>>>> "pzachary" == pzachary
<pzachary(a)sasquatch.com> writes:
pzachary> remove the rust, rather than waiting for it to get worse, a
pzachary> very fine scotchbrite pad will do. Then coat it with a
pzachary> protectant, heavy,inert grease (cosmoline). I don't think
pzachary> the heads are chemically sensitive.
Ye gods.
Don't do any of that until you do a regular head cleaning. As others
pointed out, chances are it's just loose tape oxide.
And in particular, do NOT, repeat, NOT, put oil or grease on the head
under any circumstance. While the head itself might not object, it
will certainly get into the tape edge guide mechanism, at which point
you have a big hassle on your hands getting the crud out.
paul