Re: Version 1 Laser "White Cog"
 

I've gone ahead and did some general cleaning and oiling of PS2s that were having issues. On version 4 (and up) the white cog that adjusts the elevation or level of the laser assembly (or more specifically, the rails) is fixed. Click it into place where all media works and you're good to go.

On the version 1 that I was looking into resurrecting, said "white cog" is actuated by a tiny motorized gear that, regardless of adjustment, cycles through and positions the cog in the same (non-functioning) place.

Symptoms: CD and Audio CDs work with no problem. DVD games and DVD movies fail to load, except for instances where I've adjusted the white cog after the system has repositioned it... on the next power-up, it places itself incorrectly again.

Additionally, at boot up attempts with a DVD, it sounds like the lens elevates itself high enough to touch the disc.

Any suggestions before I decide to a) throw the thing in the rubbish, or b) acquire another laser assembly...?

If it is a V1 like you say, you're probably best off chucking the thing in the rubbish bin and gettin yourself a new v7 or something with a Messiah 2 / DMS3...

I agree
 

HAHA. Believe me,, I agree and told my friend just about the same thing. I just figured if it wasn't too complicated of a fix, she could kick it down to someone, maybe her niece...

The value (or lack of, in this case) isn't my main concern... I think I just want to defeat the problem...

I was adjusting a v1 and ran into the same problem myself. You will get some more time out of it if you adjust the laser pots, but it is just a matter of time until it dies.

Yep - bin the v1.