My IBM Selectric II typewriter skips part of a letter when typing envelopes and going over the overlapped thickness. Even repeating the letter doesn't help.

Try replacing the element (ball) if that doesn't help then it will need a rotate adj. not a job for the untrained.

DickyO

You could have a broken element (type ball). You could also have a broken or out of adjustment rotate or tilt tape. Those are the two wire bands that control the rotation and tilt of the element.

By this time in thier life selectrics have become very gummed up which causes many many problems, you need a chemical cleaning and lubrication. It may be cheaper to buy an IBM Wheelwriter on EBAY.

DickyO

Not good. You probably turned the element while removing it and if you are lucky had it come off one of the pulleys, but more likely it came off the wheel under the element. Then you will need a tech.

DickyO

Several possible causes. Needs lubrication most commonly. Sometimes the velocity cable is hung up on the left side and under the carriage. remove the ribbon and shine a light down on the left side and look for a cable hung up on the pulley, make a hook with a paper clip and lift the cable up and past the pulley

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jayw_0e86fb055a7b73de

Sounds like the cable might have slipped off the pulley, with the cover off, check all cables to the carriage assy. You need a tool like a spring hook to gently slide the cable back on to the pulley.

You probably have a broken belt, you'll need a tech.

DickyO

Its sounds like tou may need a rotate adjustment. Take it in for service.

DickyO

All the selectric I & II's take the same elements the sel III uses a 96 char. one that is printed in yellow that isn't compatable.

DickyO

Selectric I and II type elements are identical (88 char) where Selectric III uses a different element (96 char). The 88 character element will have white lettering and the 96 character element will have yellow. Directly underneath the lift-up tab to remove the element will be a 3-digit number. That's the last 3 digits of the element's part number, which will be preceeded by 1167 for 88 character, or 1352 or 96 character. For example, if you have a '052" stamped on the element, and it's an 88 character style, the P/N will be 1167052.

The correcting mechanism is an intricate additional function of the backspace function. To test it/adjust it/or repair it requires the machine be hand-cycled using a hand cycle wheel which is screwed into the right hand side operational shaft. It's unlikely that an un-trained party would be successful repairing this..