Seth Thomas suspension spring and regulator position...odd

[Wimberleytech]

This is a "Label 295" also referred to as a 4 1/2 and 89 I think.
Notice that the suspension spring is not enclosed by the regulator--only partially.
I serviced the clock and all seemed well, but it is not regulating...seems erratic. Wondering if this is the issue.
The clock does not appear to have been hacked by earlier services and in fact looks to be in excellent condition.

Thoughts?

 

[R. Croswell]

The regulator looks ok except it appears to be set at the limit of maximum fast. It should be more in the middle of the fast/slow range. Make sure that the regulator is actually moving when you adjust the fast/slow setting.

RC

 

[Keith Doster]

I've had problems with that style of regulator. It seems the tightness of the fingers on the regulator against the spring is crucial. Loose enough to slide up and down freely without binding, but tight/close enough to actually do the job. Another possibility is this is a replacement suspension and the original was narrower which allowed the regulator to fully enclose it. Be sure the suspension spring is quite smooth. Even a spot of oil might be in order. Also be sure the regulator is sliding smoothly against the rear plate and not binding on a burr or something.

 

[Wimberleytech]

I noticed that the screw holding the regulator plate was a little loose and the regulator arm was moving with the spring. Tightened that and will monitor the regulation progress. Should have noticed this during assembly...details!

Will report back later with results

 

[Willie X]

I think someone botched the assembly. The suspension spring is now pinned incorrectly.

I would try: removing the cross pin from the suspension spring hanger post, place a loop of small wire through the suspension spring hole, replace it where it was except now it hangs on top of the post but further back, put a pin or wire through the (now empty) horizontal hole to act as a retainer.

If the slot in the hanger post is not deep enough (can't tell by the photo) then the hanger post has been changed.

And in the end, you may need to make a new suspension rod, or change to an adjustable pendulum bob, in order to center the adjuster.

Willie X

 

[Wimberleytech]

I think someone botched the assembly. The suspension spring is now pinned incorrectly.

I would try: removing the cross pin from the suspension spring hanger post, place a loop of small wire through the suspension spring hole, replace it where it was except now it hangs on top of the post but further back, put a pin or wire through the (now empty) horizontal hole to act as a retainer.

If the slot in the hanger post is not deep enough (can't tell by the photo) then the hanger post has been changed.

And in the end, you may need to make a new suspension rod, or change to an adjustable pendulum bob, in order to center the adjuster.

Willie X

Yeah, something went awry. I guess it could have been manufactured incorrectly...things do happen and don't get caught.
I have plenty of suspension springs...will fiddle with it.

 

[lpbp]

It looks like the pin holding suspension spring will not let it move front to back easily, causing binding, you might have the wrong bob, it doesn't show in picture. The label #295 is just that a label number it has nothing to do with what movement is in the case, yours is probably the 89C.

 

[R. Croswell]

All the ST 89-x movement that I can recall were like this example (89-C). The posts do not have a hole for a pin. Someone has modified the OP's movement and added a pin that is causing trouble. In this example the suspension spring has a small "dimple" that heeps it from slipping through the slot. A tiny hole where the dimple is with a piece of wire through it would also workl.

RC

 

[Uhralt]

All the ST 89-x movement that I can recall were like this example (89-C). The posts do not have a hole for a pin. Someone has modified the OP's movement and added a pin that is causing trouble. In this example the suspension spring has a small "dimple" that heeps it from slipping through the slot. A tiny hole where the dimple is with a piece of wire through it would also workl.

RC

View attachment 738038

This confirms what Willie said in post #5.

Uhralt

 

[Wimberleytech]

Good info. I have moved the suspension spring so that it is now completely enclosed by the regulator fork.
Will update on regulation as I tune it in.

 

[Wimberleytech]

Occam's Razor strikes again!!
The big problem on this clock, I believe, was the minute hand dragging on the hour hand.
The hour hand was not pressed on far enough and would drag in certain positions.
Yeah, the suspension spring issue needed to be resolved but I do not think it was the BIG issue.
My bad...shake it off...move on!