Lenzkirch problem

[jeules0]

Bit stumped with this one. It's a Lenzkirch mini springer time and strike (pictures posted last week in 'Post your Lenzkirch' here.....) It runs beautifully and in beat for 8 hours-and then stops. The escape wheel lacks power and won't tick over. Am I correct in thinking the mainspring barrel rotates once every 8 hours? If this is the case, is my problem likely to be related to this fact. Any suggestions as to where the problem might lie most welcome, thanks.

 

[Scottie-TX]

How do you restart it then?
Does it always stop at 25 past or 5 before the hour?

 

[harold bain]

I don't think it is the mainspring barrel. It probably makes a complete rotation every two days or so. You will have to see at which gear the power disappears.

 

[jeules0]

How do you restart it then?
Does it always stop at 25 past or 5 before the hour?

If I put pressure on the hour hand it sometimes frees it. It does seem to stop just before the hour or half hour so could the strike be causing the problem? There again, I have run the strike right down but the problem persists. While the MB was down it did run for 16 hours before stopping!

 

[Scottie-TX]

Did you service this movement - dismantle, clean, and lube - or is this something that just cropped up?

 

[jeules0]

Did you service this movement - dismantle, clean, and lube - or is this something that just cropped up?

Not done a complete strip-down as yet because, although I understand what to do, I'm wondering if I can get it all back together again and I need to invest in a mainspring winder. Still a bit of a novice although I've succesfully done 400 day clocks, but with them there are fewer pivots to relocate! I think I will tackle this one but want to know where the problem might be. Is the fact it stops before the strike significant?

 

[Scottie-TX]

Stopping at strike could mean power available is insufficient to lift levers and maintain going works. That could be because of a strike train adjustment problem or perhaps movement needs properly cleaned and lubed to restore ample power.

 

[rdstorer]

If you are able to repair 400 day clocks how do you get those mainsprings out and then back in?

RDS

 

[leeinv66]

There again, I have run the strike right down but the problem persists.

Is the problem still there when the strike is fully wound?

 

[jeules0]

Hi, thanks to all who responded. I have narrowed the fault down to the intermediate wheel which has wear. I'll probably get a friend who is a 'proper' clock repairer to sort it for me.

I'm a collector who is able to sort things out to an extent, beyond which I can go no further.

How did I sort out my 400 day clocks without removing the mainspring? Fortunately, I was able to get them all running without doing this. A winder is on my list of things to get as I get more confident.

 

[jeules0]

Hi, thanks to all who responded. I have narrowed the fault down to the intermediate wheel which has wear. I'll probably get a friend who is a 'proper' clock repairer to sort it for me.

Quick update on the '8-hours then stop' problem as it may be of interest to others with a similar problem. My clock repairer acquaintance diagnosed the main problem very quickly: a badly worn and bent intermediate wheel pivot (the full horror can be seen in the before and after pictures!) He was able to cut off the offending pivot and drill and fit a new one. Result is a fully working Lenzkirch keeping excellent time.