Wesley Goodman Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 I've just been handed down a 67 year old projector that has been through 2 other generations of my family. This gem probably hasn't been run in 30-40 years. I know very little about projectors, except have figured out how to get this one loaded and running. It is a 16mm Ampro Imperial Precision. It uses a Sylvania DDB 750w lamp. Everything is in working order, except when the projector runs for more than 10 seconds smoke comes from the vent above the lamp. I've had the whole lamp assembly apart and cleaned thoroughly but can't figure out how to stop the smoking. The fan runs well and blows a constant strong breeze through the lamp housing. Wires to the lamp socket look fine and not melted at all. Smoking stops almost immediately after turning off the lamp. Anyone out there know anything about these old movie projectors? Thanks in advance if anyone can help!
Alan Rencher Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 It could still be dust that is lodged in the nooks and crannies, or some cleaning agent or lubricant that is near the bulb.
Premium Member Dom Jaeger Posted March 28, 2013 Premium Member Posted March 28, 2013 It could still be dust that is lodged in the nooks and crannies, or some cleaning agent or lubricant that is near the bulb. That would be my guess too.
Chris Millar Posted March 28, 2013 Posted March 28, 2013 Can you run it with the housing open? Try to eyeball the source of the smoke directly ...
Premium Member Phil Rhodes Posted March 28, 2013 Premium Member Posted March 28, 2013 Also, if it's that old, shouldn't it be completely stripped down and relubricated? Would hate to think of it being wrecked because of that.
Charlie Peich Posted March 28, 2013 Posted March 28, 2013 Wesley, Check out this site of serious 16mm film collectors, plenty of guys restoring projectors..... there are some Ampro fans. Ampros were made in Chicago. http://16mmfilmtalk.com/
Mark Dunn Posted March 28, 2013 Posted March 28, 2013 Try washing the lamphousing. It looks as if it would come off completely. If you're brave, try leaving it on for a while. What does the burning smell like- just dust like an old electric heater, or rubber or plastic? The latter needs looking into, the former might just burn off.
Wesley Goodman Posted April 9, 2013 Author Posted April 9, 2013 Thanks for all the suggestions. Good news: no more smoke! I'm guessing it was just some dust somewhere that I couldn't see. The projector has been lubricated and runs like new now. Watched the 1947 World Series with Jackie Robinson the other night.
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