Expert: William J Perkins - 6/2/2007

Question
I was given a clock with a 340-020 movement that was soaked with something
WD40 like. I have had the movement almost all apart and mostly cleaned and
reassembled. I am still having some chime issues and wondered two things. First
is there an exploded view available and second how loose should the assorted
shafts be in their respective bushing holes? Thanks for your help. This has been
fun so far!

Answer
It is always a pleasure to communicate with one who is just beginning to learn the joys of clock repair.  You are to be commended upon your efforts.  Unfortunately you inherited someone elses grievous mistake.  WD-40 is a great product, but under no circumstances should it, or anything like it, be used on a clock.  It might enable the clock to run awhile, but will cause more damage in the long run, and will result in greater repair costs.  
I do have an exploded view of the 340-020 movement and would be pleased to send it along.  Since all-experts does not support attachments, I will need your e-mail address.  To send me that address use the following <flashpowder@hotmail.com>  use Hermle 340-020 as the subject.
To determine the proper fit of a pivot in a bushing hole, take a given gear, stand it in its bushing hole, if it leans more than 5 degrees or the hole has been worn egg shaped the hole needs to be rebushed.  The gear should spin freely, without wobble.  The purpose of lubricant is to provide as nearly a friction free environment as possible, ergo, a very minimal amount of lubricant should be used.  Generally speaking a single drop is more than sufficient to lubricate an entire train.  
Keep up the good work.  WJP