Clock fixes please!

[jaybee]

Hi Guys the clock doesn't work in my 7. I believe this is very common. Any fixes please? Perhaps from another car etc.

[whitenviro]

A stopped clock is right twice a day. But since the TR7 clock sometimes works but doesn't keep time well, it is most likely less accurate than a stopped one would be.

I think a lot of people on here would tell you to replace it with an oil pressure gauge.

[jaybee]

Ha ha yes I've considered that. I'm wondering about fitting a cheap battery clock movement in there.

[FI Spyder]

My clock always works and is pretty accurate (reset it about once a month). Some people find cleaning the contacts on the clock/wiring is all it takes to get it running reliably (like anything else on the car). There is a capacitor modification that can be made (never found it necessary) to make it more reliable (the link should be in the archives, search).

[jaybee]

Not removed it yet but obviously will try to make it work first.

[seven]

I have had a few TR7's and none of the clocks worked, though I never tried to make them work or investigate why they didn't work, but when I put a battery on Ruby after being off the road since 1986 the clock works perfectly
Sorry I am not much help to your question

[jaybee]

Not at all. It just confirms they were rubbish clocks!

[TonyS]

From the comprehensive files inherited from the previous owner of our TR7V8, it seems that you can send the clock to an electronics wizard in the USA for modification as was ours. I can confirm that the clock works perfectly.

Alternatively, have a look at this resource if you fancy having a go yourself!
(It also includes details of where to send your dicky ticker)

http://www.littledoggarage.com/Articles/TR78clock.pdf

[saabfast]

You could try disconnecting the battery then touching/flashing the battery terminals. The jolt has got my clock working once or twice. It normally seems to stick after the battery has been disconnected for a while, a quick jolt gets it going again.

[jaybee]

You could try disconnecting the battery then touching/flashing the battery terminals. The jolt has got my clock working once or twice. It normally seems to stick after the battery has been disconnected for a while, a quick jolt gets it going again.

I'll certainly try that! Thank you

[seven]

That certainly was an interesting thread on the clock TonyS.

I have been told that on some printed circuits small diodes break free from their solder bases and through that everything seems to stop working. A good few years ago in my modern the heater back light failed. £525 from Renault to replace the heater display I found out through a contact that all it was, was a solder joint come unstuck, I removed the heater display panel and located the solder joint and just dropped some more hot solder onto the spot, and hey presto light worked for ever more
This was such an achievement for me especially with my auto electrical record!!!

[jaybee]

It's always worth having a go. I had a similar thing with my MG TF heater resistors . Soldering iron saved a fortune

[sonscar]

My clock worked erratically sometimes for days other times for minutes.Looking at it for the 50th time I decided there was nothing to lose now so I gave it a good soaking in GT85(other sprays are available)as I was informed the PTFE in it would lubricate it.Six weeks on and it is still working.Steve...

[nick]

Took mine apart and found a broken part in the mechanical works. In the process of trouble shooting I found you could use a 9v battery to power the electrics making that part pretty easy. I gave up on it after a bit of fiddling and found a new one on ebay for about $40.
Sometimes that light weight circuit board that powers the dash items has wire breaks which will cause loss of power to the clock. Be sure you check that when you get in there.

[TonyS]

Like this one?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brand-new-Smiths-Triumph-TR7-8-Transistor-Clock-/400944605650?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276