Tiny Crack in PS1 Game - Question!

[Ghudda]

So, I have a copy of MediEvil II for the PS1 that has an extremely small crack in the disc that, unfortunately, goes slightly into the data layers. As of right now, the game still plays fine as far as I can tell (i'm going to extensively test it throughout the day). Can these cracks eventually spread and shatter overtime due to spinning or as long as I take care of the disc from now on, should it remain intact? Any way for me to reinforce the disc/crack to prevent the crack from further spreading? I've heard of absurd solutions such as using clear scotch tape to reinforce the crack.

Photo of the disc:

[Hobie-wan]

Yes, the crack can get bigger with the spinning and vibration is experiences with use, as will popping the disc on and off the spindle. Since the crack goes to the data area, air is getting in and the reflective layer will eventually corrode and it will fail. I've used model glue to stop center cracks on some used audio discs I have, but they were all still just near the center and not near the data. Unfortunately the disc will eventually fail even if you just left it in the case at this point. I'd start looking for a disc only copy to swap in, then model glue around the very center or add a tape donut (on the top) to help, and use it until it fails.

[Ghudda]

Yes, the crack can get bigger with the spinning and vibration is experiences with use, as will popping the disc on and off the spindle. Since the crack goes to the data area, air is getting in and the reflective layer will eventually corrode and it will fail. I've used model glue to stop center cracks on some used audio discs I have, but they were all still just near the center and not near the data. Unfortunately the disc will eventually fail even if you just left it in the case at this point. I'd start looking for a disc only copy to swap in, then model glue around the very center or add a tape donut (on the top) to help, and use it until it fails.

Thanks for the advice, Hobie! I actually did find a cheap disc only replacement so I have that covered. Since it'll eventually become ruined regardless, I'll go ahead and follow your advice and look into gluing the disc. When you say add glue to the very center, do you mean only add glue to the central, inner part of the disc or can I add glue to the data part of the crack as well? Also, do I apply the glue to the top side of the disc or on the bottom or both?

[CRTGAMER]

Yes, the crack can get bigger with the spinning and vibration is experiences with use, as will popping the disc on and off the spindle. Since the crack goes to the data area, air is getting in and the reflective layer will eventually corrode and it will fail. I've used model glue to stop center cracks on some used audio discs I have, but they were all still just near the center and not near the data. Unfortunately the disc will eventually fail even if you just left it in the case at this point. I'd start looking for a disc only copy to swap in, then model glue around the very center or add a tape donut (on the top) to help, and use it until it fails.

Thanks for the advice, Hobie! I actually did find a cheap disc only replacement so I have that covered. Since it'll eventually become ruined regardless, I'll go ahead and follow your advice and look into gluing the disc. When you say add glue to the very center, do you mean only add glue to the central, inner part of the disc or can I add glue to the data part of the crack as well? Also, do I apply the glue to the top side of the disc or on the bottom or both?

Any glue on the data read side will raise the disc further away from the laser eye and even throw it to a wobble. Best to dispose the disc in the trash versus risk of damaging your PS1, especially since you already have a replacement game on the way.

I repaired a rare import game related Sound DVD using home made templates and lamination, but only to make a one time read to burn a backup copy. The original disc stays in the collector book case, only the backup to be played.

Scroll down to the bottom of this Post which explains prevention and the fix:
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 36#p398336

[Ghudda]

CRT, I really appreciate the link to your guide. I was afraid the materials would be kind of difficult to gather, but looks like I have everything other than the laminating material. I may give this a shot. Thanks for the detailed info!

[CRTGAMER]

CRT, I really appreciate the link to your guide. I was afraid the materials would be kind of difficult to gather, but looks like I have everything other than the laminating material. I may give this a shot. Thanks for the detailed info!

Not sure why you would want to since you have another on the way. Even repaired, the disc could damage your console. The crack in the OP appears to be in the data area which will cause the laser to work a lot harder tracking the data. Maybe reserve the repair only for a rare game that you cannot replace? I hate trashing a game too, but would not want to put undo wear on a console laser with a marginal disc.

Now where is that PS2 game, oh here it is! This is a much worse crack then your PS1 game.

[Ghudda]

Not sure why you would want to since you have another on the way. Even repaired, the disc could damage your console. The crack in the OP appears to be in the data area which will cause the laser to work a lot harder tracking the data. Maybe reserve the repair only for a rare game that you cannot replace? I hate trashing a game too, but would not want to put undo wear on a console laser with a marginal disc.

I honestly would not play it since I would have a proper copy, i'm more interested in just preventing the damage that would be caused by corrosion as Hobie stated. This may be pointless, though, but I do hate seeing things get ruined, especially if it's not even caused by me playing it. But the point of a game is to be played and if it can't be played, then I suppose there's no point in "preserving" it. Perhaps I should give it to someone to enjoy the copy while it lasts? But there is a valid concern for it shattering in someones console.

[Hobie-wan]

The audio CDs I've repaired had a little bit of a gap between the 1 plastic layers around the inner hole so I could let some model glue seep in that gap without adding glue to the outer surfaces that the player spindle needs to have flat for holding the dics. I'd have said if there was no little trough where the glue could go, to just add a tape donut on the top center for the time being. But since you have a replacement on the way, I'd just toss it unfortunately.