Etienne Maxant mantel clock movement

[cduke]

Hello all,

I have a new (old) mantel clock that has an etienne Maxant French movement. The clock winding and chiming spring has green crystalline goo on the spring and gear. Does this need to be removed or is it there as part of a previous repair? Any ideas?

thank you for your help 

 

[wls1971]

The clock has been over oiled at some stage in the past the green goo is oil that has deteriorated over time, this is something that would be removed by cleaning, this kind of greasy goo is easily dissolved in clock cleaning fluids.

[watchweasol]

Hi As explained by wls1971 old oil degeneration, Being a French clock it is well made and should be polished, It will come up a treat just be careful of the fine pivots when cleaning and assembling.

[clockboy]

Yes it has been over oiled. If it is running OK then it is not causing an issue but I would still clean. To clean thoroughly remove the spring tension then remove the clicks/ springs etc and clean with a de-greasing solvent .

[oldhippy]

It's extremely dirty and needs a good polish, clean, screws deburred and re blued. The springs in this type of movement are very strong so a clock mainspring winder should be used.