This is topic Simplex X-90 Oil Leaks in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Steven Pickles (Member # 785) on 03-14-2001, 01:46 PM:
I'm sure someone knows how to relieve the problem of an oil leak, but I've racked my brain and cannot think of what the problem could be. I've replaced the seals and checked the oil level... both seem to be fine at the moment. Yet every other morning or so there is a droplet of oil at the base of the projector. The leak is occuring while the film is playing sometimes as well, because I've noticed the film heading from the payout back to the receiving platter is fine when it leaves but upon return has a nice oil spot in the middle of the film.Any help would be appreciated,
Steven
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-14-2001, 04:30 PM:
This could be oil slung form the shutter. See if the aperature is oily, or baked with burn't oil. If the oil is found on each frame then I would suspect that, especially if its on the backside that passes by the shutter. I ahve also seen the upper sprocket assembly leak several times and this can make a mess out of the film after a few runs. Worn bushings, and a clogged oil drain on the upper sprocket casting caused it in each case. If it is the shutter you'll hvae to remove the compensator assy and check to be sure the drain below the rear bearing is open. Also replace the gasket when re-ninstalling it. Do not re-use it.
The second thing that comes to mind is that the leak is through the casting of the projector or perhaps someone ran a bolt that was too long up through the mounting bar.
Mark @ GTS
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 03-14-2001, 06:08 PM:
I agree with Mark. As a passing thought, how much oil are you using in the projector? Is it over filled? If you have one of those new-fangled main drive oil seals installed, the oil might just then decide to run out the holdback sprocket shaft if there is too much oil in the projector.
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 03-14-2001, 06:16 PM:
Does your film look like it is getting a lot of oil on it or just an occasional drop. Do you notice oil puddles inside the projector head machine side (threading side). It could be oil dropping onto the film as it passes on the return to platter if platters are on the left side of the projector. If thats the case and it is possable try adjusting the film transport roller on the bottom of the tree so the film does not run in the path of the oil leak. Remember you will have to adjust the lower take up roller on the platter tree if you do this.
Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 03-14-2001, 08:25 PM:
X-90? Isnt that a Strong xenon console?? Why in God's name would OIL be leaking from a console? 
Assumption is its a simplex 1050 or millennium that is drooling the oil.
and its a simplex.... its gonna leak...
Aaron
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-14-2001, 09:43 PM:
Aaron,
Didn't you know that Strong's new line of Xenon lamps are oil fired? A leak on one of these new babies could spell the end of the entire plex! Plug it up!
Mark @ GTS
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 03-14-2001, 10:19 PM:
Steven, if push comes to shove and you have to remove the compensator, you have to be very careful to establish the correct gear mesh when it is re-installed. If you just throw it back together and tighten it down, don't be surprised to find you can't even roll the machine forward by hand.However, if the oil blob you see in the middle if the frame is on the stock side of the film, it is unlikely the oil is coming through the shutter shaft or its bearing.
If the blob of oil is on the emulsion side of the film, then Mark could very well be correct.