Panasonic AG-1980 not loading?
 

See video.

-First off, the VCR always tries to load a tape whenever powered on.
-Next, when you give it a tape, it drops partway down to the reel table, runs the pickup reel for a few seconds, then drops the tape completely down and threads it.
-At this point one can play a tape with no issue.
-Ejecting a tape works fine. As soon as the eject cycle is complete, it tries to load the tape again!

Only thing I can really think of as to why it would try to load a tape at powerup is if either the mode switch is off by a bit in the timing cycle or if one of the IR sensors is being blocked somehow. I am pretty sure the IR sensor being blocked is what tells the deck that you've inserted a tape and initiates loading. Could also be that the tape basket loader (which can fully detach from the deck with 4 screws) is off by a tooth or two on the gear that drives it.

I fixed the tape basket loader already. The alignment is perfect. I pulled the chassis and checked some of the timing marks (remember to advance the transport to "tape down but not threaded" before taking it apart) and they might be slightly off. I can't easily see the marker on the "sub cam gear", but I'm betting its slightly off, throwing off the mode switch which looks to be slightly off too.

Eventually I'll get around to tearing this mess apart and realigning those two gears. The loading arm gears are in the correct place. I'm guessing the sub cam gear can only be removed by removing the main cam gear? If so..... ugh.

AG-1980P is the VCR you both love and hate. All owners get my nod of respect, and my sympathy.

As they say, nothing in life is free. :soapbox:

I realigned the mechanism. It now loads correctly. I now know why people hate these decks with a passion. I also found out that the loading motor coupler is slipping, so I still have that to fix. I might have effed up the capstan shaft alignment in the process, but it seems to work. Anybody have the capstan housing centering tool? :smack: At least its lubricated properly, but getting those oil seals on is..... ugh.