From: rschorr@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
Newsgroups: rec.antiques
Subject: re: Electric clock
Date: 9 Jan 93 00:28:02 GMT
Organization: University of Kansas Academic Computing Services

Re: Jeff Roberts' old clock.

I can't get the knack of answering postings but I'll try again.
This is my first posting in this newsgroup.  I hope my response 
isn't too verbose.

     General Electric Manufactured a large number of clocks using
this movement during the '40s and '50s. The motor type indicates
an older model. They were well made  and gave many years of
dependable service. Similar or identical movements were used in
Revere Telechron and Herschede electric chime clocks.

Here are a few suggestions:

1.The motor consists of a field coil assembly and a sealed rotor
capsule containing the gear-works. Before you do anything make
sure the field coil is ok by placing a screwdriver blade near the
assembly while the motor is plugged in.  You should feel a slight
vibration through the screwdriver. If not the coil is blown out
or the electric cord or plug needs replacement. The coil is a
"#48 B-type field coil" and may? be obtained from one of the
suppliers listed at the end of this message.

2.   If the coil is ok then the problem is in the rotor capsule.
The rotor in your clock is a TYPE B M31- long obsolete and
succeeded by the model M3536-also obsolete. A quasi-adequate
replacement is available but I suggest you first try to fix your
old rotor.  If it cannot be fixed you might contact the listed
suppliers and ask for an M3536 but they will probably try to sell
you an M3506.  This is not as heavy-duty a rotor and you will
have to file a flat on the shaft but it should work if the rest
of the clock movement has been cleaned.

3.   Clean the clock movement.  If at all possible do not
disassemble the movement.  If you do you will probably wish you
hadn't. If you don't have clock cleaning solution use mineral
spirits (paint thinner) and a tooth brush and small paint brush.
Do not use gasoline. Wipe off as best you can and dry with a hair
dryer. Lube with clock oil and grease cams and lift-levers (see
list of suppliers to order oil). Do not use WD40 or 3-and-1-oil. 
Complete instructions on movement assembly are on pp 80-83 of
"The Best of J.E.Coleman: Clockmaker".  AWI Press, (513)661-3838.
$30. (A great book to have if you do any work on clocks).

4.   Fixing the rotor. Often this will work if the gearing in the
capsule is not too worn or broken.  Drill #60 hole on flat back
side of the capsule-- not on the cylindrical part that fits in
the field assembly.  Fill capsule with lacquer thinner using
hypodermic syringe. Run motor in field assembly for about an
hour (remember that laquer thinner is flammable).  Clean out as
much fluid as possible by injecting air in capsule. Flush with
clean fluid several times and dry under low heat for an hour or
so.  Squirt in about 1.5cc clock oil and shake.  I don't bother
sealing the hole but you can use a dab of epoxy.  If repair
doesn't work try ordering a new rotor.

Suggested sources:

     Empire Clock Co.,  St. Paul MN (800)333-8463
     Merritt Antiques, Douglassville PA (800)345-4101
     S. LaRose, Greenboro, NC (919)275-0462
All accept charge cards.