JVC HR-S9800U common playback issue?

[Dougmc]

I best guess which like most of us can do without looking at it is the pinchroller arm is not
Parallel with the capstan shaft and the tape is
traveling either up or down not staying in correct position on the control track head.
You may find the tape is getting damage ,wrinkles on edge of tape.
Only suggestion I would have find another pinch roller
Assembly.

[jham55]

Thanks everyone it was the bent pinch roller arm.

[aramkolt]

These are pretty odd sets of issues you're having and I wouldn't have expected the pinch roller to have caused that, but I suppose if you are getting variable tape contact with the capstan shaft, it could do that.

[jham55]

I had to literally remove the pinch roller arm and put it in a vice grip to bend it back. No idea how that happened. With the scope on it it was aligned pretty good and plays well.