Snow on tape disappears on ejection, reinsertion?

[zigipha]

I have a sony TRV-350 playing a hi8 tape. Things generally go well on playback but once in a while (on a few tapes, not all), i start to see artifacts on the upper half - either "snow" or what looks like blocking artifacts (but its Hi8). Start/stop tape occasionally fixes it but often open the side door/have tape carriage rise, then push it back down (no actual tape removal), and it plays just fine.

So its not the source material; is it tracking issue? Or loose tape transport?

TYVM

[latreche34]

Dirt and grim can push the tape off track, Try to do a thorough cleaning of the entire tape path and all the heads, Inspect the pinch roller and make sure it's clean, in good shape and no cracks in it. Dried up grease can cause the exact same issue, It is a good idea to clean and re lube the entire mechanism. It is not easy to do but it can be done with partial disassembly of the cassette door, It is a good idea to send it out for service if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

[hodgey]

Would have to check to be sure but I think these camcorders have a head cleaning sponge thing that will try to clean the heads when a tape is inserted so maybe that's what's happening when you are re-inserting a tape. Doing a manual clean as suggested might help it clog a bit less though.

[zigipha]

Ty. I'll look into the service..i have tried to disassemble the door to get into the mechanism in the past but have gotten stuck after a few steps. Can you suggest some resources that would be helpful?

I have used alcohol swabs for the head cleaning; would that be used for the rollers as well?

[zigipha]

So played another 2 tapes and they played fine; no gradual degradation.

Could it be a tape issue?

TYIA for your thoughts