Ansonia Clock is fast and slow.

Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:17 pm     Post subject: Ansonia Clock is fast and slow.

Hi, I love clocks. I like the 8 day movement clocks. I bought a used Ansonia Clock Model #590. My guess is that its a least 5 years old but maybe closer to 10 plus years old. I wind my clocks on Sunday. This clock keeps very good time the first 4-5 days of the cycle but the last 2-3 days of the cycle it will lose about 1 minute a day. I did oil the movement but it did not make any different. Maybe the movement needs to be cleaned. I read somewhere that maybe the mainspring might have lost some of its tension and needs to be replaced. I also have read that the mainspring might need to be cleaned. If this time lost each cycle is normal I can live with that. But my others clocks don't have this kind of problem. Yes I have tried adjusting the pendulum.

The movement has Ansonia Clock Co stamped on it. Also has 1051-031A 38cm, 111-16 stamped on plate.

I am just a hobbyist when it comes to any repairs on clocks.

Any suggestions or help would be nice. Thanks for any info.

Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:59 pm     Post subject:

That is the problem when buying a used mechanical clock movement. In most cases, the buyer has no idea if the previous owner took the proper steps to maintain his/her movement as per the manufacturer recommendations. Typically, mechanical movements should be oiled every one to three years, and cleaned every three to five years. The cleaning aspect is very important as it removes any dirt/sludge build up (which can also build up in new applications of oil). I would begin with looking into having the movement cleaned. If you have a professional do so, he may also be able to check your mainspring (or other aspects of the movement). Problems beyond that may require a qualified mechanical movement repairer. My understanding is that the mainspring (for example) is something that a novice would not want to tackle. Keep checking back for other posts from knowledgable mechanical movement patrons. My mechanical movement knowledge is general at best, but Klockit is very fortunate to have some experienced members in our forum.

Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 11:02 pm     Post subject:

It sounds to me like it needs a good cleaning. I would look at the plates where the gear shafts exit, and see if you can see any sludge build up (will be black). Also look for wear. FYI: when oiling the movement it needs to be removed from the case, and both the front and rear gear shafts need oil.

I doubt the mainsprings need replacing.