Does the clock in a 1967 Corvette use an extra ordinary amount of power to run when the car isn't being used? I took my clock out for repairs three weeks ago. (Clock is original not quartz) Today I decided to take the car for a ride, without a clock. To my surprise I didn't need to charge the battery first. Does the clock draw a lot of amps. In the past if I didn't use the car for a few weeks the battery would be low and need recharging.
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Re: C2 Clock & Low Battery
The original clocks are electro-mechanical, using a simple points system to wind the mechanism after it winds down. It shouldn't discharge your battery unless you have some other problem. Once the points close, the mechanism winds up and then the points open. That breaks the electrical connection until it winds down again.
Gary -
Re: C2 Clock & Low Battery
The electro-mechanical clocks don't cause a great deal of current draw when they are functioning properly. However, they are notorious for causing dead batteries and even electrical fires when they aren't functioning properly. My father's 55 Chevy just about went up in a cloud of smoke back in the late 50's due to a malfunctioning clock. Quartz conversions aren't all bad to a lot of folks. When you reinstall your clock, try putting a one amp fuse in the circuit just in case.......Comment
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Pro & Con
Clock is not a major electrical draw (perhaps 1/2 amp every 90 seconds as the points close and and mechanical spring is re-cocked). But, MAJOR is a relative term. These cars were intended to be driven and not to sit idle for LONG periods of time. Hence, a number of design considerations focused on periodic use (exercise) of the vehicle.
Yes, there are rare instances where a mechanical clock has been known to cause electrical overload and fire. Happens when points in the spring 'cocking' mechanism weld together presenting the unfused supply line with a bona fide short circuit condition. Use of a battery cut-off switch will thwart this potential, at least when the car's unattended....
Quartz conversion gives you MUCH lower current draw (a few mA), more accurate time keeping and longer life. But, in keeping with NCRS standards it presents point deductions when the car is judged and constitutes an automatic failure of Performance Verification test....
Even with the car's electrical system shut down/disconnected, the battery will discharge based on its internal 'leakage' profile. In general, the older the battery, the higher the leakage profile AND the more modern the battery internal construction technology the lower the leakage profile. Rule of thumb was to expect 1-2% discharge per week of sitting idle. From this you see that it doesn't take too many weeks/months of sitting before the battery can fall so low there's insufficient cold craking power.
Sitting with either a mechanical clock or quartz clock running simply speeds up the 'native' discharge profile. BUT, 'death' to a mechanical clock is letting it stop, lubricant to 'clump' then restart it frequently....Comment
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Re: Pro & Con
During the cars winter hibernation period I usually keep a battery tender on the battery. I us a green knob battery cut off with a 5 amp fused pig tail to keep the clock working. In fact, I usually keep power to the clock all the time to keep it running. The 5 amp fuse allows me to open the doors without the fuse blowing. Is this dangerous??Comment
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Re: Pro & Con
Since bypass for 'keep alive' branch circuit current is fused you're OK. Remember the probability that mechanical clock's winding points will weld shut and short circuit is VERY remote, ESPECIALLY if your clock's been gone through by a professional restorer.... All folks in this thread were trying to do was give you the pro/con overview of your universe of alternatives--not scare you to death!Comment
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Re: Pro & Con
My clock has been fully checked by clockworks. I asked them if the clock could drain the battery and they said the same thing. If the battery is old and the car is not being used the clock could cause drain down. The surprise was they suggested to disconnect power to the car including the clock. They said the clock would last a lot longer.
I want to thank everyone for their help. Even though they did start to scare me with comments of shorts and fires.Comment
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