C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

[Steven B.]

I purchased a used mechanical clock this weekend and disassembled it to check it out before applying voltage to it. I was concerned about causing a problem with the mechanism. It turned out to actually be in very good condition although it was quite stiff when I attempted to set it. What ever lube was present is now not very viscous. The second had works correctly when helped to start, but is too weak to overcome friction and continue to work normally. After the second hand ticks a number of times, it comes to a stop. I believe that when the mechanism is cleaned, the contacts restored and lubed it will work perfectly. In research, there are a number of threads addressing the use of an ultrasonic cleaner, but no mention of what cleaning solution to use. I have a cleaner but no idea of what a good non caustic or corrosive solution would be. Any suggestions would be appreciated. One thread addressed price but did not mention the name of a solution.
Thanks for any help,
Steve

[Donald H.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

I did this when I was working on clocks for my 1960 restoration. I used electronic cleaner in an aerosol can that I got from Radio Shack. That got rid of the gunk.

I also purchased a small container of clock oil. When I did research most of the strong recommendations was not to use any other type of oil on an old mechanical clock mechanism. Not sure where I got it, but I bought it on-line. It came with a very small pointed application to allow application of very small drops of oil.

Don

[Joe R.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

Steven,

SHARPERTEK
P.O. BOX 284
TROY, MI. 48099

https://www.sharpertek.com

1220 Parts Washer Compound is what to use because it is formulated to deal with the special requirements of cleaning brass and ferrous and non-ferrous in one cleaning operation. In other words it won't eat up your clock.
Order some oil specifically for clocks and watches. Have no address as my clock friend supplied me with enough for a lifetime.

JR

[Gene M.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

Use caution on what ever you use as solution in Ultrasonic Cleaning as it does get hot with extended time in tank.

For clock, electronic cleaner in an aerosol can as suggested works just fine. I would not trust the subjected vibs the ultrasonic subjects the fine working too. But if you do set the clock on foam not the bottom of tank. After all there is not much other than dust and old lubricant.

[Steven B.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

Thank you all for the good advice.
Steve

[Joe C.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

Clock oil is synthetic oil.
I use ordinary synthetic transmission fluid when I clean/lube the movement in my grandfather clock every few years or so.

[Gary R.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

Hi Steve
I have several industrial ultrasonic cleaners here. It was my project back in 91 to replace solvents to clean electronic assemblies and machined parts. You may know all this but in case you aren't familiar with ultrsonics they vary in frequency. The water is the conductor for the sound waves and cause implosions on parts placed in the water. Depending on the frequency the implosions can mild or aggressive and the pattern tight to wide.

I run a soap made by Arm and Hammer/ SafetyKleen called M-Aero and it works great on oily parts in a 30 KHz machine. I just started using it in a 40 KHz machine for electronic parts. Simple Green can be used as well. The water temp is important as is proper filtration. If you have a small benchtop cleaner like Brandson makes you may not even have a heat setting. Those type of cleaners are probably about 40khz, the higher it goes the finer the implosions, the lower the more aggressive.

Now given you have a old part if you just use it for the mechanical parts it would probably be ok- based on soap, temp, and cycle time. I don't think I would put the face in. A good test is to suspend a piece of aluminum foil in the tank while running and check it at 30 sec and 60 sec to see how aggressive your machine is, you should see many pin holes in it .

With all that said I would go with a spray cleaner in this case just to be safe.

[Steven B.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

Thanks. The cleaner I have has not been used for probably 10+ years and I don't remember what the frequency is offhand. The mechanical portion of the clock is actually almost pristine except for old lube which I suspect is what is keeping it from running. I can't see any evidence but I'm sure that is what the issue is. The clock hands can be set but it is very stiff when trying to get them to move. There might be some old lube under the friction disks.
I am going to try the spray cleaner which I got at Radio Shack first. I believe you are on target about being safe.
Steve

[Domenic T.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

Steve,
I use auto tranny fluid because it is the only one that we tested that didn't gum up after years on a hot tin roof. Also I used my branson ultrosonic cleaner to clean mt wiring harness. It said it was safe for all metals BUT, it took the lettering off my fuse holder on my 67 and the letters were not indented so I could not fill them in with white. I would be careful. lots of good advice on your replys.

Dom

Dom

[Gary R.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

At 10+years I would check the machine the machine before planning on using it. The transducers on most of them are bonded to the tanks and burn out, also cavitation erosion is a result of using ultrasonics. With the bonded pzio transducers - thin gauge sheet metal is used to transmit the sound waves, cavitational erosion will cause holes in the tank as it flexes, the water will leak onto the tranducers and short them out. when you get a chance fill it up and see if there are any leaks, then you can power it up and see if it works, test it with the foil. If any of it fails then it might not be worth repairing, if you can repair it. I used a company here in CT that would bond on new transducers to those bench top 2 gallon units but I don't know if they are even in business anymore.

The spray method is looking better all the time now.

[Steven B.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

I would have to agree with a spray. The tank had very little use and was new when I got it. I'll definitely test it out though, before I put something in it since it's been a while since I've used it.
Steve

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: C-2 Mechanical Clock Repair-Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution

I have an antique Tiffany banjo clock that hadn't run in 50 years that I wanted to get running again. I researched antique clock discussion boards to answer this very question- what solution do clockmakers use. The answer was to use a solution of water, a small amount of dishwashing liquid (Dawn) and a small amount of ammonia. The result was that, after proper lubrication, the Tiffany clock is running perfectly and keeps time to the minute at every winding. I then used this solution on a clock from a 1940 Ford that also had not run since forever and it also runs perfectly. The advise to keep the face out of the solution is good. I was hesitant at first to share this experience because if anything negative happened to a rare clock because of the solution I suggested, I would feel awful but it worked for me. Hope this helps.
Jeff