Re: '54 clock issue...

Posted by HH56 On 2012/9/9 20:09:37

Don't think I've ever seen a schematic. Not much to them.

The wind mechanism is a set of contacts which control an electromagnet. A small spring pulls against an armature and ratchet mechanism and is essentially the clock mainspring. As the regular clock mechanism does it's thing, the spring pulls the armature to a point where the contacts snap closed. Electromagnet pulls the armature several degrees by virtue of the ratchet & tensions the spring again. As the armature leaves the start position, the contacts snap open & cycle repeats every few seconds depending on the clock. That's the thunk or click you hear every so often.

The usual problem is the lube gets dry or gummy so clock slows and stalls or else the contacts oxidize or burn. The contacts are particularly vulnerable if the battery is weak so the snap action doesn't happen quickly to open them.

You can remove the clock and do the cleaning and lubing yourself using clock cleaner and oil -- not regular off the shelf products. While some have had some success with ordinary items, usually those will gum up again quickly. The contacts can be dressed with a regular point file.

There are a couple here who have done theirs and posted pictures of what you will find inside.