Felsa 4033 release power from main spring

[Cmmb8519]

Hi everyone

How can I release the power of this Felsa 4033?

Even if I use the crown and release the click, the barrel does not self rotate to unwind the main spring.

I'm concerned of removing the main plate with the wheels under pressure and break the pivots.

Many thanks.

[Kalanag]

Remove the balance wheel => block the escape wheel carefully => remove the pallet fork => let go the escape wheel

[RichardHarris123]

Why won't it unwind the conventional way? 

[Neverenoughwatches]

2 hours ago, Cmmb8519 said:

Hi everyone

How can I release the power of this Felsa 4033?

Even if I use the crown and release the click, the barrel does not self rotate to unwind the main spring.

I'm concerned of removing the main plate with the wheels under pressure and break the pivots.

Many thanks.

Sounds like things could be really gummed up, i had one just the same a couple of days ago. I added placed small drops of naptha on to all the jewel heads with a syringe, the following day it was all but free to unwind.

3 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Why won't it unwind the conventional way? 

 

4 minutes ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Why won't it unwind the conventional way? 

Sounds like its gummed up tight.

[Kalanag]

1 hour ago, RichardHarris123 said:

Why won't it unwind the conventional way? 

Good question!

If the ratchet wheel does not move either the winding gear is blocked or the barrel arbour is seized somehow. The movement looks quite clean and in good condition though.

Edited December 22, 2023 by Kalanag

[Marc]

This may seem an odd question, but is there definitely power in the main spring?

With the auto works in-situ you actually have to release two click simultaneously to let down the power, but it looks like you have removed the auto works already. That being the case the barrel should unwind back through the crown when the click on the ratchet wheel is released.

If there is power and it definitely won't release then your best bet may well be what @Kalanag has suggested, although it would be sensible to try and apply a small braking force to an accessible wheel to keep the rpm down. Then investigate the blockage.

[Cmmb8519]

Thanks very much.

@Neverenoughwatches The naphtha worked just perfect and I was able to unwind the traditional way releasing the click.

Everything is very gummed and stuck. The movement looks very nice and it might be because  it was never touched for service since it was assembled first time!

Thanks again. Merry Xmas from down under, Melbourne-Australia.

 

[Nucejoe]

 

13 hours ago, Marc said:

although it would be sensible to try and apply a small braking force to an accessible wheel to keep the rpm down. 

 I remove the balance & fork, drop the rest of movement in naphta, sometimes  a gear might need bit of encouragement to free up the train.

The fluid slows down speed of the gears ,  just leave the movement submerged for soaking. 

[Neverenoughwatches]

8 hours ago, Cmmb8519 said:

Thanks very much.

@Neverenoughwatches The naphtha worked just perfect and I was able to unwind the traditional way releasing the click.

Everything is very gummed and stuck. The movement looks very nice and it might be because  it was never touched for service since it was assembled first time!

Thanks again. Merry Xmas from down under, Melbourne-Australia.

 

Just a little hack to try first before you start trying to manipulate anything. A drop into the barrel arbor bearing can help as well. Then set it aside for a few hours. If I'm in a bit of a rush,  i remove the click and gently tease the crown back and forth until it releases, it doesn't usually take long. Dont forget to put the click back if the train still doesn't  budge, its possible it can release suddenly. 

[CYCLOPS]

I assume the the mainspring is not broken correct? Also I don't see the stem in the movement the clutch wheel and winding pinion could be mis-aligned?

[Cmmb8519]

Thanks all

It is all sorted now. All parts were just gummed and stuck with very bad lubs. After a good bath in naptha it started to move. 

As an example on how bad it was, have a look at the photos inside the barrel spring. 

The movement is now reassembled and working perfect. It was my first time servicing a Felsa and I'm very impressed with the quality.