Jump to content

Westminster strike not stopping


clockboy

Recommended Posts

I have serviced/repaired a few Westminster clocks without too much trouble. But this one has issue which I can not figure out how to fix. The striking wheel does not stop turning. I can not see what should stop it once it has gone through the sequence. I guess that it is a sequence issue as all stop pins on the warning wheels are OK. I have posted a couple of vids maybe you can spot what is wrong.

IMG_2394.mov

Top view.mov

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The wheel on the outside that determines how many times it chimes remove that. Each time you turn the minute hand the chime wheels should rotate once and get trapped by the lever catching the pin, the other wheel with a pin next to the fly should be about 12. Replace the wheel making sure the hour part is the same as the hour on the centre wheel, it has four fingers the shortest is quarter past the longest is the hour.

With some chimes, the wheel you have taken off has a shape behind it like a v and a lever drops down in that. That will right the chime by its self. I cannot find your movement but this photo has the wheel you need to remove.      

Kienzle_1_wmc_1024x1024.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks I will have another look this morning. In the plate behind the chime timing wheel are two wheels with pins. The nearest one I think stops chimes when a silence mode is selected (I have removed the lever just to see whats happening) and there is a second wheel (next one in) that has a pin on it but it seems to missing a curved lever above it which I presume is what stops the chime wheel turning after one of it's quarters.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have had another look at the videos. The video showing the chime timing wheel is not right as I have noticed when it should be at stop some of the hammers are lifting. Also when the chimes go into the warning the stop lever that drops into the timing chime wheel should be rising out of the timing chime wheel, on the video yours is still dropping. This its self will cause the chime to trip. Its because all the chiming levers and wheels are not lined up correctly.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks I think you may have cracked it. The wheel that spins and arrests the chiming wheel was 180 degrees out so I removed plate and moved the wheel reassembled as your instructions and all seem well !!!. Thanks.

I will put it on my test rig and see how it runs. I have ordered a new mainspring for the chiming side as the old one was split and badly set. I fitted a under strength one out of my stash for the tests but to get the correct strength I have had to order a  longer one & I will have to shorten it. What fun!!! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok here's the follow up of re-sizing a mainspring. I could not get the correct length vs. the strength so I purchased a longer spring.To double check i was cutting the new spring to the correct size I measured the old one with a piece of string. I then marked the new spring and cut with a diamond wheel. However when I tried to drill the end hole the drill just would not cut so I softened the metal with heat. After drilling the holes I finished with some filling. However I got a unwanted bend just before where it hooks and I suppose because the metal was now soft I could not remedy this so I had to cut off another inch and do the same process again and this time it worked treat. In future if possible I will see if I can purchase a diamond drill to make the hole. See some pics of the procedure. 

IMG_2396.thumb.jpg.725d6cb9941e0a2c7e7d6fc650248383.jpg

Spring marked ready for cutting 

IMG_2397.thumb.jpg.1c0f7801bf813789c2704ec57352ce7c.jpg

Diamond wheel used for the cutting

IMG_2398.thumb.jpg.70941cb00c3eee114e2902f5d17615e1.jpg

After cut

IMG_2399.thumb.jpg.efac043495b9af9e661505df942a8835.jpg

Holes drilled

IMG_2400.thumb.jpg.07d1966ccbefdf8b63bf3aaab7b2e679.jpg

Almost ready just a little more filing.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Its 4 o'clock in the morning here in the Uk, i cant sleep, i dont sleep, not much ever really. My brain never shuts off to rest, I'm just a constant thinker, i have to be very tired to be able to sleep,  i guess eventually it will be my undoing and my health will suffer because of it I'm sure. But while I'm here i want to get as much out of life as i can, and give as much as i can, to help,maybe to make a difference to someone's life if that is within my capability,recent events have made that need even more clear to me. I'm not sure where I'm going with this or why i bring it up , or if its relevant to want i want to talk about its just in my head right now. What i do want to talk about is something thats been on my mind for ages. I like to be prepared,  I'm not fond of surprises because surprises take control away and i am a bit of a control freak at times. This forum, Our Forum if i can call it that, is here because of two reasons. The guy that created it and keeps it funded and the people that joined it.  Without either, it would not exist, and lets face it one day it won't ( I'm a realist and i talk about things others dont or who are afraid to in other words folk that dont particularly prepare for the inevitable). How many of us visit here regularly ?  How many among us almost depend on the forum as a way of socialising because they are stuck at home and how many of us has it become part of a daily routine to check in and see if they can offer advice or get help with something they are working on or just to have a chat and engage in some banter. The members here are in the thousands and thousands have disappeared over the years many had just a fleeting visit. But there are a good few of us that know each other quite well and visit regularly. I dont know about you but i wouldnt want to lose that communication with you all, in all honesty it has become an important part of that side of my life and helps to feed my passion for all things watches. Some of you may think differently and thats ok, some of may stop and think # what would i do " Without Our Forum " # 
    • Naptha appears to be a general name and its content can be varied depending upon what it's specific use is. Lighter fluid as an example can be light or heavier also with other ingredients to help it burn. Try sesrching for benzine ( as opposed to benzene which is linked to causing health issues ) . There are other fluids such as ethanol that you could try and also methylated sprirts, mostly ethanol with a small percentage of methanol added. Experiment with any new chemical to see how quickly schellac dissolves in its presence. I have tried a few things but hexane is not one of them, i understand it does evaporate very quickly.  Be sure sure to check out any safety data on chemicals you try. Toxicity of fumes and flash point information, ultrasonic machines can heat up fluids even without a heater function. And of course always ask here for personal opinions when trying a new substance. 
    • I have that set and really like it. I prefer that crystal holder over the one that came with my Bergeon claw tool and any time I use the claw I use this one instead of the Bergeon one, just an additional bonus with this tool.
    • Is the Roamer not a split stem? I'm confused on your how your case is put together. If it is a front loader where is it you are putting the case screws? I love me some Roamer, do you have any photos?
    • Oh nice. I have a similar wedge style stump for my staking tool, so I'll give that a shot. Thanks!
×
×
  • Create New...