cassette tape poping noise

[cody93]

unknown year AM/FM cassette radio, it would of been the stock one on my 87 ranger had it come with a radio from the PO. problem is when ever i play a cassette tape, im getting a realy bad popping noise. AM/FM are clear, the tapes are good and work in my other truck or home stereo. if i use a casstte to 3.5mm audio jack adapter, its clear, so im guessing the head is good. the drive motor is running at correct speed and tapes dont sound stretched, could it be magnetic interference from the drive motor?

 

[adsm08]

The head unit is the issue. It's probably the read head. Try to find a cleaning cassette. Barring that, you will be out a tape player.