OT Any old clock guys here?

I have this Elgin clock, all German works inside. When you wind the center hole it makes a clunking noise. The clock runs perfectly but not more than 20-30 hours at a time before unwound. Took it to a clock shop and was told it needed the entire insides replaced at a crazy price. They had it a total of 48 hours and my impression is they never looked at it. They were not interested in my description of what it was doing wrong. So my belief is the main spring is damaged. Clock has little value. Thought I would tackle it myself. Wondering how hard it is to do?

Dave, It's not difficult at all. There should be a model number and manufacturer stamped on the works somewhere. With that in hand, contact a place like Timesavers and they can help you find the parts or a new works. Changing the works out is not a bad job at all.

After re-reading your post, on some clocks of that era the center hole is for fast/slow adjustment of the works, with the other two being one for the main spring and the other for winding the chime function. Hope that helps.

I have one that looks like that one. I took it to a friend who repairs clocks and he showed me all the shafts that have bushings on each end. Some of the bushings were worn out and it makes the shaft drop out of place, and then gears etc. don't line up. You almost have to make new bushings if that is the problem.

I hava aclock looks just like that the middle hole on mine is for adjusting the clock to run faster or slower the left hole runs the strike the right one runs the clock yours may be different mine needs a new striker spring as it is broke and i can wind and wind but does not get tight the springs do break but usally not damaged I have oiled and cleaned mine but not tackled taking apart so i am intrested in any reply s you get

Dave H,If your eyes are in great shape and your hands are steady.I say jump to it,the main spring is possibly briken,thus the noise when winding up then rhe spring slips.
A great place for parts is Clock Works (main springs) under parts, of all sizes.
Clock Works

On this particular clock, I am thinking the main spring is the only problem. I have had it running outside my office and wind it every day. It has kept good time for almost two months. BUT, they tell me it is an 8 day clock and having to wind it every day is a main spring issue. I see videos on repairing them and replacing them on YouTube.

If you read some history stuff on famous inventors, many of them started out as kids taking clocks apart. I guess the curiosity factor. I have seen that several times over the years in some readings I have done. Still time for you to become famous !!!

kids taking clocks apart. I guess the curiosity factor. That was so me but I am not very famous!!!

Jocco ..... you forget about your notoriety here on the YT forum site .... ha !!!

Dave I would try another reputable clock repair out fit you can get in over your head quick. The key word is repair not just install a new movement. I know clock repair is going out.

you forget about your notoriety here on the YT forum site .... ha Well I am lucky they don't kick me off and say good ridance!!!

Here is something i found: (If you can find the movement model number you may be able to get some more accurate instructions.)
Clocks that require actual winding will have anywhere from one to three winding holes on the body of the clock, often in the back facing. Generally speaking, if the clock has a single hole, that hole controls the main time spring. If there are two holes, one is for the time spring and one is for the hourly chime. Some clocks also have a third hole, which governs the quarter-hour chime tones.
Winding Up Your Wall and Mantel Clocks
To wind up your wall or mantel clock, first locate the time spring hole. If you have more than one keyhole in your clock, this is usually the one located farthest to the right as you're looking at the clock's surface. However, models can vary, so you may need to experiment a bit with this.

Insert your winding key into the appropriate hole. You'll want to test with the key to find out whether to turn clockwise or counterclockwise. Whichever direction the key turns freely is the right one. If the key won't move easily in either direction, this indicates the clock doesn't need to be wound. Otherwise, turn the key until you meet resistance. Don't force the key further.

In clocks with more than one keyhole, the left-most hole usually controls the hourly chime, and in clocks with three keyholes, the center keyhole is typically for the quarter-hour chime, although again this can vary from model to model.

I am just an old guy, no clock.

My dad had a clock that looked like that with a big white horse standing over the clock, had a saddle and bridle on it too. It set on his desk, don't remember it ever working and that was back in the 50s.

HeHe

I have several old clocks, when I wind one of mine (its in my den) it does the same thing as yours its a quite loud noise as I wind, and runs about the same amount of hours. I wouldn't touch that old clock and just wind and enjoy. And for the person that tells you it needs all the innards,,,,,hogwash!

The main spring is probably just dry. Get some clock oil and put a SMALL amount on the main spring. DO NOT try to remove the main spring from the clock. You would need a special tool to rewind it. Watches and clocks was my Dads hobby and I helped him....sometime.

JerryD mentioned clock oil. Where can you get it? My grandfather clock quits runing once in a while. Probably need a good oiling.

There was a man who had a clock
His name was Matthew Mears
And every day he wound that clock
For four and twenty years
And then one day he found that clock
An eight day clock to be
And a madder man than Matthew Mears
You would not wish to see.

My grand father took up clock repair after he retired and did it for about twenty years. When his mind went, he took apart most of the clocks he had acquired. As a fifteen year old brat, I had the pleasure of reassembling close to fifty of them when we cleaned up his house. It was quite the experience. There were many clocks where I could not find all the parts, but he had the sense to box every clock individually. He also had a library of books on clock repair and the machine to cut individual gears. Not sure which grand kid got the gear cutter.

My wifes aunt willed her this Ansonia clock and spring makes the same noise when winding and has been to clock repair and said every thing was ok.

Thats really funny! Great story too!