IBM Wheelwriter #3 not printing correctly.

typing the top half of each letter Donna, sounds like the carriage spool is stuck or out of adjustment. Not to hard, but pick up typewriter and slam it down on counter to see if it put carriage and spool back in position.
Good luck.

Two things come to mind for this problem. First try pushing down firmly on both ends of the black rubber platen roller. Sometimes the black plastic latch on either side may break causing one side of the roller to lift up causing partial print. The other possibility is the ribbon is not lifting correctly. A technician can adjust the ribbon lift. After typing a few letters, take the ribbon out and look at the letters on the ribbon.Are they in the middle of the ribbon or are they at the top or bottom of the ribbon? middle of ribbon is correct.

Print hammer selenoid cap is broken, or print hammer selenoid is gummed up.

If it is printing only the tops of the letters the platen has worked loose. Press down firmly on both ends it should snap into place. If the print is generally bad the plastic print solenoid cap is probably broken. We sell them for 20.00 includes shipping and instructions.

DickyO
Cleveland Business Machines
216-241-0027

The selection motor bearings just right of the print solenoid get dry a little WD40 on the front and rear bearings usually takes care or this.

DickyO

Tou probably need a print solenoid cap.

We sell them with installation instructions and shipping for 20.00.

DickyO
Cleveland Business machines
216-241-0027

I have solved the problem. It turned out that the platen was not completely secured on the left end. Once I snapped it securely in place, the print was fine again. (I had to remove that platen three times to figure that out!) Sorry for the bother, but I'm glad to know where I can seek help now. Thanks.

If it types only the top half yhe platen is probably not all the way in. Make sure the 2 black latches are lined up with the side frames then press down firmly on both sides of the platen.

DickyO

Sounds like the platen is not fully seated in the side frames, align the black latches with the frames and press firmly on both sides of the platen. the latches do occasionally crack in witch case you may need a platen replacement.

DickyO

On the WheelWriter series, sometimes the platen may pop out of position, causing only half the letters to print. If this is the case, easially solved... Using the left and right platen knobs, firmly push down to lock it back in place. Hope this helps....MediaMan