Westinghouse Head Wire Spring

[Jimmy Vineyard]

Put a new head wire on with cloth cover. Westinghouse 315745 and the wire won’t go thru the spring that comes out of housing. Do I need to change wires…or are there different sized springs. 3 wire. Thanks for help with simple question. 

[Paul Carmody]

I’ve worked it in without the cloth covering and wrapped the transition in string ,have also shrink tubed to clean it up.I got some from Tony Clayton that’s exact match and goes in with no hassle ,cloth covering and all.He does have a minimum amount he will make up though.You would have to work that out with him.Antique fan parts wire may fit too?Not sure but I will see and post back on the OTW wire.

[Paul Carmody]

The OTW is a no go.I have another tight braid 3 wire I have to find  my loose spring to check.

[Jimmy Vineyard]

Thanks for responding. Didn't want to have to undo heat shrink wrap and un-do the connections, but I may have to do so. Dang.  Learning as I go.

[Jimmy Vineyard]

9 hours ago, Paul Carmody said:

I’ve worked it in without the cloth covering and wrapped the transition in string ,have also shrink tubed to clean it up.I got some from Tony Clayton that’s exact match and goes in with no hassle ,cloth covering and all.He does have a minimum amount he will make up though.You would have to work that out with him.Antique fan parts wire may fit too?Not sure but I will see and post back on the OTW wire.

 

[Jimmy Vineyard]

Just sent Tony an email. Will see if he has something that will work. 

[Jeff Rusnak]

If your referring to the spring that connects to the rear of the motor on the stamped steel Westinghouse’s that supports the head wire where it comes out of the motor to keep the wire from kinking,you need to find a thinner 3 conductor wire like 18 or 20 gauge.Mike Heffernan and myself have discovered when working on some of my Westinghouse stamped steel motors that 16 or thicker gauge doesn’t quite work when replacing those 3 wire head wires thru that spring.Westinghouse apparently used a thinly stranded copper wire entwined with a supple substance ( not sure what it called ) to keep those wires flexible for hundreds of thousands flexing back n forth when the fans is in the oscillating mode.Tony Clayton might just have a 18 or 20 gauge 3 conductor wire that will fit thru you spring.Just contact Tony to see what he might have or can make for you..

[Jimmy Vineyard]

First thanks for responding. That's my exact issue. I sent Tony a text and tried to call this hour. Haven't gotten a response just yet. That is what I need for sure. Again, I appreciate the guidance as I'm just tackling a few from Estate. Not my specialty but I'm learning. 

[Jeff Rusnak]

Hey Jimmy,Glad I’ve helped a little bit explaining what I’ve experienced with the Westinghouse fans like yours.I guess Tony will get back to you one way or another, he’s difficult to get it touch with sometimes as he is busy !! Good luck getting the wireing all done !! 👍

[Paul Carmody]

This is Tony’s wire next to original.Its exact,just not faded.

Next is his on top ,then 18ga then 16.The one on the bottom that’s a real tight weave ,not original in appearance that I think will fit if I can find the spring to test. Im not ready to cut this one yet.Last pic is just because.It has the most gorgeous patina on the blade and badge.Very even with some red highlights.

Hopefully it works out with Tony.

Edited October 26, 2024 by Paul Carmody

[Jimmy Vineyard]

I had a long chat with Tony over the weekend. He is making wire. However, he is having some health issues of late so be thinking about him. He's a value to this hobby for sure. I got a note from him last night. 

 

Thanks 

[Jeff Rusnak]

I certainly hope Tonys doing ok !! I know he’s always got a lot on his plate !! Glad you got in touch with him,seems every time I try to email call or text him his mailbox is full and I’ve been looking to get some wire from him !! His wire is by far Superior to anything you can purchase !! 

[Jimmy Vineyard]

Yeah, I've been checking on him twice daily. Send him a check for wire, and he just shared the fact he got it today. I think I'll get wire from him tomorrow too. Want me to tell him you need something when he is feeling better?

[Paul Carmody]

Now I can buy even more Westinghouse’s!! Thanks to Tony Clayton!

If the wife says,MORE FANS!😡🤬 It’s Tony’s fault! I can’t let this beautiful wire go to waste now can I.

[Tony Clayton]

What????

More Westinghouse??

I can handle all the blame nessacary Paul. Fire at will.

Glad it fulfills the need Paul.

Looks like I still got time on my hands before returning to work.  Should anyone have the need for wire.

[Lane Shirey]

Tony, any chance you have been able to get the right green thread for tank headwires? 
 

Sorry to hijack the thread. You can contact me offline Tony. 
Also, I’d like to purchase some of that Westy headwire that fits through the spring. Please contact me with price per foot and your PayPal. Thanks. 

Edited November 23, 2024 by Lane Shirey

[Tony Clayton]

Lane,

I got some more of the same green. Seems to have a slight dye lot difference in my eyes.

But unless you have the original older and the new side by side you will not notice it.

The spring strain relief is 2.49 per foot.

Not doing paypal anymore.

I got scammed out of $1750!

[Spencer Hines]

HI, I also have a Westinghouse 315745, a wonderful piece of machinery. I rewired the main electrical cord which wasn't too much trouble. I used the cloth-covered twisted wire from the kit. I wonder if this is pretty authentic?

I was (still am) considering adding a third wire and getting an old plug with a ground. Is that a good idea? And if you think that's a good idea, any recommended places to attach it in the base?

Second, I was going to replace the taped-up head 3-wire, and I anticipate the same problem with it being too fat to fit through the spring. I wrote Tony Clayton to see if he has any more of the skinny stuff covered in one covering.

While I'm at it, I probably should clean out the oil and replace. I'm not sure whether there's a wick inside there. Any tips on this procedure? And in general on taking apart the head (what with the gearbox for oscillation). 

Thanks,

Spence Hines

hinescom@verizon.net

new member