LA Rose clock help.

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:50 pm     Post subject: LA Rose clock help.

Okay Let me start by saying I know very little about clocks. I'm tired of seeing the old family clock sitting there on the shelf not working! It is an LA Rose 151-020 32cm. I'm having a hard time getting this thing to work right. I can wind her up and get it to tick for a few seconds but the pendulum will stop after about 12 seconds or so.. I've cleaned it up and lubed it a bit but it still has a hard time ticking. If anyone may know what the problem is or have any tips? I would greatly appreciate the help. thanks

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:14 pm     Post subject:

A couple of things you could look into:

1.) Make certain the clock (particularly the movement) is level front to back, and side to side.

2.) Perform a beat adjustment. If you need info on beat adjustment, please reply to this post.

If these two factors do not correct the problem, you may have to consider having the movement looked at for possible repair...

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:45 pm     Post subject:

If you would be so kind as to explain the Beat adjustment I would appreciate it. I have almost no experience on this stuff. Thanks for the help.

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 1:56 pm     Post subject:

Most certainly!

Manual beat adjustment: Remove the pendulum from the pendulum leader. Above where the pendulum hangs on the pendulum leader, there will be an arm that comes out through the rear plate of the movement. This arm is called the crutch arm, and it will insert though a slot in the pendulum leader. Remove the leader from this arm. This crutch arm must swing an equal distance from vertical center to left as it does from vertical center to right. You will encounter slight resistance as you push the crutch arm to the left and to the right. If one side's swing is shorter, push the crutch arm through the resistance on the shorter side to gain an equal swing from center to left and from center to right. Replace the pendulum leader onto the arm of the crutch arm, and re-hang the pendulum. Start the pendulum swing and listen for an even "tick-tock". Note that this adjustment process is trial and error. If the pendulum stops, try repeating this adjustment process.

What you are doing is putting the movement into proper beat. Adjustments to the crutch arm will adjust the escapement of the movement. Note that some movements have an auto beat adjust feature. This feature would not require removing the pendulum. Movements of this nature can be adjusted by over-swinging the pendulum and allowing the movement to self correct. Note that these types of movements can also be adjusted manually (as described above).

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:04 pm     Post subject:

One other thing to check...

Further up the pendulum leader, you will note that the leader hangs onto a small bracket. This bracket resembles two metal plates that are connected by two (very thin) strips of flexible metal. While the pendulum leader hangs from the bottom plate of this bracket, the top plate will usually be secured to an upper rear post which extends off the back of the movement. This bracket piece is called the suspension spring. The two thin, metal, flexible strips of the suspension spring can break. If broken, your pendulum will not swing (or continue to swing after being started). Make certain this suspension spring is not broken. If it is, you will need to replace it before you can adjust the beat.

Side note: Make certain you are using synthetic clock oil as lubrication (and not WD-40 or some other type of lubricant). The wrong kind of lubricant can be the undoing of any mechanical movement over a period of time.

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 10:56 pm     Post subject:

OK let me start by saying Thanks! I never would have guessed that. I took the movement completely apart. Cleaned all the gears. there was a lot of black oil build up. Put it back together and bamb! didn't work.... But then I did what you said and its like a new clock! Its ticking as I type! How awesome are clocks man? I think I May start building a few kits.

Now for a question..
I don't have any ( clock Oil ) But what I do have is some T.Q. bearing oil(#741). Will this be okay or do I really need the clock Oil?

Thanks again for your help. I really appreciate it!

Posted: Wed Dec 14, 2011 1:49 pm     Post subject:

I could not tell you if synthetic hobby oil is similar to clock oil. Formulation may be different between the two. Perhaps other forum patrons can confirm or deny whether T.Q Bearing oil can work.

Klockit offers oil and oiling kit options:

http://www.klockit.com/depts/Accessories/dept-360.html

Note that you will want to ensure the movement is clean before adding oil. Dust/dirt and oil can mix to form a gritty grime. This grime will, in turn, wear on bearings and what not over time.