Any way to adjust projector for a more stable picture?

[Fred Hess]

I have an old Bell & Howell Autoload projector that seems to be working fine except that the picture is always a bit jittery. Seems as if the film somehow shifts it's position when being pulled through the gate. Just wondering if there might be some adjustments that can be made to produce a smoother video. I haven't torn anything apart, but maybe the claw isn't set correctly or is perhaps worn down?
Anyone have any ideas or insight about what I can try? Thanks.

[Jim Schrader]

Check your upper and lower loops if those aren’t correct that’ll effect your picture

[Shane C. Collins]

Also check your films for dirt, and other build up. They may be dry, and need some lubrication as well. It's also good practice to clean the film path after every reel, to insure the film is gliding through properly. Dirty films, and dirty film path will cause the film to jitter!

[Thomas Dafnides]

Besides, the above mentioned items, I would suggest to remove the back of the projector.....look at where the film claw arm connects/meets with and rotates with the cam shaft (which creates the intermittent in/out movement) ... if this becomes to dry with age, it can cause jitters. To remedy, you must apply grease on the cam shaft so the movement is smoother. This will also quiet down the running noise . The problem is with some projectors (like the Bolex 18-5 and Ls) this part is almost in accessible without major dismantling. This is not the case with most Bell and Howell models I have looked into.

[Ed Gordon]

Here is a old post from film-tech.com: https://www.film-tech.com/ubb/f1/t011533.html