On the IBM selectric 2 - the keys are locked up -

There are a few things that can cause your spacebar to not move the carrier. Do you hear any sound when you press on the bar? There are adjustment that may need to be made to the machine or perhaps there is something sticking in the mechanism. Unfortunately you mey not be able to fix this yourself as these machines need a technician to properly repair and service the machine.

If it moves a little but not enough the tab tensioiner on the R. side is broken not a bad job but yuo must know how.

DickyO

Old selectrics get very gummed up you probably needa good chemical cleaning, take it to a shop.

DickyO

By this time almost all selectrics need a good clean and oil the lubricants have turned to gum.

DickyO

If you know how to remove the right dust cover (black inside the T/W below the carrier) next to the R. side frame is the correction set up mech. spray some WD40 on the arms especially where they pivot, they should free up.

DickyO

You probably have a broken belt, you'll need a tech.

DickyO

Probably not much you can do it probabily needs a cycle clutch or at least adjusted. If you know how to remove the case you can try spraying with WD40 it may work but it will be temporary. DickyO

The tab tensioner is probably broken you need a tech.

DickyO

It sounds like the cycle shaft is not fully in home
position. With the machine OFF, try to turn the print shaft (the steel shaft with the single groove that goes through the carriage) top towards the back of the machine. Then turn the machine on. Try the space bar first. If it works, your machine probably needs the cycle clutch spring adjusted or replaced.

Selectric I and II type elements are identical (88 char) where Selectric III uses a different element (96 char). The 88 character element will have white lettering and the 96 character element will have yellow. Directly underneath the lift-up tab to remove the element will be a 3-digit number. That's the last 3 digits of the element's part number, which will be preceeded by 1167 for 88 character, or 1352 or 96 character. For example, if you have a '052" stamped on the element, and it's an 88 character style, the P/N will be 1167052.

The correcting mechanism is an intricate additional function of the backspace function. To test it/adjust it/or repair it requires the machine be hand-cycled using a hand cycle wheel which is screwed into the right hand side operational shaft. It's unlikely that an un-trained party would be successful repairing this..