Tape will not load

Step 1 - Open the Case Use a small screwdriver to open the case. Be careful with the contents inside after the case is open, as you do not want the tape and the system to fall out of the case and unwind. To prevent this, keep your finger on top or use a small piece of masking tape to keep everything in place.
Step 2 - Look Inside Take a look inside the case to see if there is a simple problem with the retraction system. For example, the spring might be undamaged but unhinged from the tape, or there might be dirt clogging the spring. If it's an easy fix, remove the dirt or reinsert the spring, and then proceed to the sixth step to close the case.
Step 3 - Remove the Tape If the problem runs deeper than a bit of debris, you will have to remove the tape to observe the retraction system. Take the tape slowly out of the case, holding the retraction system in place. Once the tape is completely out, disconnect it from the spring.
Step 4 - Replace or Fix the Retraction System If the spring is broken, disconnected, or damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one. You can purchase a new part at the same store you bought your tape measure from. Make sure you have the model number and size when you go to the store to get the exact fit.
Step 5 - Put the Tape Back After replacing the spring, connect the tape to the spring by putting the end of the spring into the hole at the start of the tape. There is usually a part connected with tape. Use some masking tape to put it back together. After you've secured the connection, let the tape roll slowly back into the case.
Step 6 - Close the Case Having tested the retraction system by letting the tape roll in, you have successfully repaired your retraction system. Now, remove the masking tape keeping the system inside the case, and reattach the top cover with the screwdriver. Your measuring tape should retract again properly.
If, after completing this guide, your tape measure still doesn't work properly, consider purchasing a new one or upgrading to a laser tape measure for reading at a distance.

Hi Sonnyfresh, Follow the following steps:

Step 1 - Open the Case Use a small screwdriver to open the case. Be careful with the contents inside after the case is open, as you do not want the tape and the system to fall out of the case and unwind. To prevent this, keep your finger on top or use a small piece of masking tape to keep everything in place.
Step 2 - Look Inside Take a look inside the case to see if there is a simple problem with the retraction system. For example, the spring might be undamaged but unhinged from the tape, or there might be dirt clogging the spring.It's an easy fix, remove the dirt or reinsert the spring, and then proceed to the sixth step to close the case.
Step 3 - Remove the Tape If the problem runs deeper than a bit of debris, you will have to remove the tape to observe the retraction system. Take the tape slowly out of the case, holding the retraction system in place. Once the tape is completely out, disconnect it from the spring.

Step 4 - Replace or Fix the Retraction System If the spring is broken, or damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one. You should be able to replace it. Make sure you have the model number and size when you go to the purchase one.

Step 5 - Put the Tape Back After replacing the spring, connect the tape to the spring by putting the end of the spring into the hole at the start of the tape. There is usually a part connected with tape. Use some masking tape to put it back together. After you've secured the connection, let the tape roll slowly back into the case.
Step 6 - Close the Case Test the retraction system by letting the tape roll in, hopefully you have repaired retraction system. Remove the masking tape keeping the system inside the case, and reattach the top cover with the screwdriver. Your tape should retract again properly.

Kind regards
Davoid

That is exactly what a typical M-Load mechanism is supposed to do. Once the VHS tape cassette is inserted, cassette housing cover will be flipped up and two arms will pull tape out of cassette housing to wrap tape around cylindrical spinning head housing that contains video heads and, if VHS HI-FI, audio heads as well. When stop or eject button is pressed, arms will retract and tape will wind back into cassette housing. What type of problem are you experiencing with unit? It may have nothing to do with M-load engaging tape around head cylinder.

When there's a problem with the drive mechanism of a VCR it will shut down to prevent damage. All operations of a VCR are controlled by a computer chip. This is told what mode the mechanism is in by a Mode Switch. If this is faulty it can cause the machine to play up. Sometimes a spray of Video 40 on the mode switch can restore operation. However it will not correct the problem if the mechanism has any damage on it.

"first remove the power to the unit, pop the top lid off, (4 screws) then u will see a controle board secured on top, there are 2 screswes on teh side, becareful not to break any of the wires connected to the board when sliding out of the way. below this board is where the tape is located. You should notice a number of visable plastic grears onthe side of the loading mechanisim. there reall is only one u need to be concerned with, It is Located on the left side of the motor, motor is located to the rear left side of the mechanisim. there u will see a long a FLAT gear, just to the left of the motor, there is a small amount of play in this gear, push this geer twords the rear of the unit and hold it there, reinsert the powersupply and press eject, this will tigger the eject mechanism and pop the tape out"

l would sacrifice a old or bad tape here, remove all the tape inside a cassette and tape off the small sensor holes on each side.

That way no tape to damage and you can insert it to see what is happening.


What likely is the issue is when stop it, it or if the tape does not fully load against the drum with heads, when the arms retract that pull the tape out of the cassette the mechanism is not switching to rewind it back into the cassette.

Usually this means a belt is slipping or the idler unit is not working---belts can break or stretch or even come off---belts will get slopply or bad from NO use and it is common.

The mechanisim got jamed some how,It will cost you more to repair it.just go out and buy a different one,

The fault seems to be in the sensor and the mode switch of the loading system which is connected with the main controller processor and loading driver.
This can be a failure of the tape end detector which is a IR - infra red- emitter which is placed in the center of the tape tray and MUST feed continuous signal to the END IR detectors placed at either ends.
Also the tape seems to load with a false detection of the cassette within when the tray is closed for this reason of the failure along with a possible misplaced mode switch settings. This triggers to make the loading move without a reason and so can be due to failure of the the mode switch or unbalanced settings.You will need some experience to remove the tray unit, then check on the IR sensors and also check the settings of the loading drive and mode switch.

the head is dirty or the head is out of alignment.

It's dirty inside, you need to send it off to be cleaned.