worn mechanisms

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2010 10:31 pm     Post subject: worn mechanisms

I have an older Howard Miller grandfather clock from circa 1975 The clock although 35 years old, has only been used/ran for less that 10, and maybe less than 5 years. It has sat idle for many years in my living room. For the past 3 or so years it has run continuously. This week I had a clock repairman come to my house to oil the movement and put the clock back into beat as it seemed to miss a beat from time to time.

The repairman tried to convince me that the life of the movement is only 20 years or so, regardless of the time it has sat idle. Can anyone on the forum either confirm or deny this advice. Thanks in advance

Bob H.

Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2010 11:10 pm     Post subject:

even just sitting there it iis gathering dust which turns to grinding paste when mixed with oil. so your repairman may well have added oil to a slightly dirty mechanism which will make it run for a bit longer.

these movements can run for 20 - 30 years depending how often you have it serviced. prople expect them to run for 60 years without a service - would your car?

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2010 8:15 pm     Post subject:

I agree with clokfxr. If I buy a new vehicle, I would expect it to last a long time... Providing I take care of said vehicle. If I do not take care of said vehicle, it will probably not last long at all.

I have spoken with customers who own movements that are 50+ years old. These movements still work properly. It is a testement of the following: If you take the time to maintain the movement, it will more than likely reach and/or extend past any anticipated life expectancy. Remember - Cleaning is just as important as oiling. Oil every 1-3 years, clean every 3-5 years (as a general rule of thumb).

In the end, no one knows exactly how long any given movement (or vehicle) will last. All we can do is provide the necessary maintainence to ensure that it will run as long as it can. I guess it is something to think about the next time you see an old Model "A" sputtering down the road...

Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2010 1:04 am     Post subject: worn mechanisms

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess the only thing I can do right now is "wait and see"