Lionel vintage Aquarium Car 3435 - Adjusting revolving loop

[firsttimer]

The revolving film loop on my Aquarium Car has been very "balky" and only moves occasionally.  Is there an adjustment I can make, or some other suggestion, to make it work properly?

[phrankenstign]

There are different reasons that I can think of that would cause that problem.

 

1) The film's sprocket holes have been damaged/torn.

2) The motor isn't running smoothly.

2) The tension is too loose.

 

The first kind can be fixed by simply replacing the filmstrip.  I found a source for $10.  Alternatively, one can use a 35mm splicing kit to tape over the section(s) that have damaged sprocket holes.

 

The second kind can probably be fixed by cleaning and lubricating the motor.

 

I tried finding an exploded diagram parts list of the car to find out how to adjust the tension, but I failed.  I suggest just looking at it to figure out what causes the tension to begin with.  Perhaps just the act of tightening one side of the spool creates enough tension to keep the filmstrip snug.

 

That's it for me.  I hope that helped.

[firsttimer]

[quote user="phrankenstign"]

There are different reasons that I can think of that would cause that problem.

 

1) The film's sprocket holes have been damaged/torn.

2) The motor isn't running smoothly.

2) The tension is too loose.

 

The first kind can be fixed by simply replacing the filmstrip.  I found a source for $10.  Alternatively, one can use a 35mm splicing kit to tape over the section(s) that have damaged sprocket holes.

 

The second kind can probably be fixed by cleaning and lubricating the motor.

 

I tried finding an exploded diagram parts list of the car to find out how to adjust the tension, but I failed.  I suggest just looking at it to figure out what causes the tension to begin with.  Perhaps just the act of tightening one side of the spool creates enough tension to keep the filmstrip snug.

 

That's it for me.  I hope that helped.

 Thanks for the response! Unfortunately, this loop must be an earlier version as it has no sprocket holes.  The "motor" is the old "vibrotor" which causes the spools or drums to revolve (newer versions have an actual motor), and I don't think there's much I can do there. I'll check on the spool tension and see if that helps.  Again, thanks for your help.  firsttimer