8mm Forum: Bell and Howell Autoload Super 8 mm projector (model 461B) : Lower sprocket problem

This is topic Bell and Howell Autoload Super 8 mm projector (model 461B) : Lower sprocket problem in forum 8mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Richard Ebner (Member # 2968) on March 01, 2012, 05:57 PM:

I need some help with my old Bell and Howell Autoload Super 8 mm projector (model 461B).

Here is my problem : the bottom sprocket on my 8mm projector does not rotate and thus will not load the 8 mm film . The bottom sprocket is essentially frozen in both forward and reverse modes. (The upper sprocket rotates and loads film as it should.) The 2 plastic gear wheels running the lower sprocket freely rotate off the worm gear but the metal post that the wheels rotate on is almost frozen( I can rotate it by hand with difficulty) and thus the lower sprocket does not rotate freely. As I mentioned, the plastic wheels rotate off the worm gear but the flat metal tension strip just rides over the plastic gears side teeth making a chattering sound.

Thank you for any help you can provide.
> Richard Ebner
>

Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on March 01, 2012, 07:28 PM:

WD 40 to lubricate it?

Posted by Richard Ebner (Member # 2968) on March 01, 2012, 08:07 PM:

I have tried some light sewing machine oil. but no luck.I will try the WD 40 too.
Thx

Posted by Jim Schrader (Member # 9) on March 02, 2012, 10:14 AM:

maybe there is some film pieces jammed can you see from any angle?

Posted by Richard Ebner (Member # 2968) on March 02, 2012, 12:31 PM:

I have unscrewed the clear plastic auto feed hardware and looked around and behind the lower sprocket as best I could, but saw nothing that might be jamming the sprocket.
Thx for your feedback.

Posted by Jon Addams (Member # 816) on March 02, 2012, 12:41 PM:

Hello Richard,

You can download the service manual for the Bell & Howell 462 the feeding mechanism is identical to your 461.

The manual is in the "Manuals" section of this Forum and can be downloaded for free.

Jon

Posted by Richard Ebner (Member # 2968) on March 02, 2012, 08:33 PM:

Hi Jon,

I checked out the B&H 462 manual but it did not have a parts diagram/exploded view (like the B&H 459 manual and parts list) which would have helped me see the likely problem area detail.
The manual text troubleshooting section listed something like my problem: "fails to take up or rewind" ,...the probable cause" listed is "defective spindle' and the solution offered is "replace Spindle". I do not have the knowledge to be able to act on that bit of info... especially when the manual talks about gauging clearances upon reassembly.

Still scratching my head.....

Thx.

Posted by Richard Ebner (Member # 2968) on March 05, 2012, 02:42 PM:

Well, turns out I forgot to apply the first principle of fixing stuff...."try the simple fix first"..... The WD 40 solution did the trick ! I just had make a couple of applications over a couple of days and wait for the WD 40 to sink into tight spots . The projector works just fine now... The sprocket rotates and is no linger stuck.

Thx Pasquale, for your solution and thank you Jim and Jon for your to helpful ideas too.

Regards, Richard Ebner

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