Expert: Harold Williamson - 10/14/2009

Question
Hi Harold
the problem is this i have acquired a kundo 400 day clock and replaced the suspension spring with the correct replacement unit
the clock runs. this is great as it took me a while to set the beet.
i set it away in the correct manner and waited for it to settle down and set the time.
it can run for a day fine then suddenly it gains 5 to 10 mins then runs fine for an hour then it has a sudden gain again, i am pretty sure this is a flutter.
some times it will run for 48hrs no problem then a sudden gain
any ideas of what needs to be done to stop this happening.
i bought the clock for a few pounds for a project so really want to learn about this type of clock and don't want to give up on it or pay someone to fix it as that way i haven't learned anything
Hope you can help me out here
kind regards Phil  

Answer
Hello Phil,

This is very fragile work that I am about to explain so put on your tender fingers.

I will use layman terminology as best I can.

Near the top of the suspension wire you will see the fork that crosses over to engage the pin that is attached to the escape wheel.  That fork is more than likely set too low on the susp unit.  To raise it you must remove the wire and place it on a flat(i use something made of rubber or other non-slip product.  using a small perfect fitting screwdriver and having a very very firm grip on the fork back off the screws ever so slightly so you can move the fork up the wire.  These screws are usually very tight and the unit can be destroyed with any slip of the tools or your fingers.  I would not move it upward more than 1/64 or slightly more.  Make sure when you lock it back down it is 90 degrees to the wire.  Before you make any change find a way to mark your work with the original position of the fork.  I caint stress how delicate this procedure is.  I work under close light and 5x mag.  Any crimp or bend in the wire can cause the clock not to work.  There are other problems that will cause flutter but will wait for later if needed.  If this does not stop flutter I suggest you put the back the way it was b4 moving on to another step.

You might want to search mikes clock clinic sight and see if he has some info that is better worded on your problem.  

Also could pose the problem on the NAWCC message board.

Good luck

Harold Williamson
fulltimeclockrepair@gmail.com
919-304-7651
Mebane,NC