8mm Forum: Specto type D gear issues

This is topic Specto type D gear issues in forum 9.5mm Forum at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Robert Blackie (Member # 6597) on September 08, 2018, 11:07 PM:

Hi all, i have bought a 9.5mm Specto type D from ebay, i replaced the main drive belt but there are issues making it inoperable [Frown]

Firstly, the top sprocket will not budge, im not sure if it is seized though,as the second issue is that the rewind lever just spins round freely and will just slide out of the machine with no resistance at all,
This would suggest damage inside the gearbox..?

in its current position the main gear chain DOES try to turn.

i have not opened the gearbox yet, only the main cover to install anew drive belt, i have also removed a few chain drive links as it was stretched way beyond usable,
no doubt stretched due to the afore mentioned issue.

this projector is the black model and has been hard wired and is 240volts.
with drive belt removed, the motor spins well and variable speed seems okay.
lamp lights ok.

here is the ebay listing
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153136332933

Any thoughts on this would be Greatly appreciated.
Regards Rob [Smile]

ps, is it still possible to get replacement drive chains ?

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on September 09, 2018, 05:28 AM:

Robert
You are not very lucky with your purchases. The black Specto is very old, it was replaced with the grey models sometime in the 50s.
The gearbox problem came up quite recently. Go into "Search" and insert "Specto 9.5 Gearbox Overhaul" which may help you. It was started on November 03 2017 by Vic Newey.

Posted by Robert Blackie (Member # 6597) on September 09, 2018, 07:27 AM:

LOL Maurice, i know.. but i do buy the cheaper ones so...i guess you do get what you pay for .

yes i saw that post thanks, i certainly have a few projector projects on my hands now [Roll Eyes]

that seller was very understanding and gave me a £20 refund so, im happy enough with that as theses can go for good money..

hopefully its just a seized gear or something similar, but ther fact the reverse lever comes out probably means something more..
ah well, onwards and upwards, at least im learning how they work [Big Grin]

thanks Rob

Posted by Robert Blackie (Member # 6597) on September 09, 2018, 11:57 AM:

it was just in case some one knew, specifically, why the rewind lever was now separate form the projector.
thanks Rob

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on September 09, 2018, 12:15 PM:

Robert
The rewind lever is designed to lift out of the way to assist lubrication.
"After 20 hours running a small quantity (approx. 10 drops) of XL type motor oil should be added to the gearbox."

Posted by Terry Sills (Member # 3309) on September 09, 2018, 12:37 PM:

Robert
It is perfectly normal for the rewind lever to be pulled out when in the 'normal ' position ( which is when the lever is in alignment with the reel arms). When it is in position and turned to the rewind position it should be fixed and unable to be pulled out of the projector. If it does not do this it would suggest that there is a fault within the gearbox. Over the years the lubricant in the gearboxes of these projectors does tend to solidify, especially if has not been used regularly, so that would be my first point of call.

Posted by Robert Blackie (Member # 6597) on September 09, 2018, 02:21 PM:

Thanks Maurice and Terry, yes, the lever pulls out VERY easily in any position, in fact it has no position, as in, it moves too freely, not doing anything..not engaging anything, so there's a problem, i'll know more when i disassemble.
again many thanks Rob [Smile]

Posted by Robert Blackie (Member # 6597) on September 12, 2018, 01:28 AM:

never mind, its knackered now, film gate fell apart in bits.... dunno what kind of alloy these projectors are made from but its like cheese [Frown]

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on September 12, 2018, 02:46 AM:

Robert
I quote from Gerald Mckee's "The Home Cinema".
"There have been odd problems with Specto machines, I have had the hinged rear portion of the gate carrier disintegrate in the manner of certain parts on Pathe machines. This appears to be because this particular component was die-cast in "Mazak", a zinc alloy, rather than in aluminium as used for later machines. Fortunately this as a comparatively rare occurrence."
Marak does not appear to be able to be repaired.

Posted by Robert Blackie (Member # 6597) on September 12, 2018, 05:08 AM:

Hi Maurice, its a shame as i managed to fix the gear issues and free the top sprocket, i suppose i will just need to look out for a donor machine.. the gate hinges disintegrated, then the gate fell on the floor and shatters into many pieces.. [Eek!]

i think though i have to adjust the shutter as it might not be synced up correctly.. cant tell now, will need a new gate.
cheers rob

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