8mm Forum: Elmo SC-18

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Posted by Dan Bell (Member # 368) on August 14, 2007, 11:42 PM:

I just purchased an Elmo SC-18. The woman I bought it from purchased it new and has only used it twice- then put it in a box the past 26 years. Everything turns on fine, but it does not thread. When I opened it I found a broken belt in the bottom of the machine. It is a small belt- there is a larger belt which runs between the two reel arms. Not sure where the smaller belt went. Anyone familiar with this machine? Hoping that is all it is (for $35 guess I can't go wrong).

Posted by Jean-Marc Toussaint (Member # 270) on August 15, 2007, 01:53 AM:

Hello Dan. Great little projector. The SC series (SC8, SC18 and SC30) is quite an interesting range of machines.

There are three belts inside the SC18:

- The shutter belt, located at the bottom right, behind the flywheel
- The take-up belt, which runs between both arms
- The counter belt which runs on top of the screen section.

I suppose that it's this last one that you've found broken. Unless you really need to use the counter, you can live without it.

Posted by Dan Bell (Member # 368) on August 15, 2007, 12:35 PM:

Jean-Marc,

Thank you for the feedback. I think this belt is the shutter belt, as I have inspected the area all around the flywheel and can't seem to find a belt at all. Still not sure how or where the belt sits exactly. Also, the fan and flywheel both turn, but the gears are not moving- that is generally a belt issue, correct? Don't know if I should have someone else look at it (I live in L.A. and there are a few people who do that out here- including Irv Higdon). The machine was not used for over 20 years- and it looks brand new. I know sitting is one of the worst things for projectors. If it is just a belt though that seems like a total waste (I've spoken with Irv before and he seems very expensive and always recommends taking everything apart and re-assembling). I am not very mechanically inclined but do own a HD1200ST and have changed those belts a few times- but it seems more obvious where they are located.

Posted by Jean-Marc Toussaint (Member # 270) on August 18, 2007, 05:48 AM:

Dan: if you managed to change the main drive belt on an Elmo ST1200, you're up to change it on the SC18 as it is easier.

Let's have a look inside:

Remove the flywheel... (take the holding pin off, remove washers then pull gently towards you)

You will notice an off white plastic part, roughly 2 inches long, that connects the motor to the drive pulley. It's spring-mounted. If you pull this part towards left, you will create a gap near the lower pulley. You might slide the new belt through that gap.

The original belt is v-shaped but I suppose a round one could do the trick. Belt material is available from most dealers.
You might want to try a drive belt for the ST600/160/180. Basically, the SC18 is the same machine with a built-in screen.

I got many different belts from seller "isellprojectorbelts" on ebay.
Belt material can be purchased from Derann in the UK. I'm sure there are dealers in the USA.

Hope this helps.

Posted by Dan Bell (Member # 368) on August 18, 2007, 02:04 PM:

Wow- thanks so much! Never anticipated actually photo diagrams- that was very generous and I really appreciate your time. There is a guy hee who sells the belts and I will let you know how it works out.

Posted by Jean-Marc Toussaint (Member # 270) on August 19, 2007, 01:58 AM:

OK, cool. And welcome to the Forum...

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