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blue95V4
V4 Fanatic

United Kingdom
415 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  19:43:53 Show Profile Reply with Quote
I have a very nice electric VDO Keinzle clock for my V4 - acquired several years ago and stored dry until recently. Fitted it into the dash of my 95, found the [blue] positive supply wire (part of the wiring loom under the dash) and connected it all up - zilch! Checked out the earth return etc and all's well connection-wise. The clock is probably dry/dirty/tired. Does anyone know of a company/person that services old electric car clocks? There were some details in Practical Classics mag about a year ago but the article must be in the one issue that I simply can't find!

David (96 2T, 260-2 Saabo and a 95 V4, plus a Hirsched 9-3 TiD SW)

john-saab
Administrator

United Kingdom
2679 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  20:12:41 Show Profile Reply with Quote
I know a guy who does this..he fixes Halda trip masters etc..I will dig out his details later..he comes highly reccomended.
There was a piece somewhere about a diode that could be placed in the clock to make them 100% reliable..apparently there is a known problem area that this diode (a home fix) can solve once and for all.
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rhampsheir
V4 Fanatic

United Kingdom
235 Posts

Posted - 03 Feb 2011 :  09:15:07 Show Profile Reply with Quote
I know this may sound stupid and not very technical, but i bought a clock off ebay just over a year ago. Connected it up and nothing. Thing is I couldn't get the clock out again, so I gently tapped it from behind with a small hammer and hey presto it started ticking! hasn't stopped since. Worth a try, but don't hit it too hard!!
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stevebod
V4 Fanatic

United Kingdom
416 Posts

Posted - 03 Feb 2011 :  12:26:50 Show Profile Reply with Quote
A couple of things you might be able to check yourself before sending the clock to the experts.

These clocks use a 'points' style wind up mechanism. When the contacts meet an arm is fired upwards against a spring using a solonoid. A ratchet then holds the arm against a gear and the spring force makes the clock go. After a minute or so, the arm will have made its way back down to the contact where it will get pinged up again to keep the clock moving.

Anyway.......

If the contects become dirty or the mechanism sticks, the solonoid can receive current for too long and get hot. Car fires used to occur in the old days due to this.
So inside the clock there is a piece of thermal wire which blows (a bit like a fuse) if the current in the solonoid gets too much. If your clock is old and sticky - this wire may need replacing.

Another idea is to check and clean the point contacts. You can also push the winding arm upwards by hand, so that the clock runs for a minute or two and this should tell you if the mechanics are OK. If yes, the then simple winding mechanism is at fault and you could check the circuit with a meter.

Hoe this is some help.
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Derek
V4 Guru

United Kingdom
2187 Posts

Posted - 03 Feb 2011 :  12:33:11 Show Profile Reply with Quote
http://jlw97.fatcow.com/saabstories/pages/clockfix/

If you open up the clock you'll see that what looks like solder has melted. This works like a fuse and the connection springs apart when it melts. When made this solder is a pellet which is crimped in place and sometimes there is enough left on the connection to carefully resolder the 2 sides together. You'll need some tweezers and a VERY fine pointed soldering iron. This is very low temp solder so you have to be quick! Not been able to find any of this 120º solder in the UK but you can find it on eBay USA for use in white metal modelling. Far too many sticks for just the occasional clock repair and the postage was exhorbitant, so I didn't buy!
The thermal fuse in the link above available from Maplins for about £1.
I opened one similar Keinzle/Volvo clock that had a bit of fuse wire holding the 2 connections together. It worked but I've no idea if it was rated OK.

Extra info here http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/mult_vdo_clock_repair/mult_vdo_clock_repair.htm
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blue95V4
V4 Fanatic

United Kingdom
415 Posts

Posted - 07 Feb 2011 :  10:16:19 Show Profile Reply with Quote
Many thanks, chaps. Another project to tackle - but at least I can do it indoors in the warm!

David (96 2T, 260-2 Saabo and a 95 V4, plus a Hirsched 9-3 TiD SW)
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blue95V4
V4 Fanatic

United Kingdom
415 Posts

Posted - 12 Mar 2019 :  10:49:26 Show Profile Reply with Quote
I now have 2 clocks (dated 11/73 and 6/70) that need repair - one is potentially "sold" - must open them up & find/repair the problems. Have looked at the two links provided - useful info but I still have to identify the problem areas/components. Wish me luck!

David (96 2T, c900S Aero Vert and a 9-3 Aero TTiD 180 SW)

Edited by - blue95V4 on 12 Mar 2019 10:55:17
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