72 Clock repair

[Gary S.]

I am looking for instructions or advice from anyone that has repaired/cleaned/adjusted their C3 or C2 clock. Mine acts like it really wants to work but it just clicks in place for a few minutes and then gives up the ghost. I am looking specifically for someone who has removed, cleaned, adjusted, and re-oiled their clock and got it to work. I know that it is an electro-mechanical clock. I also know that when the clock winds down, the points close, electrifying the movement and causing it to wind back up. I know that the points are one of the weak items in the clock. I intend to pull it out, inspect it, and use an electrical contact cleaner on the gears and motor mechanism. From there I am looking for advice for an in-house repair.

Gary

[Roger S.]

Re: 72 Clock repair

I took my clock out because it did not run. The hands just pulled off. To separate the movement from the housing took patience and small pliers and a small screwdriver. Just slowly twist the tabs and the movement will come out. Be careful that you don't turn the movement upside down as some of the gears will fall off. I sprayed the entire movement with a electrical cleaner that left no deposits: oil, etc.. I did this twice, not sparing any cleaner. I smoothed the point surfaces: the stationary surface was in good condition while the movable surface was very pitted and uneven, with a small file and rinsed the surfaces again. I let it dry overnight and the next evening I hooked the clock up to a 12 volt power supply to check it out. For just over 24 hours the clock ran fine. Beware of the arc when the points open, I was surprised by it.
Roger

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 Clock repair

Thank you for the detailed reply. This sounds almost exactly like what I had to do to my 66 clock. So I can assume that there isn't anything special with the hands, they just lift off? I was afraid that they might be secured onto the clock movemment shaft in some special way.

Again, thanks.
Gary

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 72 Clock repair

Gary
I have done several clock repairs sucessfully. It is not necessary to remove the hands from ther face nor the movement from the case. I just remove the back metal case and bring the exposed movement with face attached to my friend who is a jeweler and has an ultra sonic cleaner. I hold the movement in the solution for about 2 minutes being careful not to let the face get in the water. I don't think that the water would hurt the face but I don't just in case. After I remove the unit I use a hair dryer to dry the movement as best I can. After it has dried thoroughly, I use a clock oiler (one with a very long, fine, needle nose applicater) and only oil the ENDS of the shafts. That's all that is needed. Once the clock has run on the bench for at least 24 hours I put the rear cas back on and re-install the clock.
I hope this helps.
Jeff