Drake W4 sticky meter

[TUSHIN]

I have an old Drake W4 wattmeter with a sticky meter.  Before I try a small amount of machine oil on the meter bearing, has anyone seen the same problem and what was the fix?

[Gyro]

Welcome.

Just a quick reply as I need to move. I've had a quick look on the web and all (there were lots of) the Drake (RF?) wattmeters I saw had traditional moving coil meters. Do not go anywhere near the meter with machine oil, you will ruin it!

Now please provide more detail - the model of the meter, a photo, more detail of exactly how the meter is behaving - is it in particular locations on the dial etc. You need to provide a decent level of information if you expect a reasonable level of help.


Edit: sorry, I missed the W4, but as I mentioned, the nature of the sticking, whether you've had it for years and it's slowly / suddenly come on. Whether you've just received it from ebay etc. are all relevant.

[jonpaul]

A  D'Arsonvol  : meter movement is a PRECISION device with springs and bearing and tiny tolerances like a fine mechanical watch


NEVER APPY OIL OR COMPRESSED AIR

This is typical of a Flake of scale paint or  metal particle  falls into the movement.

General drill:  Hold instrument with  meter face, down,

Tap sides repeatedly, see if any tiny flakes or particles fall on face.

Snap face off, shake out particles.

Test.

No result, repeat.

Jon