8mm Forum: Bolex 18-5L not working

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Posted by Maria Rodriguez (Member # 7061) on August 18, 2019, 05:24 PM:

I recently found a Bolex 18-5L projector in my parent's home and, since I was the one to operate it back in the day, plugged it in. I ran for a few seconds before stopping. The bulb never went on but I guess that's expected. I removed the fuse and the hair inside seems intact. I went ahead and took out the other cover and a small part that looks like a tiny propeller fell out. I don't know where that goes or if that's the reason it's not working. The three belts look great. I was so excited to watch our old family movies!!!

Posted by Nantawat Kittiwarakul (Member # 6050) on August 18, 2019, 08:01 PM:

First thing first, doesn't the motor run at all when switched on?

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 19, 2019, 03:24 AM:

Maria
I assume you mean an 18-5L.
I don't know this projector, but the "tiny propeller" is the fan. But as Nantawat says, does the motor run at all?
http://www.bolexcollector.com/projectors/185l.html

Posted by Maria Rodriguez (Member # 7061) on August 19, 2019, 11:45 AM:

The projector ran when I first plugged it in but a few seconds later stopped running and hasn't started back up again.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 19, 2019, 03:03 PM:

Some motors use a capacitor to initially give a "kick" for them to start.
It is possible that the capacitor is as old as the projector (from 1967) and has expired, hence its inability to start the motor.
Look for the capacitor and see if has leaked, or even possibly burst. This will indicate the need for a new capacitor.

Posted by Nantawat Kittiwarakul (Member # 6050) on August 19, 2019, 08:08 PM:

Maurice just pointed out an important spot [Big Grin]

.
If the motor kinda "hums" when on - trying to spin but failed. It'll be more than likely leaked/failed capacitor as he pointed out.

Capacitor, in short, is used to give initial "spin" to the motor when first powered on. When aged up it will be less&less effective - to the point that it will not work at all.

But if the motor is totally silent when on. No humming/schreeching/whatever AT ALL. That could be something else too. [Roll Eyes]

Posted by Maria Rodriguez (Member # 7061) on August 20, 2019, 07:09 AM:

The motor makes no noise at all, there is no vibration. In other words, dead. I believe it is hidden behind two screws which I am unable to undo. Where would the capacitor be?

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 20, 2019, 11:02 AM:

Maria
See the attachment. Click on "18-5L (Before 1970)" and then scroll down to the pictures The capacitor is the large aluminium cylinder top right with the nut on top of it. You can select the one showing its insides and then click on it for an enlargement.
https://van-eck.net/itable.php?lang=en&size=0&cat=film&merk=20&type=18-5 L Super (before 1970)

Posted by Maria Rodriguez (Member # 7061) on August 21, 2019, 02:39 PM:

Thanks! The capacitor looks good. I replaced the fuse just in case. The problem persists. I am attaching a photo.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 21, 2019, 03:08 PM:

I had a problem with a 16mm sound projector with the motor refusing to run. Its starting capacitor was replaced and it is now running perfectly.
I've just looked at the old capacitor and it looks quite perfect, no leakage or anything. So one can't be judged by just looking at it. Mine looks about the same size as yours, an aluminium cylinder with a nut on top, 45mm wide and 80mm long (not including the nut).
It's a 14 uF (micro farad). + or - 10%. 220 volt.
If there's no life at all in the motor then it's probably that the capacitor is at fault.

Posted by Nantawat Kittiwarakul (Member # 6050) on August 21, 2019, 07:20 PM:

If it's totally silent when switched on, I think it's time for a multimeter then. [Roll Eyes]

Posted by Maria Rodriguez (Member # 7061) on August 22, 2019, 10:48 AM:

I have no access to a multimeter. About how much would a new capacitor cost?

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 22, 2019, 11:55 AM:

Maria
Here's an eBay seller in Germany who can supply a 14 uF capacitor for US $11.01, with what appears to be free postage. You will have to scroll down to select the value required.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Condensor-Motor-Capacitor-Starting-Capacitor-Working-Capacitor-450V-W1-Amp/172856683320?hash=item283f0fab38:m:m-suaPPb97sOn0g1o24uh1g&shqty=1&isGTR=1#shId

Posted by Maria Rodriguez (Member # 7061) on August 23, 2019, 08:24 AM:

That sounds great but I don't know how to solder! Is there any other way to make it work once I have the new one? [Confused]

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 23, 2019, 08:35 AM:

It doesn't need soldering. It has spade terminals. The old capacitor should have the same. The wiring to it should have fork terminals which just pull off for removal, and push on for connection.
Here's what fork terminals look like.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/231675401977

Posted by Maria Rodriguez (Member # 7061) on August 23, 2019, 08:42 AM:

Unfortunately for me, mine is soldered. [Frown]

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 23, 2019, 08:57 AM:

Before you do anything physical, you must measure the size of the existing capacitor, as a replacement which is larger will obviously not fit in the space available.
The wires to the fork terminals are not soldered, the bare ends of the wires are crimped. A crimping tool is used, however, a small pair of pliers will do the trick.

Posted by Nantawat Kittiwarakul (Member # 6050) on August 25, 2019, 08:12 PM:

If doing electrical work is not your thing, your local electrical guy should be able to get it done. [Big Grin]

Not that hard for anyone who'd done some soldering before.

But you should be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that's the capacitor's fault, not something else. The worst thing is to spending some time/cost, only to find out that you'd gone in the wrong direction. [Frown]

In short - an electrical repair person with modest experience should be able to help you figure it out, and fix it.

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 26, 2019, 04:56 AM:

Maria
Some excellent advice from Nantawat. A local TV/radio repair man might be able to help.
Here are some near you.
https://en.infopaginas.com/c/mayaguez/radio-sets-repair

Posted by Maria Rodriguez (Member # 7061) on August 26, 2019, 07:42 AM:

You mean help me figure out if the capacitor's bad?

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 26, 2019, 10:55 AM:

Yes.
And if it is, perhaps could supply and fit a new one.

Posted by Maria Rodriguez (Member # 7061) on August 29, 2019, 09:10 AM:

Thank you all. Will do that!!!

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