Typewriter Talk / New Drive Belt source for Smith Corona Electra 120??

**Posted by Kalani** 01-2-2023 11:57:54

Other views of a good belt alignment. Besides that, there has to be no "bounce" in that center pulley when when the motor is turned on and the clutch engages, as it is running. Again, the belt can't rub against the underside of the top body carriage flange, even if slightly, or it will wear out prematurely.

**Posted by robmck** 01-2-2023 23:59:14

As this thread has been moving along, I happened to be working on my 5LE, which I just got running pretty well. I ended up using the -400 belts that Pete graciously sent me.

I also had a problem that my center pulley was not true, which made a lot of noise, no matter which belt combination I put on it. Pete gave me a good tip of lubing the pulley with Teflon grease. I also added some to the pivot arm rails and guides. That lube job alone deadened most of the noise. I was really surprised by the impact. There's still a little bit of that vibration, but it now blends in with the hum of the motor...

Thanks again to Pete for all the help!

**Posted by Kalani** 02-2-2023 07:07:09

robmck wrote:
As this thread has been moving along, I happened to be working on my 5LE, which I just got running pretty well. I ended up using the -400 belts that Pete graciously sent me.

I also had a problem that my center pulley was not true, which made a lot of noise, no matter which belt combination I put on it. Pete gave me a good tip of lubing the pulley with Teflon grease. I also added some to the pivot arm rails and guides. That lube job alone deadened most of the noise. I was really surprised by the impact. There's still a little bit of that vibration, but it now blends in with the hum of the motor...

Thanks again to Pete for all the help!

Great tips.
Thanks!

Thanks, Pete as well.

What teflon grease, brand, type, did you use on the center pulley pivots and slides.

thanks
jimmy

**Posted by Pete E.** 02-2-2023 11:25:19

Kalani,

Not sure what Rob used...but my wife and I use this stuff on our vintage sewing machines (and our 1990's Italian road bicycles) so put it to use on typewriters. Tri-flow product.

https://www.triflowlubricants.com/product/tri-flow-synthetic-grease/

**Posted by Kalani** 02-2-2023 12:31:37

Pete E. wrote:
Kalani,

Not sure what Rob used...but my wife and I use this stuff on our vintage sewing machines (and our 1990's Italian road bicycles) so put it to use on typewriters. Tri-flow product.

https://www.triflowlubricants.com/product/tri-flow-synthetic-grease/

Thanks, Pete.
I ordered it on Amazon. Here. .
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C15MUU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Maybe I can get it into a syringe long needle applicator so just a little here and there.
Can't remember the old tv commercial. . ."lil dab'll do ya". . .maybe hair oil?

thanks again,
k

**Posted by OregonJim** 02-2-2023 12:37:37

Kalani wrote:
Can't remember the old tv commercial. . ."lil dab'll do ya". . .maybe hair oil?

Yup, hair oil (not recommended for typewriter use).

**Posted by Pete E.** 02-2-2023 12:46:10

I just use a tooth-pick or a sewing needle to dab it on.

You can also get the Tri-flow teflon-based lubricating oil in a pencil/needle applicator, if you wish.

https://www.triflowlubricants.com/product/tri-flow-pin-point-lubricator/

Or I just re-fill my eBay "oilers" with Tri-flow oil.
.

**Posted by robmck** 02-2-2023 16:07:37

I used Superlube: Amazon.com: Super Lube-21030 Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease, 3 Oz. : Everything Else

**Posted by OregonJim** 03-2-2023 20:10:08

If you're looking for the original spec v-belt for Smith-Corona 5 & 6 series machines, the 3M315 Gates Polyflex is a correctly sized replacement. A bit expensive compared to rubber o-rings, but if you want the quietest possible running machine...

Here's one of many sources:

https://www.bdiexpress.com/us/en/Mechanical-Power-Transmission/Belt-Drives/Drive-Belts-V-Belts/3M315/p/1105312

**Posted by Kalani** 04-2-2023 09:59:27

OregonJim wrote:
If you're looking for the original spec v-belt for Smith-Corona 5 & 6 series machines, the 3M315 Gates Polyflex is a correctly sized replacement. A bit expensive compared to rubber o-rings, but if you want the quietest possible running machine...

Here's one of many sources:

https://www.bdiexpress.com/us/en/Mechanical-Power-Transmission/Belt-Drives/Drive-Belts-V-Belts/3M315/p/1105312

Yes. Definitely a difference between $10 for a belt and the SCM electrics need 2 belts, plus $10 shipping = $30, VS $15 plus shipping for a bag of 50 "O" rings from McMaster.

Thanks for the link. I'll try a pair.
k