all seem like there's nothing on them now. All tapes still play well on a different VCR.
I'm using the RCA plugs for output and the RF antenna for input. Live TV and menus are still clear and solid.

After a bit of running those types the VCR started "eating" those tapes, so I cleaned the Mode Switch from oil that dropped in, using a napkin and an electronics cleaning spray - this fixed the tape eating issue. I have already had this latter issue once before and fixed it the same way, only this time I was more thorough. I am not sure how it should be with this VCR, but I did notice that when fast forwarding or rewinding (that is without picture) the tape still runs wrapped around the spinning drum/heads.

I later tried recording from TV and then playing on a different VCR – the audio was there but the video was bad – typically, the bottom of the screen would look fine with a lot of noise and horizontal lines at the top (sync???). After a few seconds of playback the LG would pop a blue Dr. screen that suggests cleaning the heads. When replacing the tape or even merely ejecting it, the head status would change back to OK. I verified that the other LG 2 head VCR could record & play on that tape (it wasn't new, but not too old, as I have no new tapes), and it did so perfectly.
I then went back to the ST700D to retest those 2 new recordings and found that for a second I can see some details in both new videos but those would quickly vanish. The audio seemed to hold a bit longer. The ST700D recording was maybe a bit clearer. I went back to the old recordings and they still showed nothing.
How can I fix my VCR?
And thanks in advance!

Burrito, February 2007

you have a bad head clog.
first you need to clean the video heads with some pure alcohol and chamois. chances are that if tape spilled into the machine, it picked up grease off the deck and smeared it onto the heads.

while in there, remove any of those stupid 'auto head cleaner' devices , they just replace the dirt back onto the heads after a while!

try also replacing the pinch roller, this can cause all sorts of tracking problems and wrinkle the tape edges.

if none of thaat works the heads may have been damaged.

romko, February 2007