Newby with a Sessions problem

Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 8:07 pm     Post subject: Newby with a Sessions problem

I have a Sessions wall clock(Mission Oak design, I believe?) with a pendulum. As per instructions on the forum, I have cleaned and lubricated. Bent the crutch till a nice even beat is heard. The clock runs fast and still makes a double tick/skipping sound, which is what I think causes it to run fast.
I notice while watching the upper pendulum mechanism, there is sort of a reverse C that contacts a brass sprocket on the top then bottom as it swings back and forth with the pendulum. Every now and then, it is sporadic, it skips a tooth on the sprocket, making the double tick sound. It was doing this exact thing prior to me cleaning/oiling/adjusting.
Is it possible that the brass sprocket is worn on the tips, thus causing the problem? Or can a person bend the "reverse C thing" and hopefully eliminate the skipping? As a side note, the pendulum only swings back and forth in about a 1 inch arc, in the event that this is indicative of the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sessioned out (Kevin)

Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:32 am     Post subject: Sessions problem

The "reverse C" is the verge and it is not contacting enough of the tooth surface on the escape wheel, thereby allowing a tooth or teeth to slip from time to time. The result is that the clock gains time. It can be caused by worn or bent escape wheel teeth or verge, worn pivots on the escape wheel or a combination of any of these. The shallow pendulum arc is an indication of the problem. Without being able to examine it I would have to say that the clock is in need of repair.

Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 6:18 pm     Post subject:

Thanks so much for you input clkwrx, I kind of figured the old clock might need a little more help than I could give it. Are replacement parts available for these older movements, or does a person look for another used one and hope the parts are in better shape?

Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:44 pm     Post subject: Sessions clock

Any competent clock technician should be able to assess the problem with this clock and repair it. Some parts (like the verge and even some escape wheels) are available from suppliers. Worn pivot holes can also be rebushed.

Cannibalizing parts from another clock is only advised as a last resort if there is no other source.

Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:27 pm     Post subject:

Thanks clkwrx, I appreciate the help. I'll see if I can track down a clock fixer in my area.