IBM Selectric 7XXD problems

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Half-Saint

04 Jul 2013, 11:44

I just saved a "working" IBM Selectric 7XXD typewriter from the dump. Literally took it out of the container :D

Brought it back to the workshop and it works but there are a few issues:
- when I press Return, I get a CR but no LF. It stays in exactly the same line so any new text overwrites the old one
- paper is kinda loose and if I turn the wheels it only goes up but not back down
- anyone have a spare Paper Release Lever? :D

- are there any instructions about cleaning and lubing this beast?

Thanks for your help. Hoping to restore this guy to full working order

EDIT:
found the manual on-line here: http://www.selectric.org/selectric/manual/selectric.pdf

User avatar
Peter

04 Jul 2013, 13:12

Here is the 'Adjustment Parts Manual' , showing the adjustments one can make .
http://www.marklin-users.net/cookee_nz/ ... ov1980.pdf
For instructions on how to do it, you need the actual service-manual, all the links I can find are DEAD :(
This may also be of help :
http://bitsavers.trailing-edge.com/pdf/ ... writer.pdf

There are some videos on Youtube as well ...

'Selectrics' rescued from the trash probably need one of these :
ibm1.JPG
ibm1.JPG (495.45 KiB) Viewed 4085 times
A gasoline-bath !
(I have a picture of a Selectric in gasoline somewhere, will post it when I find it !)

User avatar
Half-Saint

04 Jul 2013, 23:12

Gasoline??! Wouldn't that also remove all the oils and lubricants?

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Daniel Beardsmore

04 Jul 2013, 23:16

Love the dead fish keys :)

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Muirium
µ

04 Jul 2013, 23:45

Ah, a good old suite of cryptic symbols! Don't know why they missed Tab.

Just easy on the heavy chemicals with that thing. Are you feeling all right, Peter? Has Friday come early again?

User avatar
bhtooefr

05 Jul 2013, 21:56

Half-Saint wrote:Gasoline??! Wouldn't that also remove all the oils and lubricants?
That's the idea.

You remove the old gummed up lubricants, and then relubricate it.

User avatar
Half-Saint

06 Jul 2013, 12:57

What about the horrible smell of gasoline? Does it wear off?

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bhtooefr

06 Jul 2013, 13:37

Mineral spirits or kerosene would also work (and would probably be kinder to the plastics, too?)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/golfballt ... ssage/4245

User avatar
dorkvader

10 Jul 2013, 05:34

Since one of my two selectric II's is also only "working" I will pay attention here and see what might be done with it. I suspect it merely needs cleaning, as it will only "sometimes" advance past about 3 col or so.


I haven't worried too much, as my other selectric II works great and is anticipating some optical switching devices "real soon now".

Thanks for the tips thus far.

User avatar
lcg

28 Jul 2013, 17:01

I recently acquired a gummed up Selectric III that I'm going to work on. Thank you for the tips.


Last bumped by Half-Saint on 28 Jul 2013, 17:01.

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