The capstan problem on the 7974As is the #1 problem with that drive.
Otherwise it's a good machine.  I have a business associate who recoats the
capstans from 7974A tape drives.  I haven't had to deal with one in a while
but this should be simple enough to accomplish.  IMPORTANT!!!  Save all bad
capstans from all 7974As!!!  If we don't have bad capstans to recoat, we
cannot do it.

This kind of situation also occurs on cartridge tape drives in 7911, 7912,
7914 units as well as the 9144As.  If anything these capstans are even easier
to recoat.  It's just a lot harder to get the rebuilt capstan installed.

If someone needs to get a capstan recoated, please email me and we can make
arrangements.  I will be out of town for two + weeks but this can get
coordinated and completed while I'm gone.

Alternate recommendation: upgrade to a 7979A or 7980A - the best reel-to-reel
drives HP ever made???

Wayne Boyer
Cal-Logic