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Enfield autocorrect chime problem

Rixy

By Rixy
in All Things Clocks

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Rixy Watch Enthusiast

Rixy

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An Enfield Westminster clock I was working on (thanks for the advice on the bezel catch, OH, I got that sorted) has now developed a problem with the autocorrect function on the chimes. It was working fine and then I took the clock apart to rectify a pivot problem in the time train (it had been bent when I was putting it in) and when I had it all reassembled it chimed fine but would not self-correct if necessary. 

What seems to happen is once the 3/4 chime is over, both the normal locking lever and the one for auto correct slot into place (so far so good). Moving the hand round to the o'clock, the chimes are triggered, no matter whether it is the long 'arm' or one of the three short ones lifting the flirt. I have tried adjusting the chime lock lever but too high and the chiming never stops and too low there is not enough clearance for the chimes to start. I can set it 'just right' but the autocorrect refuses to do it's thing!

I wondered if I had inadvertently twisted one of the levers but they look alright. They are a broad U shape - common feature on Enfields I think.

Have added some photos if that20231019_201850.thumb.jpg.13cab216d7b7dd4c677a70fda9d9eadc.jpg helps.

This has been driving me crazy for two days. Any suggestions?20231019_201743.thumb.jpg.4b7f6814a7c8d51bc57808155048fb6c.jpg20231019_201944.thumb.jpg.710c3d5afbada45a4f1d238dc72d3541.jpg

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Jon Super WRT Addict

Jon

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3 minutes ago, Rixy said:

An Enfield Westminster clock I was working on (thanks for the advice on the bezel catch, OH, I got that sorted) has now developed a problem with the autocorrect function on the chimes. It was working fine and then I took the clock apart to rectify a pivot problem in the time train (it had been bent when I was putting it in) and when I had it all reassembled it chimed fine but would not self-correct if necessary. 

What seems to happen is once the 3/4 chime is over, both the normal locking lever and the one for auto correct slot into place (so far so good). Moving the hand round to the o'clock, the chimes are triggered, no matter whether it is the long 'arm' or one of the three short ones lifting the flirt. I have tried adjusting the chime lock lever but too high and the chiming never stops and too low there is not enough clearance for the chimes to start. I can set it 'just right' but the autocorrect refuses to do it's thing!

I wondered if I had inadvertently twisted one of the levers but they look alright. They are a broad U shape - common feature on Enfields I think.

Have added some photos if that20231019_201850.thumb.jpg.13cab216d7b7dd4c677a70fda9d9eadc.jpg helps.

This has been driving me crazy for two days. Any suggestions?20231019_201743.thumb.jpg.4b7f6814a7c8d51bc57808155048fb6c.jpg20231019_201944.thumb.jpg.710c3d5afbada45a4f1d238dc72d3541.jpg

I'm pretty sure @oldhippywould have a suggestion for you on how to alleviate this problem

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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My advice is to go back to the beginning. So remove all the chime from the front, Move the hand from its center and each quarter the chime should do 1 cycle. If that is right put the cam wheel on so the next will be quarter past, if all is well do the next and the next and then the hour. Try that and then get back to me.  

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Rixy Watch Enthusiast

Rixy

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The good news is I went right back, reassembled it bit by bit, checked it at each stage and the autocorrect worked as it should! Not sure what was causing the problem but your advice certainly did the trick. Thanks. 

The bad news is what I thought was a bent pivot due to my clumsy attempt at reassembly, was actually a bent pivot due to a worn bushing in the time train. This means that as soon as I straightened out the pivot and reassembled (very carefully) the movement, the arbor pivot for the third wheel in the time train moved and the clock stopped. It runs for a few minutes then grinds to a halt. I checked that it was in beat and that the back cock wasn't too low. The wear on the bushing isn't massive but is noticeable on close inspection. 

I have attached photos so you can see the pivot in the bushing (not brilliant images). It's wearing upwards.

To rebush, will I need to prepare the hole by hand? I still have a clock from a few weeks ago requiring rebushing so perhaps now is as good a time as any to get started.

20231022_170505.jpg

20231022_170524.jpg

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oldhippy Distinguished Member

oldhippy

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It certainly needs re-bushing you can do this by hand. The reason it is pushing up is the power on the spring pushes all the wheels up. I did all my bushing by hand but I also made bushes. I never had a bushing tool they are a waste of money.   

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