Hiya.  Pana VCR/DVD combo with VCR deck problems.  Deck does odd things, like load up the tape, then try to unload it, then load it again, stop, go into FF mode, eject etc - all totally at random - never seen a VCR do this before, is there such a thing as VCR senility?

Unhealthy noises coming from deck, tape often getting wrapped around the capstan - we're talking a couple of meters here...

Error codes I am getting are H02 and FO6, if that means anything.

Mode switch perhaps?
Doing a bit of a clean up, but the tape sticking to the capstan worries me.

Nothing  really that fits the bill, but try these:-
Check for bulging caps (1000uf) in PS.
Check for broken gears on mecha.
Remove mode switch & clean or replace.
While you have the board out resolder sensors.
Also these are very sensitive to light and do strange things with lid off.

Re: Caps in the PSU - WELL SPOTTED!  Thanks.  Two caps bulging, one of which has burst and brown electolyte visable on the top of the cap.  I would not mind betting that noisy PSU rails would and could cause at least some of the odd behaviour.  I will replace them before I do anything else - had my mind homed in on deck problems, never thought of the PSU, so thanks - Monday-itis...

I have pulled the deck out, but can't see anything mechanically out of place, and all the gears appear to have alll their teeth, and the slide-plate is OK(not cracked), so I think mechanically, it is OK.  Will do the caps, then post back.

Replaced caps, but no help.  VCR very touchy about light, so in dark room with small LED torch, can see  that take-up spool not turning, unit plays tape for about 3 seconds, then shuts off - understandable if the take-up is not turning...
Having a close look at the take-up parts of the mech now, and will keep you posted.

Right-side cassette loading arm cracked - this is the arm that ensures that the tape is correctly loaded, and firmly in place in the deck.  It's cracked, so the tape is "Floating" in the deck, and not held down firmly in place.  This is where the noise is coming from.  Load tape, and hold it down with your fingers, and the machine works.  Let go of the tape, the take-up stops turning, and the capstan starts feeding the tape into the mech.  Fun and games, eh?(rhetorical!)

Now just have to see if I can get another loading arm.  VCR parts are starting to get hard to find now, with the move to HDD recorders...

The side plate units (L and R) are available separately, by that I mean the fittings with the necessary grooves to guide the cassette in and down. Otherwise you need the cassette holder unit, one part that consists of the metal plate that fits under the cassette together with the end parts which travel along the above grooves - you probably know what I mean.

Yep, Pana NZ say they can supply replacement.