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Does your clock still work?

Started by WGB, 05 August 2011, 02:47 AM

WGB

The talk about non-functioning odometers has reminded me about the other instrument that can stop with the passing of time and that is the clock.

Having refurbished a non-functioning one about 7 years ago with a few cents worth of capacitators (2 of them) and a soldering iron -  it is still running and keeping perfect time - I thought it might be worth a prod back into the present.

Here is the link started at the time by Major Tom

http://forum.w116.org/interiors-and-exteriors/w116-clock-repair/

Bill

Big_Richard

Wow, I see my language has somewhat improved since those days  ::)

Disregard the canon grease - now my favorite grease is molykote hp-500 which we pay about $550 for i think 25grams. Practically indestructible.

TJ 450

That reminds me, I must replace the caps in both the clock and tachometer on mine. One day.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

Squiggle Dog

Good write-up! It seems that every W116 clock I have seen still works and keeps perfect time, while every W110/W111 clock is not functional.
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1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Heated Seats, 350,000+

Hemersam


'78 280SE, 154K miles; all the original guages (incl. speedometer and odometers) and the clock still work perfectly. Maybe I'm living right---or something.  :)
Hemersam

Big_Richard

I dont know that the w116 clock ever does give trouble, perhaps i was being presumptuous at the time ;)

I know the earlier ones as fitted to w114's and the like certainly had issues with caps drying out and the clock totally stopping.

I think all these years later the clock is actually less accurate since the repair as it always seems to be out when ever i get in the car ::) so its probably best to just LEAVE IT ALONE!

WGB

My 1979 450 clock was not working when I purchased the car and I replaced the caps ?seven years ago - perfect time since.

Bill

Casey

My W116 clock is fine.  My W123 clock is dead.

TJ 450

Heat/temperature extremes coupled with age destroys electrolytic capacitors... if the car has lived it's life in a more moderate climate, then the chances are that it will be OK.

If the caps used are an inert film type or tantalums, then they should last indefinitely.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

1980sdga

Both my 116 clocks work and keep decent time.

Tic...Tic...Tic...

Big_Richard

well i set the time right on my clock a couple weeks ago, when i last took my 6.9 for a drive (thrash) around my neighborhood. I shall make a point of checking it tomorrow  8)

koan

Quote from: Major Tom 6.9 on 06 August 2011, 07:23 AM
well i set the time right on my clock a couple weeks ago, when i last took my 6.9 for a drive (thrash) around my neighborhood. I shall make a point of checking it tomorrow  8)

Don't thrash too hard or the clock will lose time due to relativistic affects :)

koan
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, Amen!

Big_Richard

Maybe my clock is actually correct and the issue is time dilation due to me traveling near the speed of light.

I knew 6.9's were ahead of their time, but really not that far advanced surely  ::)

BWalker82

Only when the headlights are on and I'm turning left.... whist coughing.

1980sdga

Quote from: BWalker82 on 06 August 2011, 07:44 PM
Only when the headlights are on and I'm turning left.... whist coughing.

That's the blower motor.  The clock stops when someone over 150 pounds is in the left rear seat and the right turn signal is on...