I bought this Corona two summers ago, thinking I could fix it, but it is evident that I cannot. I would like to sell this unique machine to someone who would like to fix it.

It types well and the carriage advances, but it is not useable because the ribbon reverse isn't working. It will only pull the ribbon one way, and sometimes it will not pull the ribbon either way. There is something wrong with the metal linkage that connects the ribbon advance mechanisms on each side, but I'm not able to fix it. Also, the linkage to one of the keys (the exponent 4 and 5 key) is missing, so that key is not useable. The backspace, also, is not working. I am asking only $25 plus shipping for this typewriter because I would really like to see it go to someone who will be able to fix it. It will come with the metal key top covers that were on it when I purchased it.

I have sold and shipped well over a dozen typewriters on eBay, so I am very experienced at packing them. This typewriter will be very well protected during shipment.

Please let me know if you have any questions, or would like more photos!

I've got a cursive, plastic H3K that needs new washers inside the case (it's very difficult to open!), a lovely blue Corona 4 with special math keys that has more problems than I can name right now, an Underwood Ace that needs some feet, a Hermes standard with a wacky escapement, etc. If I have time, I'll make a post about them soon.

You're in luck! I actually have a parts RE and a working RE, and I can help you with pictures if you can show me what specifically I need to photograph. I could also check out the springs on my parts RE and see if they're the same as what you need. If so, I'd have no problem shipping some to you if I can get them off.

This is odd, but I was working on another unrelated Model O and the same problem occured - except much worse. I was typing some test sentences, not even working on the rails as I was fixing sticky keys, and the movement because sluggish and then stopped completely. This happened quickly after I had written several lines without issue. The carriage moves when I hold the carriage release and the carriage return (without holding carriage release) is only slightly heavier than usual, but on keystrokes there is no movement. I have to push the carriage to get it to advance, and even then it takes a fair bit of effort.

I don't know what happened, but I do know this one is severe enough that it won't work itself out like last time. Basically, here's what I'm wondering: Is there a way for me to access the escapement without removing the carriage? If not, how should I go about removing it? I'm thinking a bit of dirt or dust fell from the rails and is embedded in the escapement gear.

beak wrote:

Reminds me of corroded batteries, and I associate this with zinc.

Beak, I think you hit the nail on the head. I did some quick research into zinc corrosion, and from the images and description I'm fairly certain that's what I'm dealing with.

Here's a link to a Wikipedia article about zinc corrosion.
And a quote from that same article: "It is called wet storage stain because it occurs when a fresh zinc surface is stored in a wet environment with limited oxygen and carbon dioxide sources; the restriction in air is usually due to the items being stacked on one another or otherwise stored in close quarters".
This actually makes a lot of sense for a portable typewriter stored in a wet environment, since it would be closed in its case with limited air. The article also details some removal methods, which I'll be sure to try.

And finally, here's a picture of zinc corrosion on a ring that is very similar to the corrosion on the Model O

Thanks for the help guys! Problem solved in just a few hours.