Gary_N Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 The clock in my '50 used to work. Then just stopped. I have heard that sometimes you can clean these things up and they work. So, can anyone shed some light as to just what to clean up and how?Thanks!Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Cannon Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 I was never able to get the clock in my '50 Special to run for very long. After cleaning and oil a few times I gave up.I recommend you remove it and see if you can find a watch/clock shop near you willing to clean and oil it for you.Inside you will find a pair of electrical contacts that are all burned. They need to be filed clean after the clock guy cleans and oils the clock.You can also check with these guys. I put one of their quartz clocks in my '63 (but it is 12 volt).http://www.clocksandgauges.com/I'm not sure if they go back to 1950, but they might help you find someone who does. And look in Hemmings Motor News.Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted March 19, 2008 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Check this out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_N Posted March 19, 2008 Author Share Posted March 19, 2008 Thanks Me. E and Jim!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted March 20, 2008 Share Posted March 20, 2008 Good article Mr Earl. I'm going to try this on one of my spares for the Electra, and see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_N Posted March 22, 2008 Author Share Posted March 22, 2008 Well, took the clock out, and cleaned the points. They looked bad. When I moved the points arm, the clock started ticking. So, I guess I mimicked a little rewind charge? Got all excited thinking that I actually got the clock to work again, and put it all back together. But it didn't work when reinstalled. I did run a new wire from the fuse panel to the clock just to be sure. So, out she comes again. I think a magnifying light is in order. I'm amazed at how little I can see even with my glasses these days. Must be a burnt wire inside the clock?Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pfloro Posted March 24, 2008 Share Posted March 24, 2008 Hello Gary:I serviced one of these 'electro-mechanical' clocks on my '66 Mustang and can offer a few suggestions: 1) If possible, operate the clock open on the bench with a 12V source. You can then see what is going on. 2) If you have access to an ohmmeter, measure the resistance from clock case (ground) to the clock's power connection WITH THE POINTS CLOSED. NO power should be applied during this test. It should be close to zero ohms. If the resistance is infinite, there is an open in the circuit. 3) When the clock's mainspring 'unwinds', the points will close for a split second & engerize the coil. The coil's action 'winds' the clock and breaks the circuit. (Love that little <span style="font-weight: bold">ZICK</span> sound!) 4) If the clock mechanism runs but seems sluggish, the mechanism is probably gummed up from old thickened oil. Use a LITTLE denatured alcohol on a swap to clean each gear shaft at the 'bearing' ends. Let the alcohol evaporate and then lube each 'bearing' with 'clock oil'. Also, lube the point where the gear teeth mesh. I use a toothpick to 'carry' the oil droplet to the bearings.It's important to see where the trouble is: mechanical or electrical (or both)... Be careful not to damage the delicate 'hairspring' next to the balance wheel.The reason the points burn is because a tiny arc is created every time the points open (winding cycle). Over time, the points deteriorate.The serviced clock in my Mustang has been running nonstop for 5+ years and keeps very good time! Good Luck,Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51dyno Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 try 1-800-398-3040 or 1-877-450-0110???You could probaby see better if you stopped counting that green stuff and spent some of it????????Just having fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary_N Posted March 27, 2008 Author Share Posted March 27, 2008 51 Dyno: What are you talking about? I can spend with the best of 'em! Now selling, that's another issue.Paul: Thanks for advice. I'll give it a go. Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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