Yay! That was exactly what I did, and seeing Joe's video I knew what his solution would be... took a bit of head scratching as I did this repair over two years ago. Sadly, or not... I gave this machine to a lady in the neighborhood. She needed one, and what the heck, I've got quite a few others!! Cheers Joe!
Hi! I've been watching your older videos on how to begin using a typewriter and I just wanted to thank you, they've been incredibly helpful! keep it up!:)
T H A N K Y O U! I picked up the very same machine yesterday, with the very same issue :-) Plus white dirt from the correction tape. Due to pandemic lockdown I had to mailorder the o-ring. Keep up the good work pls.
I have this typewriter and the issue is firstly it's dirty from the use of the correction ribbon and secondly the upper and lower case letters are not aligned. Well at least you did show how to open this one up to access the insides.
Hi Joe, I was wondering if you could help me. The drawstring on my Olympia Reporter has come off, which means I need to wind it over the mainspring wheel and thread it through to the other side of the carriage. I am confident I can wind the string over the mainspring wheel, however, the other end of the drawstring (which has a hook tied onto it) has come off the carriage and I'm not quite sure where it attaches to. I've tried a couple of spots but it seems to interfere with the carriage before it reaches the end of the margin. Is there any chance you would be able to tell me where the drawstring hook is attached to on the carriage? Thanks Dan
With the machine facing you, flip it up on its back panel, then move the carriage to the right (you'll first have to turn on the power switch to unlock the carriage). The attachment point for the draw band is on the last hole on the right side of the rear carriage bearing rail. These rails are "v" in cross section and have a row of holes running their entire length. There's a front rail and a rear rail, the draw band attaches to the rear rail. On my machine, the end of the draw band has a "j"-shaped piece of metal that serves as a hook for attaching into the hole in the carriage bearing rail. Here's a photo: flic.kr/p/2oXjzkH
Joe you’re an absolute lifesaver thank you so much! Ill have a go tonight, winding the draw spring and then attaching it the hook to the carriage where you showed me! Thanks! Dan
Hello Joe I just purchased a Olympia typewriter reporter, I recently change the ribbon but the lower case letters are not as bold and faded on the top of the letter. The capitals are clear and consistently dark but not the lowercase. I have to strip the lowercase 2 to 3 times just to get the entire letter to be clear, do you know how to fix this?
1: Make certain the ribbon is properly threaded. It should be closest to the paper in the middle of the "vibrator" (the part that raises the ribbon) between the two metal tines. 2. Do the upper and lower case letters line up on the same line exactly? Type upper and lower case "H" and the bottoms of both letters should be equal. 3. Type a parenthesis or fraction or other tall upper case symbol, it should be properly printed with no faintness or "shading". 4. There are adjustments for the vertical positions of both upper and lower case letters. Usually, because the upper case letters are taller, if it's misaligned you would see it first with the upper case characters. You could try adjusting the lower case position so the lower case letters are printed evenly; then adjust the upper case position so the bottoms of both upper and lower case are on the same exact line. Hopefully the upper case letters (being taller) won't also show this shading.
@@Joe_VanCleave Thank you for the quick reply. 1. The ribbon is in the correct position. 2. The H and h are misaligned. 3. The parentheses are printing fine and fractions 4. They are misaligned the uppercase and lowercase I dismantled the typewriter as you instructed in your videos but where can I find the adjustment knobs for this model… Unless you really have a video for that you can guide me to?
@@EgyptologyLessons Sorry, don't think I have a video about it. Is this the Reporter electric version? If it's "segment" shift (meaning the type basket drops when in upper case) you have to look for the set screws that limit the travel of the basket when shifted. There will be a locking nut on the set screw. There's also a similar set screw and locking nut that sets the lower case position.
First thank you for making this video, looks like there a chance that I might be getting this on off FB market. 60 dollars + what ever the shipping going be.
That seems like a wonderful little electric typer now that you have it running properly with the new belt. Looks practically new! That was a clever replacement your viewer suggested with the water filter o-ring. How does this machine compare to say, a Smith Corona electric? I think I would really enjoy the keyboard on one of these...
They're both pretty fast, I think the Smith-Corona is a bit quieter typing-wise because the Olympia has the plastic body that resonates, but the motor noise on the Smith-Corona is louder. And of course the Olympia has that powered carriage return (and tabs) that's fast enough to knock your coffee cup into next week!
@@Joe_VanCleave I hope when you say that the carriage return is powerful enough to knock your coffee cup into next week that you aren’t speaking from experience? LOL!
Hey Joe. Do you know what could possibly be wrong when the carriage doesn't want to stay in place on the left and just pulls to the right on one of these things? Drawstring? I changed the belt, that didn't help.
It could be a number of things. The tab key or lever could be stuck down. The rack gear (the toothed bar under the carriage) may not be reengaging the escapement pinion gear after a key is pressed. The escapement may be gummed up with sticky lubricants and needs to be degreased. The carriage release button on the right side of the carriage may be stuck. I’d start with degreasing and cleaning the escapement. Also, do the type bars move when you press the keys?
Type bars move when you press the keys but maybe they are not hitting the platen that well. The carriage is at the end by that point. It won't stay in place on the left margin. I keep coming back to the drawstring idea and perhaps it unwound somehow and that's why it's not keeping the carriage in place. I'll look around the escapement as well and trying degreasing the escapement. It's a shame. These type bar electrics are nice and rare. @@Joe_VanCleave
“type bar” = the levers that hold the type slugs on a manual typewriter. A type bar electric uses these same levers to make the imprint, as contrasted with so-called “daisy wheel” typewriters that use a print wheel and aren’t merely electric but are electronically controlled. Also, an IBM Selectric is electric powered from a motor, not electronic, but doesn’t use type bars, instead uses a “type element”, the so-called “gold ball” style mechanism.
Hi Joe, I just repaired my Olympia Report Electric. Same as yours, just a few differences in cosmetics. Same issue with the drive belt. The o-ring solution was perfect. Thanks! However, it does not work every time I turn it on. The small fly wheel on the right side sometimes stops and the carriage does not return and no keys work. If I give the machine a shake it starts to work again. Any thoughts on what is wrong? Can this issue be repaired? Thanks! BTW Great videos!
I'd try degreasing (with 90% isopropyl alcohol and/or lacquer thinner) the bearings or bushings where the spindle turns under the machine (the drive spindle is between where the belt on the left connects to the pulley, running under the key linkages, to the pulley on the right that does the carriage return). Then add a drop of light oil to those bearing or bushings. Also, if the slots in the type bar segment are badly clogged with hardened greases, they should also be degreased with lacquer thinner and alcohol, then blown out with compressed air. You don't want to add oil to the segment slots, just ensure it's very clean. EDIT: Also check that the carriage moves easily on its rail. You should degrease the rails with a cotton bud and alcohol, then lightly oil.
@@Joe_VanCleave Hi Joe, I opened my machine and low and behold, the "new" o-ring belt was broken. Too tight? Should I loosen those 2 screws? They seem to be motor mounts? On the right side, the fly wheel has a small lever below it to one end that on occasion clicks in and stops it from spinning. I think that engages when I press the return key? Doesn't appear to have much old hardened grease??I''l drop some oil on the bushings. I think that the belt is too tight? Any advice would be super. Thanks!
Replace the belt and adjust the motor to loosen up the belt. If it’s too loose it may slip when doing the carriage return, as that’s the maximum load on the belt.
@@Joe_VanCleave Thanks again for the helpful advice Joe. But, ..I can't budge those 3 screws that hold the motor to the frame to loosen up the belt. I'm afraid to strip the head. Tried some acetone around the heads, some WD40, some gentle taps with a small hammer and screwdriver no luck. I can't figure out any other way to loosen up the belt. You've great with the help and advice. Thanks!
Hey! Just got a olympia reporter for like 20$ and your video helped me repair it for less than 5 bucks! You are a treasure Joe. Thank you!
Yay! That was exactly what I did, and seeing Joe's video I knew what his solution would be... took a bit of head scratching as I did this repair over two years ago. Sadly, or not... I gave this machine to a lady in the neighborhood. She needed one, and what the heck, I've got quite a few others!! Cheers Joe!
Success! Thanks for making electric typewriter repair a little less scary.
Nice repair! I'm glad the gears weren't toothed. Good to know True Value has o-rings the right size (:
Good work Joe, a nice machine....... I was a .Specialist Remington Electric field Mechanic, I like the look and sound of your Olymia
Hi! I've been watching your older videos on how to begin using a typewriter and I just wanted to thank you, they've been incredibly helpful! keep it up!:)
Thank you!
T H A N K Y O U! I picked up the very same machine yesterday, with the very same issue :-) Plus white dirt from the correction tape. Due to pandemic lockdown I had to mailorder the o-ring. Keep up the good work pls.
I have this typewriter and the issue is firstly it's dirty from the use of the correction ribbon and secondly the upper and lower case letters are not aligned. Well at least you did show how to open this one up to access the insides.
Hi Joe,
I was wondering if you could help me. The drawstring on my Olympia Reporter has come off, which means I need to wind it over the mainspring wheel and thread it through to the other side of the carriage. I am confident I can wind the string over the mainspring wheel, however, the other end of the drawstring (which has a hook tied onto it) has come off the carriage and I'm not quite sure where it attaches to. I've tried a couple of spots but it seems to interfere with the carriage before it reaches the end of the margin. Is there any chance you would be able to tell me where the drawstring hook is attached to on the carriage?
Thanks
Dan
With the machine facing you, flip it up on its back panel, then move the carriage to the right (you'll first have to turn on the power switch to unlock the carriage). The attachment point for the draw band is on the last hole on the right side of the rear carriage bearing rail. These rails are "v" in cross section and have a row of holes running their entire length. There's a front rail and a rear rail, the draw band attaches to the rear rail. On my machine, the end of the draw band has a "j"-shaped piece of metal that serves as a hook for attaching into the hole in the carriage bearing rail.
Here's a photo: flic.kr/p/2oXjzkH
Joe you’re an absolute lifesaver thank you so much! Ill have a go tonight, winding the draw spring and then attaching it the hook to the carriage where you showed me! Thanks!
Dan
@@daquattro 😁
Hello Joe I just purchased a Olympia typewriter reporter, I recently change the ribbon but the lower case letters are not as bold and faded on the top of the letter. The capitals are clear and consistently dark but not the lowercase. I have to strip the lowercase 2 to 3 times just to get the entire letter to be clear, do you know how to fix this?
1: Make certain the ribbon is properly threaded. It should be closest to the paper in the middle of the "vibrator" (the part that raises the ribbon) between the two metal tines.
2. Do the upper and lower case letters line up on the same line exactly? Type upper and lower case "H" and the bottoms of both letters should be equal.
3. Type a parenthesis or fraction or other tall upper case symbol, it should be properly printed with no faintness or "shading".
4. There are adjustments for the vertical positions of both upper and lower case letters. Usually, because the upper case letters are taller, if it's misaligned you would see it first with the upper case characters. You could try adjusting the lower case position so the lower case letters are printed evenly; then adjust the upper case position so the bottoms of both upper and lower case are on the same exact line. Hopefully the upper case letters (being taller) won't also show this shading.
@@Joe_VanCleave Thank you for the quick reply.
1. The ribbon is in the correct position.
2. The H and h are misaligned.
3. The parentheses are printing fine and fractions
4. They are misaligned the uppercase and lowercase I dismantled the typewriter as you instructed in your videos but where can I find the adjustment knobs for this model… Unless you really have a video for that you can guide me to?
@@EgyptologyLessons Sorry, don't think I have a video about it. Is this the Reporter electric version? If it's "segment" shift (meaning the type basket drops when in upper case) you have to look for the set screws that limit the travel of the basket when shifted. There will be a locking nut on the set screw. There's also a similar set screw and locking nut that sets the lower case position.
@Joe Van Cleave alright. Thank you for your help and your wonderful videos!
First thank you for making this video, looks like there a chance that I might be getting this on off FB market. 60 dollars + what ever the shipping going be.
That seems like a wonderful little electric typer now that you have it running properly with the new belt. Looks practically new! That was a clever replacement your viewer suggested with the water filter o-ring. How does this machine compare to say, a Smith Corona electric? I think I would really enjoy the keyboard on one of these...
They're both pretty fast, I think the Smith-Corona is a bit quieter typing-wise because the Olympia has the plastic body that resonates, but the motor noise on the Smith-Corona is louder. And of course the Olympia has that powered carriage return (and tabs) that's fast enough to knock your coffee cup into next week!
@@Joe_VanCleave I hope when you say that the carriage return is powerful enough to knock your coffee cup into next week that you aren’t speaking from experience? LOL!
@@aphexteknol I’ve had a few close calls!
Hey Joe. Do you know what could possibly be wrong when the carriage doesn't want to stay in place on the left and just pulls to the right on one of these things? Drawstring? I changed the belt, that didn't help.
It could be a number of things. The tab key or lever could be stuck down. The rack gear (the toothed bar under the carriage) may not be reengaging the escapement pinion gear after a key is pressed. The escapement may be gummed up with sticky lubricants and needs to be degreased. The carriage release button on the right side of the carriage may be stuck. I’d start with degreasing and cleaning the escapement. Also, do the type bars move when you press the keys?
Type bars move when you press the keys but maybe they are not hitting the platen that well. The carriage is at the end by that point. It won't stay in place on the left margin. I keep coming back to the drawstring idea and perhaps it unwound somehow and that's why it's not keeping the carriage in place. I'll look around the escapement as well and trying degreasing the escapement. It's a shame. These type bar electrics are nice and rare. @@Joe_VanCleave
@@GonzoSmith If the spring motor is weak, try pushing on the right platen knob as you type, to see if it operates normally.
What did you mean by 'type bar electric' please? Is it an electric typewriter with a moving carriage return?
“type bar” = the levers that hold the type slugs on a manual typewriter. A type bar electric uses these same levers to make the imprint, as contrasted with so-called “daisy wheel” typewriters that use a print wheel and aren’t merely electric but are electronically controlled. Also, an IBM Selectric is electric powered from a motor, not electronic, but doesn’t use type bars, instead uses a “type element”, the so-called “gold ball” style mechanism.
@@Joe_VanCleave thank you Joe. I get it now. Type bars are the bits that get all jammed together!
Hi Joe,
I just repaired my Olympia Report Electric. Same as yours, just a few differences in cosmetics. Same issue with the drive belt.
The o-ring solution was perfect. Thanks!
However, it does not work every time I turn it on. The small fly wheel on the right side sometimes stops and the carriage does not return and no keys work.
If I give the machine a shake it starts to work again. Any thoughts on what is wrong? Can this issue be repaired?
Thanks! BTW Great videos!
I'd try degreasing (with 90% isopropyl alcohol and/or lacquer thinner) the bearings or bushings where the spindle turns under the machine (the drive spindle is between where the belt on the left connects to the pulley, running under the key linkages, to the pulley on the right that does the carriage return). Then add a drop of light oil to those bearing or bushings. Also, if the slots in the type bar segment are badly clogged with hardened greases, they should also be degreased with lacquer thinner and alcohol, then blown out with compressed air. You don't want to add oil to the segment slots, just ensure it's very clean.
EDIT: Also check that the carriage moves easily on its rail. You should degrease the rails with a cotton bud and alcohol, then lightly oil.
@@Joe_VanCleave Thanks Joe! I'll try those tips tomorrow. I'll keep you posted. Cheers!
@@Joe_VanCleave Hi Joe, I opened my machine and low and behold, the "new" o-ring belt was broken. Too tight? Should I loosen those 2 screws? They seem to be motor mounts? On the right side, the fly wheel has a small lever below it to one end that on occasion clicks in and stops it from spinning. I think that engages when I press the return key? Doesn't appear to have much old hardened grease??I''l drop some oil on the bushings. I think that the belt is too tight? Any advice would be super. Thanks!
Replace the belt and adjust the motor to loosen up the belt. If it’s too loose it may slip when doing the carriage return, as that’s the maximum load on the belt.
@@Joe_VanCleave Thanks again for the helpful advice Joe. But, ..I can't budge those 3 screws that hold the motor to the frame to loosen up the belt. I'm afraid to strip the head. Tried some acetone around the heads, some WD40, some gentle taps with a small hammer and screwdriver no luck. I can't figure out any other way to loosen up the belt. You've great with the help and advice. Thanks!
Thank you sir
I am from india I would like to know this electric typewriter belt number also from where I can by this type of belts .
Dear All,
Somebody can share to me O ring size?Thank You in advance!
I found in video :)
IS = Japanese Industry Standard