Rewind and Fast Forward slow or stops when not in play mode
 

Does anyone have and ideas as to why VCR playback would be good with rewind and Fast Forward during playback but slow or stopping when not in play mode?

If trying to rewind the tape or fast forward it will appear to struggle, stop or maybe rewind/FFW at the speed it would when a tape is playing.

I don't think it's an idler problem or a belt problem but I could be very wrong, the best moves manually with no signs of being worn/shiny.

If it were a motor problem I'm unsure why that would be as regular functions work well when in playback.

Happy for any suggestions.

I would first check the belt and idler mechanism. But regardless, fast winding is a tougher job for VCRs and there is no help from the capstan and pinch roller as there is in play or search modes.

That is the first thing I thought was the belt would be loose or out of shape but it appears to be strong and looks like new but it could be deceiving, I will try another belt.

Good to verify what I can rule out too.