Toshiba SV-771C not ejecting tape tray

[technoman9]

That's awesome, I never saw the JVC unit before! What are your thoughts on these tray load units? I've heard the Toshiba was among the more reliable VCR designs in the early 90s, but that's just what I've heard. It does have a very good picture.

I figured out how to take apart the SV-771 last night and located the mode switch on the underside of the blue mode wheel. I also saw quite a bit of grease all over the shaft and opening in the switch, so this makes me wonder if some has made it inside over the years and gummed up the contacts.

Unfortunately, I can't see a good way to take the switch apart without destroying it. Prying on the tan board just bends it hard around the center but nothing feels like it will release nicely. I sprayed some contact cleaner through the tiny opening where the board sticks out for the ribbon cable so we'll see if that helps any. I hate to wreck the switch since it technically "works" and is completely unobtanium.

Also found out the owner of stereomanuals.com, Rick, passed away a few months ago so I won't be able to get a service manual for this bad boy. Hopefully cleaning the switch helps the erratic behavior of my unit.