Clock Servicing Hints

  WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?  When a Kit Cat clock has run long enough for its electric motor to fail, it has also run long enough to require a thorough cleaning and fresh lubrication before a new motor is installed in the clock. If a new motor is installed in a clock burdened by lint, dust, dried-up oil, and other debris, the new electric motor will probably also fail prematurely. So, obviously, the clock mechanism has to be cleaned completely and relubricated in order to eliminate the cause of the first motor's failure. If this is not done, it is easy to predict that the new electric motor will soon fail -- and it often does!!!

  CAN I SERVICE MY OWN CLOCK?  Yes. However, many people buy my 6-page, well-illustrated Kit Cat Clock Service Guide to assist them in this fairly complex project. The service guide sells for $4.00 (which includes the postage).  CLICK HERE  for more information. If you are not eager to try this work, trust your instincts. Some people try servicing their own clock to save some money, learn there is a lot more to the project than they first thought, then end up sending me all the parts in a plastic bag along with a note asking for help!

  HOW SHOULD YOUR CLOCK BE SERVICED?  When you service a Kit Cat, Owl, French Poodle, Teddy Bear, or Panda Bear clock (they are nearly identical internally), you must first disassemble the clock completely, then clean all parts by hand. Do not think a half-hearted cleaning is adequate, nor should you think you can skip cleaning any of the parts. You will also need to pay attention to the pivot holes since they get full of dust and dried up lubrication. NOTE: the eyes have to be removed and their pivot holes have to be cleaned, too.

  WHAT SHOULD YOU USE TO CLEAN CLOCK PARTS?   In my clock shop, I use only dishwashing detergent (brand seems to make no difference) and warm (but not hot) water. I never use anything stronger! The dial and other details on the clock body are silk screened on (this means it is painted on). This paint can be accidentally removed if strong household and/or bathroom cleaners are used on the clock. Never -- I repeat, never -- use petroleum-based solvents. degreasers, paint thinners, and the like on your clock. If the internal parts of the clock have been sprayed with WD-40, silicone, or lubricants designed for metal parts, the dial paint may be ready to come off with very little disturbance. WARNING: If you are attempting to service an older Kit Cat made by Allied Mfg. Co. of Seattle which has a decal for the dial, do not let the dial get wet for more than an instant; otherwise, it may come off! There are no replacement dials for these clocks.

  WHAT DO YOU USE TO LUBRICATE THE CLOCK PARTS?   Never use anything that is sprayed on the parts!!! Since you may not have access to the professional lubricants I use in my clock shop, you may have to substitute. Petroleum jelly is not the best lubricant, but it will work, and it will not damage your clock if the amount you use is very small. Excess lubrication is an excellent dust catcher. And dust and lubrication mixed together make an excellent grinding paste. Therefore, don't ruin your clock by applying too much! All you need is a film of lubricant, just enough to break frictional contact of the parts. This wisp of lubrication is needed only where the gears and levers actually make contact with one another (and only there).

  WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO SERVICE MY CLOCK?  You can send it to me and I will gladly do it for you. Whether you do the servicing or you have me do it for you, please understand it does need to be done if you really cherish your clock. Kit Cat clocks, like other clocks, require periodic servicing for long, useful life.