I have a IBM Model 5651 Memory Typewriter (Selectric II carriage), and I cannot make the ribbon advance while typing. If I turn the ribbon it will type until the ‘ink’ runs out. It’s just not advancing. Thanks in advance!

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

There is a thin metal ribbon in the back that has come off the wheel. It is a devel of a thing to get back on.

Remove the cover and watch ... you will see what I am talking about.

It may have come un-attached ... equally difficult to fix without the little thingie the typewirter mechanic uses.

good luck

Sounds like the return lever arm is not putting enough pressure on the return clutch, or the clutch is slipping. The exp key uses the same clutch but the pressure comes from your finger. Theres no way you can fix this yourself. Get an IBM mechanic.

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

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

on the left far side of the ribbon there is a white vertical post. the ribbon should be on the left side of that. also make sure you turn the ribbon the direction of the arrow (on the cassete) otherwise will need professional repair

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)