Bell & Howell 16mm Film Projectors: Failing Worm Gears and Belts

This is what cracked or broken worm gears and worn belts sound and look like inside a vintage Bell and Howell 16mm Projector.
Resources:
Larry Urbanski is the main resource for Bell & Howell projector parts and tools: www.urbanskifilm.com/projecto...
The best 16mm film enthusiasts forum:
16mmfilmtalk.com/viewforum.ph...
Xcelite bristol screwdrivers set on Amazon (urbanskifilm.com sells a 3-piece set, or check used on eBay):
tinyurl.com/37bbd9c2
Paul Ivester's Bell & Howell 16mm projector models list: www.paulivester.com/films/proj...
Manuals:
www.film-tech.com/warehouse/in...

[@tracygeddes5867]

What memories I remember replacing the worm gears back in the late 70’s early 80’s ,just love those projectors ,great to see they are still alive.

[@Musicradio77Network]

I hate these worm gears on the Bell & Howell, and it was a kiss of death. I had a Bell & Howell Specialist a long time ago, so I replaced it with a Singer Glaflex 16 and that didn’t work, and then my Revere 16mm projector, and that was busted due to the brush motor failure, and finally ended up with my Kodak Pageant AV-126-TR, a much better 16mm sound projector and it runs perfectly.

[@rylandgroves]

Thank you so much for this video. We found a crack in the worm gear. So we are gonna order one and go ahead and order a new belt too because it was off of where it should be.

[@josephandolina]

I just purchased from Larry Urbanski a Bell & Howell 1592 that has both 18 & 24 speeds. I'm starting to notice that the sound is sounding "wobbly" on playback, like the sound is not playing at a constant even smooth speed. It was fine just a day ago. Ill be reaching back out to Larry probably in a few days or so but wanted to see if anyone might have an idea on what can cause that kind of issue. It does not hapoen only on a particular film, but becoming consistant on no matter what film. Certainly very noticeable on parts that have music, like a warped vinyl record playing back. And where i had no issue with a particular film now have it with that same film.

[@kippercat123]

Can you direct me how to replace ( take out and put back in ) the old worm gear with a new one ? thank you.

[@northstar1950]

I wish I had never bought my 2592 used many years back ,as far as I know the worm is ok but that's because it's had little use.

[@coachdavismathclass2335]

I just acquired a B&H 535. Turning the switch and forward and reverse seem not to be working. Light works , which I thought would be what would not work.

[@goingbackintime1]

Do you have a video of a process of taking the parts out to get to the worm gear on a 1592 model?

[@WashyBanjo]

Im trying to replace the worm gear on one of these that has the clutch assembly attached like on your projector. I cant find any videos on how to remove it to get to the set screw for the worm gear. Any advice?

[@mikezack41]

Hey Mike, I replaced my worm gear on my Bell and Howell 1580 and found two springs on my workbench. Can I send you a photo and perhaps you can tell me where you think they might go?

[@Killasaull]

I have a B&H 285 C Filmosound projector that is working well but quite noisy. I think it needs a worm gear. Is there any advice you could offer on replacement or other possible causes of noise that I should consider looking for?

[@mcqproductions7803]

If the worm gear happens to be intact, is there a way to reinforce the existing one?