Gustav Becker Clock Repair

[derwiener]

I have a Gustav Becker, 3 barrel, Westminster chime clock that needs an overhaul. It's still in the case, so I can't provide pictures, but for identification, on the back appears P18, Medaille d'or, S, 2244929, and G.B. Freiburg in Schl[esien]. I have never worked on a Gustav Becker clock, and am looking for a manual that has info mainly on assembly, reassembly, etc. I have Conover's "German Clocks," but that addresses mainly the chime movement. Is there any other reference material available about Gustav Becker clocks? Also, I'm sure the clock will need bushings and would like to know if the same Bergeon bushings I use for American clocks are appropriate for this clock, and if not, what should I use? Thank you very much for any suggestions.
Paul

 

[shutterbug]

Most chiming clocks work on the same principle. There are no manuals. Your best bet is education, understanding and pictures. The bushings will be the same as for any clock.

 

[derwiener]

Must chiming clocks work on the same principle. There are no manuals. Your best bet is education, understanding and pictures. The bushings will be the same as for any clock.

Thank you. I've worked with French chiming clocks, but not with Westminster chimes. Hopefully there will be similarities with the German clock.
Paul

 

[wow]

Paul, since this is your first Westminster, I recommend that you first take many photos from many angles before beginning and also after each thing is removed. You should mark every wheel, marking on the top side of all of them so you will know which side is up. Do the same with every lever etc. this also helps to know which pivot goes with which hole and what plate it goes in. As you reassemble, let us help you with the syncing of the chime disks and gathering pallet. Go slowly. Good luck.
Will

 

[JimmyOz]

To add to what WOW said, when you take the movement out and before starting to take photos, put the minute hand on and go through the chime and strike sequence to see how it works. When you think you understand take a video of you going through the sequence. Take the minute hand past the hour, now everything is where it should be and take loads of photos.
Get a piece of foam that you can push an arbor in and it stays upright, as you take the movement apart (carefully) put each train in the foam as they come out top to bottom, this way you will have the wheels in the right order, levers also in the right order and everything the right way up. Mark the wheels as you see fit from bottom up, never mix them when cleaning.

 

[Willie X]

I wouldn't recommend you tackle this one until you've done a few disposable/ modern chimers.

Also, Bergeon bushings are better in severely worn holes and KWM bushings are better for less worn holes. So this will vary but overall, KWM bushings will work best in most cases. 'Best' meaning less work and less metal removal.

My 2, Willie X

 

[JimmyOz]

Maybe the OP will agree with you Willie after he has watched the sequence a few times, these are nice movements, however up there on the scale of hardness and a big jump from a time and strike American movement.

 

[derwiener]

Paul, since this is your first Westminster, I recommend that you first take many photos from many angles before beginning and also after each thing is removed. You should mark every wheel, marking on the top side of all of them so you will know which side is up. Do the same with every lever etc. this also helps to know which pivot goes with which hole and what plate it goes in. As you reassemble, let us help you with the syncing of the chime disks and gathering pallet. Go slowly. Good luck.
Will

Great advice! Thank you very much.
Paul

 

[blfowler]

There have been several forum discussions on this type of movement (P18) or one similar when it comes to the chime cam sequence, warning pins, and locking arm.
Before disassembly the chime sequence was off. At the quarter and half hour the chime sequenced normal. At the three-quarter hour the chime hammers sequenced seven times before locking. Someone previously worked on this movement and got them off. Now I am trying to get the chime sequence in correct working order.

Does anyone have, or know where I can find, a chime train wheel diagram showing how the wheels with warning pins and cams are initially set after reassembly?

 

[wow]

With these movements I take photos to help with the levers. If you reassemble all the wheels and levers right, the sequencing can usually be set by adjusting the cams on the chime side and the gathering pallet on the strike side.