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Maintenance & Repairs » Olympia SF Ribbon Vibrator Sticking » 11-11-2014 17:53:17

Raoul Duke
Replies: 6

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Well, I think the problem is solved, in a strange way. After cleaning the typewriter very thoroughly, it still didn't work. Close inspection revealed what I think you were talking about Uwe. The linkage between the ribbon and keyboard, right under the tension adjuster was the thing getting stuck, "binding" up. I had been keeping the key-tension on the lowest setting, thinking it help me type more easily. I just adjusted the tension to the highest setting, and what do you know...the typewriter began to work flawlessly. My typing is faster and more crisp, too. I don't know how I overlooked this. It makes sense that increasing the tension, and therefore force of the spring, would overcome the force necessary for the mechanical parts to work smoothly, rather than a squishier setting. The typewriter just feels healthier when I use it. I think this one is all wrapped up... Does this sound plausible?

Maintenance & Repairs » Olympia SF Ribbon Vibrator Sticking » 11-11-2014 15:04:10

Raoul Duke
Replies: 6

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 I guess it's wrong to say the cleaning didn't help, when I had the typewriter dismantled and finished the initial cleaning I tested the typewriter. It typed fine for two pages, so I was confident it would work when I put it back together. It did for awhile, and then of course my first post... The problem occurs with all keys equally.

You're right, I certainly didn't hit 9+ pivot mechanisms, I only did the most basic pivots on the vibrator lever--q-tips were a pain to clean with--which probably helped the typewriter to work initially in the dismantled state but didn't give a full measure. Now I've got some paintbrushes and the innards should be easier to reach and clean. I've been playing around with the keys and finding all spots of movement where it might be getting stuck. I'll post an update on whether or not it works the second time around. 

 

 

Maintenance & Repairs » Olympia SF Ribbon Vibrator Sticking » 08-11-2014 02:41:45

Raoul Duke
Replies: 6

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I bought an Olympia SF deluxe to write with because the computer just no fun. It worked fine when I received it, but after about two weeks of light use the ribbon vibrator started having problems. At first the ribbon would jump to meet the type-slug and then return about half way to its original position. The text would be blocked, but the ribbon still 'fed' because of the downward motion, however slight it was. Now, the ribbon meets the slug and sticks, no downward movement and no feeding of the ribbon. I have to press the margin release to unstick it. This is not a very effecient way to type (and I'm sure it isn't good for the machine to carry on like this).

Strangely, the typewriter often starts off working fine, and then after a couple of paragraphs I run into the problem. When I try again the next day, the cycle repeats.

So I've tried cleaning the typewriter with some isopropyl alcohol: brushing it onto the hinges of the ribbon vibrator mechanism, typebars, slugs, ect. I figured there might be some grime build-up that gravity couldn't overcome. No luck. Now, I didn't do the most thorough job because I still don't know what the hell I'm doing despite a good deal of online research. The typewriter is quite clean anyway. 

Any opinions on this? Is it a matter of cleanliness, or maybe a mechanical issue? I've heard that Olympias are workhorses, and I'd like to be able to get the typewriter working well enough for daily use. 

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