George Daniels-Horologist

According to Wikipedia they have permission to be vague on their datasheets - only listing the safety critical information. there are other 'secret' ingredients.

Neil

I've tried petrol, i'vve tried Hammerite thinners, I've even tried another coat of wd40 it's like glue

Roy

You don't say what kind of clock you have (I have jumped to conclusions and eliminated it being digital!) or whether the sticky deposits are external or actually on the working parts.

If its the latter I doubt there are short-cuts and the only options is to dismantle and clean the parts individually, more or less overhauling the clock.

Ian

Ian Thanks It's a long case Ive dismantled it and the deposit is only on the brass I'm assuming it could be a reaction to either the brass or components thereof

Roy

Roy are you sure it's a deposit from WD40 and not lacquer of some sort?

If you're working with all metal parts, so solvent won't cause damage, I'd be inclined to start working my way through some of the more agressive ones like acetone (nail varnish remover) and xylene if you can source it. You could also try some of the commercial paint removers and brush cleaners on sale.

Good ventilation and protective gloves etc called for.

Keith

Hi Roy

The standard cleaner for clock movements is Horolene obtainable HERE along with all other clock requisits. You can also get laquer remover etc. You will need to dismantle the clock and immerse the components in the solution and leave to soak then clean off the residue with a brush - a toothbrush will do (but not the wifes!) . Don't be put off from dismantling the movement - long case movements are usually fairly straightforward and reasonably robust. Take time to study it, take some photographs and make notes of what goes where before you start. I'm assuming that this is a weight driven clock so the added complication of springs does not occur. When all is clean and dry reassemble and oil ONLY the pivots in the plates NOT the wheels themselves. Suitable oil can be obtained from the link above. NEVER under any circumstances spray the movement of any clock with WD40. All this does is create a sticky mixture on the wheels that attracts dust and grit which will, in time, grind away the wheels and ruin the clock.

Regards

Norman

Hi all My next thought was paint stripper I've no problem reassembling as I've made three long cases and a regulator. And it wasn't me who used wd40 Thanks all

Brake and clutch cleaner gets a lot of stuff off, but try not to breath it in... the only thing I could find taht would get the 'laquer' off the inside of an LPG regulator.

Neil

Roy

I'm sorry I misunderstood your original posts - you obviously have considerable experience of clockmaking so much of my reply is superflous to you and I'm in the area of " Teaching my Grannie!". I'm a bit puzzled though with the difficulty you are having removing this residue. I do know WD40 can attract muck and, over time, form a nasty coating. You say that you've tried petrol, thinners and more WD40 - did these have no effect at all? If so I do wonder if Keith's suggestion that the parts may have been lacquered is the answer although I think that unusual for a LC.

Regards

Norman

In case it's shellac, warm gently then try neat meths.

neil