How to install a ribbon in an IBM selectric II typewriter

http://selectric.org/selectric/manualii/index.html

If this takes a selectric II ribbon the Spiked driver may be gummed up. Remove the ribbon,
find the latch that holds the ribbon mech. open, release it the ribbon drive should swing freely to the right, if not spray some WD40 on the pivot point, above and below the arm then work it back and forth it should free up.

DickyO

Go to lexmark.com and click your way to publications there you can get instructions and pictures of installation. Remember there are 2 different ribbons for Selectric III,s.

DickyO

The tab tensioner on the R. side is probably broken, not a bad job but you have to know how.

DickyO

Download the Operation Instructions for IBM SELECTRIC II Typewriter from here (temporary link) :
http://files.getdropbox.com/u/1322442/IBM%20SELECTRIC%20II%20Typewriter%20-%20%20Operating%20Instructions.pdf

First check to be sure that the ribbon is on the left of the shock wire where it comes out of the cassette, if that is OK then check the ribbon driver it should move freely and swing to the ribbon take up spool. Some WD40 will free it up. Also be sire the ribbon is winding in the direction of the arrows.

DickyO

Move the grey lever on the R. side of the carrier to the R. and remove correction tape, try the machine, if it seems to work OK install a new correction tape.

DickyO

You haven't told what model of Selectric. If it is a selectric II or III, there is an orange lever on the carrier that you must pull to one side. The correction tape has a silver lever next to the take-up spool that you must pull outward.

Selectric III has two different ribbons the selectric II ribbon tha the ribbon guides are part of the macine and the "bicycle" ribbon that has the guides bilt into the ribbon. to replace the "bicycle" ribbon move pull the red lever on the right toward you, drop the ribbon in turn the knob a few times in the direction of the arrows, move the red lever back done.
The other style move the lever, drop the ribbon in, be sure the ribbon is left of the slacker finger sticking up on the left,thread it tru the guides, turn the knob inthe direction of the arrows, move red lever back,done.

DickyO

Make sure the ribbon cartridge lever is closed and that the ribbon is on the outside of the shock wire (where the ribbon exits the left side of the cartridge)