posted August 04, 2019 01:43 PM
I recently bought a Bell and Howell MX33 projector at a garage sale (being assured it worked). When I turned it on at home, the reels do not turn. After taking off the back and trying to clean out the old grease, I lubricated it where I could. A part I'll describe as a fly wheel now turns occasionally but the reels still don't turn. Has anyone seen this problem before?
posted August 04, 2019 03:28 PM
The belt does look stretched out. When I apply some pressure to the belt, the "flywheel" does spin a little. How can I change the belt on this unit? Do you think the projector needs any lubrication or do you think the belt is the problem?
Posts: 3468
From: Sunnyvale, CA USA
Registered: Sep 2011
posted August 04, 2019 04:20 PM
Hi Carl...I have worked on the B&H MX33 and even with the technical manual I have never figured out a way to replace with a purchased belt or o-ring. However...I have installed a DIY belt that worked great. You can find instructions for purchasing the belt material and how to install it HERE.
-------------------- Janice
"I'm having a very good day!" Richard Dreyfuss - Let It Ride (1989).
posted August 05, 2019 02:45 PM
Can I send a short video of the projector's operation to you? You may see something that gives a better idea of what is wrong. Sometimes, when I first turn it on, the flywheel spins but for only a short time. The flywheel seems to be sticking as if it needs lubrication). I have used a stick to get the wheel spinning again. While spinning, I try to engage the forward or reverse but the reels still don't spin.
Posts: 3468
From: Sunnyvale, CA USA
Registered: Sep 2011
posted August 05, 2019 04:51 PM
Upload a video to YouTube and place the link in this thread. I am thinking the flywheel you are referring to is the fan that is connected to the motor shaft. If the shaft isn't turning try adding some oil. Also make sure the fan is secured to the shaft. Make sure the grub screws are tight.
-------------------- Janice
"I'm having a very good day!" Richard Dreyfuss - Let It Ride (1989).
Posts: 3468
From: Sunnyvale, CA USA
Registered: Sep 2011
posted August 08, 2019 09:02 PM
Carl .... it is definitely the belt that needs replacing. It is just slipping round the pulleys. There may be other things going on, but hard to tell from such an isolated view. These projectors are not typically engineered like most other 8mm projectors. This model was built with cheap parts creating many points of failure and did not hold up over the years
I see now what you are calling the flywheel is the SHUTTER. The shutter will not turn if the belt is too loose. I again refer you back to the thread linked above to make a new belt. Replacing the belt...cleaning... and lubrication would be my first efforts.
As far as lubricants...these are the two I use. SUPER LUBE is a great for replacing old hardened grease on gears. A light-weight machine oil is best for motors and roller shafts. I like this oil by Bramec Zoom Spout because it has a great spout.
-------------------- Janice
"I'm having a very good day!" Richard Dreyfuss - Let It Ride (1989).
Posts: 424
From: Flint Mi 48506
Registered: Dec 2007
posted August 09, 2019 12:30 PM
Greetings Thank you Janice for getting back to Carl With the information Got tied up replacing a B&H worm gear. I knew it had to be the belt Thanks RC
-------------------- RC’s Classic Collection 16 mm Parts & Service Elmo, Eiki, Bell & Howell + http://www.rcsclassic16mm.com/
Posts: 3468
From: Sunnyvale, CA USA
Registered: Sep 2011
posted August 09, 2019 03:16 PM
Hi Richard...Yes you were correct. As soon as I saw the video I could see the belt wasn't moving. Replacing the belt IS possible...but it's just a pain. You need the right materials.
Have fun with the worm gear. Although that part can also be a pain to replace...the result and benefits are an excellent working projector
posted August 24, 2019 07:45 AM
Thanks again for your help. I got the shutter, gears and shaft spinning properly but the small black nub on the right side of the shaft that drives the spool shattered. Where do I get a replacement part and how do replace it?
Posts: 3468
From: Sunnyvale, CA USA
Registered: Sep 2011
posted August 24, 2019 06:32 PM
Carl I believe that rubber pad is glued to the shaft that is going to the clutch assy. Since these projectors haven't been manufactured for 40 years you will have to locate another projector and scavenge the parts. This might be more costly than it's worth your investment... time and money.
posted August 26, 2019 07:50 AM
I read the 2014-15 post "Belt replacement instructions for a Bell and Howell 1460 projector" and it appears this piece is prone to breaking. I would expect to find it broken or ready to break on another projector that I would scavenge for parts. Did you replace the one on your projector?
posted August 26, 2019 01:40 PM
Yes, the lamp is working. I am looking for a way to replace the small black plastic tip at the end of the drive shaft so the reel spools will turn. The tip shattered into three pieces. Has anyone figured out a way to get this projector working after this kind of damage?
Here is the picture from the 2014-15 thread about the belt replacement: