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5140's B: Drive

xp0nentz

xp0nentz

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2025
Messages
758
Hello, my 5140's B drive makes a retry noise whenever I try to run or save a file to it. The thing is, it reads directory perfectly. Does anyone know what could be causing this?
 
HINT: Despite no information from you, most likely it is a double sided floppy drive.
 
If you think you can do it without inducing mechanical damage, then clean at least the upper head of that problematic drive. If you've never done that , try to use a cleaning set -- diskette and fluid.
 
george said:
If you think you can do it without inducing mechanical damage, then clean at least the upper head of that problematic drive. If you've never done that , try to use a cleaning set -- diskette and fluid.
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Yeah, I had an inkling to think it was a dirty head. I'll buy a 3.5 inch cleaning diskette.
 
Hello all. Could someone please link me a 3.5 inch cleaning diskette on eBay?
 
Ordered the cleaning diskette, hopefully this works. Otherwise, I think it's either an alignment issue or a drive issue.
 
xp0nentz said:
Ordered the cleaning diskette, hopefully this works. Otherwise, I think it's either an alignment issue or a drive issue.
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Isn't alignment issue a drive issue? Pay attention to the cleaning of the upper head.
 
Alrighty, tried the cleaning disk to no avail. It's most likely drive alignment. Also, what does it mean if it makes a worse version of drive noises? It's always done that.
 
I suggest removing the cover of the drive and looking at the condition of the read/write heads. If the read/write heads have bent or partially detached, one would expect a lot of noise as the heads are moved. Theoretically, that could be repaired but few have the ability to correctly line up within one four hundredth of an inch.

Pictures of the drive interior might prompt ideas on potential fixes. Or may not. All the very likely causes seem to have already been checked.
 
krebizfan said:
I suggest removing the cover of the drive and looking at the condition of the read/write heads. If the read/write heads have bent or partially detached, one would expect a lot of noise as the heads are moved. Theoretically, that could be repaired but few have the ability to correctly line up within one four hundredth of an inch.

Pictures of the drive interior might prompt ideas on potential fixes. Or may not. All the very likely causes seem to have already been checked.
Click to expand...
I will try to send a picture of the interior over my spring break since that's when I'll be free. I might just replace the drive since that seems easier.
 
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