Weird PS2 problem, refuses to read DVD-R properly

I've modded a couple of PS2s in the past, but this one is giving me major problems. It's a V7 (GH-022) in which I installed a Modbo 4.0 (V1.99) chip.
Games on DVD-R boot, but you can hear the laser really struggling to read the discs. It sounds like it is constantly adjusting. Loading times are also much longer than normal. Original games on CD, DVD and even DVD9 work perfectly, games on CD-R work great too. I've tried different brands of DVD-/+Rs, Taiyo Yudens work ok but not perfect, the standard middle of the road stuff like Ritek is worse (all of the discs work perfect in other PS2s). Adjusting the power of the laser (KHS-400C) down from 1300 ohms to 900 ohms in steps didn't change anything.

So I thought old laser, no big deal, and ordered 2 replacement KHS-400C (one as spare).
Installed the first new laser and it's still the same. Original games play perfectly, DVD-Rs not. Installed the second new laser, still the same. I then tested both new lasers in my different PS2 (V9) and they read all DVD-Rs that I have.
Then I tried adjusting the white cog by a couple of steps each time, but that only made it worse, so I put it back to the original position.
Surely this can't be the fault of the modchip?

 

Yes that v1.99 never worked as good as the v1.93. Try changing the modchip and see if it helps. If you need a 1.93v modbo 4.0 I have a bunch.

 

I know the V1.99s have a bad reputation but can the read problems really be the result of the modchip?
All games boot 100% of the time.
If I disable the chip by holding Start and try a movie on DVD-R it also struggles to read the disc.

 

http://assemblergames.com/l/threads/playstation-2-mechacon-adjustment-program-pmap.61003/

 

I really don't get of going thru the trouble of a Mod Chip and playing games via a DVD-R. Going with an internal hard drive so much faster on game loads and saving wear on the console.

 

And ESR already has a high compatibility rate too.

 

That seems like a very complicated process, I'm not sure I'm able to do that. Are there people that successfully used that tool to fix similar problems?

I know there's a lot of ways to play games on the PS2, I have a harddrive as well. But playing from disc is the most convenient way for me. OPL compatibility is still hit and miss for a lot of games (and fiddling around with mode settings) and I hate having to remove the adapter and pull out the harddrive just to install a new game. Install from disc is perfect for me. (the network install tool never worked for me and it's even slower than installing via disc)
In short: PS2 with FMCB and HDD = great; PS2 with HDD and Modchip = even better.

 

When it does work, a mod chip is marvelous. DVD-R automatically boots in the very same fashion Sony meant games to.
Or install them right to HDD, no network or swap trick.

Except for the whole "work" part. Installing the chip, and fixing it should anything go wrong, not so fun.

 

IMO, if you don't need the chip, it would be better to go without it. One less potential obstacle for some homebrew software.

OPL should be compatible with most games. If you find that it is a hit or miss with a lot of your games, it is probably just the selection of games that you have.

 

Honestly if you look on eBay or cl you can find someone who can install or already has freemcboot on a memory card. Even has HD loader already in there and it's pretty easy to use for the most part.