Clock repair questions

[Slowhand]

Dashboard clock question.  Has anyone opened and serviced a clock from a '74-'76 1600 or 2002 automatic instrument cluster? I just took a clock out of a cluster that has been sitting 20-30 years.  When I put power to it, it started working but I could hear it straining and it's 'ticking' was irregular. I disconnected power because I don't want to make it worse.  I'm sorta handy (not the best, but have some skills). Should I try to open & service it myself? It's only 3 bolts to take the cover off and open the can of worms. Send it to a pro? (would appreciate recommendations and and anyone's experience of how much it can cost) 0r just leave it alone because the clock isn't worth that much? Which leads to the question of how much these clocks are worth. Thanks for your input.

 

Edited February 8, 2021 by Slowhand

[esty]

as long as you are handy enough to fix it if you break it, take the cover off and open the can of worms

 

 

[Mike Self]

Those clocks, IIRC are mechanical clocks that are wound electrically with a solenoid (source of the click you hear periodically when the clock is running) that's energized by a set of points that close when the clock's spring runs down.

 

Get yourself a bottle of clock oil (NOT 3-in-1 or WD-40)--it usually comes with a long, thin spout for getting into tight places.  Then take the back off the clock, locate the point set and carefully clean 'em with some doubled-over fine sandpaper.  Then see if the clock works by connecting it to +12v.   Before reassembling, lightly oil the moving parts, and then bench test it for a day or so to make sure all is well and whether it needs regulating.  Nine times out of ten the problem is burned points, and a little cleaning will get the clock working again. 

 

If it's a quartz clock (and I don't think any of the large instrument binnacle clocks are) you're on your own.

 

mike

 

PS, if it can't be fixed, you can always swap the clock out for a tach...

[zinz]

12 hours ago, Mike Self said:

lightly oil the moving parts

 

More specifically, only oil the pivot points and never the actual gears.  A tiny drop of oil on the "axles" and their pivot points.

 

I use precision Q tips available at Hobby Lobby in the model paint section.  These are small, and pointed to allow delicate cleaning and oiling.  Use good lighting and your magnifiers (for us old guys) to really see what you are doing. 

 

[jimk]

Do it once with synthetic gun oil (the oil doesn't dry) and forget it.    I used as a trial on a pendulum wall clock and it keeps better time than it ever has.