Workshop Hints
"Current Notes"
#1 Replacement Motors
The following Electrical Notes were compiled by Mr Mike Frost and published on the Clock/Clockers mailing lists on the Internet. We Thank Mike for giving us permission to publish these pages on the BHI's web site. The information here does not necessarily indicate a method approved by the BHI, we are publishing these notes so that others can decide for themselves whether the methods listed below will suit them.
From: Mike Frost[SMTP:lincoln@mnsinc.com]
For those that seek replacement motors from parts suppliers, a few notes of interest.
LANSHIRE FITUPS are available with glass crystals, brass bezels, and some have plastic cases rather than metal, plastic hands, and different dial faces. The biggest concern to those that are looking to restore a clock with an original Lanshire movement is that the motors on the new fitups ARE NOT the same as the originals.
The new motors are typically the XJ7 or some variation. These are galvanized colored, have a round motor hub mounted on top of a rectangular cased movement with plastic gears and wheels. The original motors were black, round, and had a captive movement with metal wheels. I have heard several complaints that the new movements get noisy after a short time. The case can be opened easily and white lube applied as a temporary fix. Using a new fitup may be OK for some applications, however, you should find out from your customer if this is acceptable. He may only want the original restored and marrying a different type will decrease the value of his clock. Guess who would be liable in a court of law.
SYNCHRON MOTORS are available, but only one type. This is a 1 RPM, 10 tooth pinion. It is a good replacement motor for most applications, however, care must be taken that the motor that you have is also a 10 tooth, of exactly the same pinion diameter. There were other motors made, not too many for clocks, though. You cannot change pinions without possibly damaging the shaft.
GOLDEN HOUR MOTORS are a Mallory motor and is a perfect replacement motor for Jefferson Golden Hour clocks ONLY. They will not work in any other Jefferson model or any knock-offs. The Golden Hour motor is a 1/6 RPM, right hand drive, 27 tooth motor. Golden Minute motors are 1/12 RPM, right hand drive, 36 tooth motor and is smaller in overall size than the Hour motor. Golden Suspense is a 1/6 RPM, left hand drive, with a sprocket instead of a pinion. Not interchangable as there is no way for you to change the drive direction.
There are no other motors of any consequence available. The one you have probably cannot be replaced with one from stock, but can be replaired. Another CN will deal with using motors from other clocks as replacements and some of the problems associated with that practice.
Please, look before you leap. We are all hearing stories of shops that have replaced movements with a less suitable one and have ended up in trouble. As electrics are becoming more desirable as collectables, there will be less tolerance for improper marrying of motors, movements, and parts.
Mike Frost Time Guard, Inc. Electric Clock & Motor Repair 9655 Richmond Street Manassas, VA 20110 1-800-390-5540 (lv msg) "Helping you set the current time."
