Thanks, Jim, for pointing out this site that offers repair notes and replacement parts for VCRs.

http://www.fixer.com/

There was an off-line discussion about VHS-Hi-Fi tracking and breakup in Hi-Fi playback and how to correct it. I brought Jim Wheeler into it, and he agreed to write this article. —Richard

I invented the automatic tracking system in 1976 but it is pricey.  If you want to pay about $2,000 for a pro-VHS machine, you can get true auto-tracking.  Manual tracking works for most tapes.  If not, there was a problem with the recording VCR.  Alcohol is not good for cleaning heads and tape guides.  I always use Xylene and you can buy Xylene at hardware and paint stores.  Do not use Xylene on a pinch roller!  Have your window open when you use it.  I sniffed Xylene for over 30 years and am still okay–okay–okay….I recommend using Xylene for cleaning all components in the tape path except the pinch roller.  I recommend Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning pinch rollers. [Some of us are using Formula 409 on pinch rollers—it depends on the pinch roller and its application—Richard] (more…)