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I have a Jennings Governor. The three reels spin but after a couple of times the first reel will only jump up one fruit and the break shoots back in, then after all goes well again for a few times it does it again. Any idea what this could be?
Thanks.

Welcome Francos!

You may want to check out these extensive Tips & Tricks on Reel Spin Problems

Hi Francos ......

Are you from somewhere near Stoke on Trent?
If not, no matter.

If so I've been contacted by a friend who may have sold it to you.
He's quoting the hexagonal off set wheel on the bottom of one of the brake legs.

I can't get to a Jennings at the moment to photograph it.
Basically, the clock at the back moves across a bar which trips the three reel brakes one after the other.
In order to try and introduce an element of randomness to the timing of this, the leg of one of the brakes ends in a hexagonal wheel which is off set. Thus it shows a different height to the bar each play, this lengthens or shortens the spin on that reel.
It may have stuck.

Have a squint at that, but don't forget any of the other causes as mentioned in the links Mr.P just posted.

BP

Hi,
Thanks for that. If possible can you send me a photo and what I must do to rectify the problem?
Thanks.

Unless it's broken, which is unlikely, it's most likley just gummed up with dirt on old grease. If it is, simply clean and degrease it and very lightly oil with just a spot of sewing machine type oil.
Also make sure that the reel is spinning freely. To test this, take the mech out and operate the machine out of the case. As soon as the mech starts the unwind part of the cycle (once the reels start to spin) throw a piece of kitchen towel or cloth into the fan blades from the rear. This will immediately stop the cycle and the reels will spin free for as long as you like. You can then spin the reels by hand and see if they are free to spin. The spindle could have dirt in it or the reel itself might be rubbing against the brake arm (when finished simply pull out the cloth and let the cycle run through).

So I've cleaned the reels - running smother. So how do I adjust the timing?
Thanks.

Now that's another matter. Is it just the first reel brake cutting in too soon or is it all three?

Just the first break cutting in only, slowing the reel to move one place - not all the time, just now and then, after a few spins.

Is that the first reel looking from the front or the back?

Looking from the front first reel

Is that the one that has the reel stop with a wheel on the bottom?
I have seen them on the last reel.

Can it be solved or do I just live with it?
Thanks.

Why didn't you answer my question?

Francos Dave on Facebook sent me a video clip of your reel problem, I couldn't help but maybe someone on here might and get a better idea if they watch your video.

Looking from the front, the break kicks in on the first reel almost immediately.

Sorry badpenny, but the only reel I see is the cog on the side of the reel. I'll try and take a photo.

I don't think this will be hard to fix once we can see what it's doing. Be nice to see the mech out of the case and a video looking at the brake timer. As it's only one reel and it works sometimes, it isn't a mech timing issue. I'm guessing something is causing the first brake to not rise sometimes. We need to see the area where the brake is lifted by the clock bar.

Here's the mech Paul

I tried out a video on won't let me so sent to a friend. Hopefully he will put it on later. I've watched and watched every movement and still can't see it. I know it's staring me in the face, but I must be blind.

Looks like a timing issue as the bar is being released early by the clock. The reel arm stops will drop as the clock arms move. It may also be a small adjustment of bars (bending) or the dog. Where the first reel arm is supported by a bar watch as the reels are released and stopped to see what happens...

I do apologise but I don't know the terminology that you speak as I'm just starting or trying to learn as much as I can. Please could you explain again. Sorry for asking - been here hours now. I'd like to thank you all for your replies and please don't give up on me yet. I'm determined to solve it if it kills me.
How does one adjust the timing?