Ron Stiko

[dutchman]

Need a Harmony single spring motor repaired. Has anyone used Ron Stiko? The contact number I found is 518 371 8549, is this still valid? Having never replaced a spring I am tempted to just buy a spring and try this myself. I see one end of the spring has a rivet holding it to the barrel. All I would need to do is find a suitable rivet and exercise due caution. As with every project I am sure there are several unanticipated horrors lurking.... Thanks

Bill K

[Curt A]

Yes, that number is still correct. You need to call in the evening between 7-10pm EST.

As far as replacing the spring yourself, it is not rocket science, but it is dirty and possibly dangerous. It has been recommended to open the spring barrel and remove the old spring inside a burlap bag, but I don't know where you might find one of those...

Always wear gloves and eye protection and as long as you retain a firm grip on the spring when removing it, you should be fine. I have used needle nose ViseGrips to hold the spring while feeding it carefully out of the barrel. Just make sure it doesn't get away from you as the flying metal can hurt you.

The rivet you see should be permanently fastened inside the spring barrel and does not need to be removed, as the spring has a hole and slot that fit over the head of the rivet to hold it in place. To install, just do everything in reverse - connect the spring to the rivet and most importantly, make sure you wind it in the original direction it was in - not reversed. Take a pic before taking it out and that will help when re-installing it...

Should you decide to do it yourself, it's not difficult as long as you protect yourself and take it slow... AND wear old clothes that you don't mind getting greasy.

[dutchman]

Thanks Curt. Appreciate the concern. I'll call Ron and see if he has a spring for this motor.

Bill K

[Phonolair]

Yes, that number is still correct. You need to call in the evening between 7-10pm EST.

As far as replacing the spring yourself, it is not rocket science, but it is dirty and possibly dangerous. It has been recommended to open the spring barrel and remove the old spring inside a burlap bag, but I don't know where you might find one of those...

Always wear gloves and eye protection and as long as you retain a firm grip on the spring when removing it, you should be fine. I have used needle nose ViseGrips to hold the spring while feeding it carefully out of the barrel. Just make sure it doesn't get away from you as the flying metal can hurt you.

The rivet you see should be permanently fastened inside the spring barrel and does not need to be removed, as the spring has a hole and slot that fit over the head of the rivet to hold it in place. To install, just do everything in reverse - connect the spring to the rivet and most importantly, make sure you wind it in the original direction it was in - not reversed. Take a pic before taking it out and that will help when re-installing it...

Should you decide to do it yourself, it's not difficult as long as you protect yourself and take it slow... AND wear old clothes that you don't mind getting greasy.

I agree with Curt, if you have even a small desire to learn to change this spring go for it. This Columbia type spring will be a good and easy one to start with. Follow Curt's instructions and you will be fine. I would add one thing, before you remove the face plate with the tabs from the spring barrel, mark one of the tabs with the barrel. It will make putting the face plate back on easier.
I've know Ron for many years and he sells quality parts reasonably, plus he's very knowledgeable.

Best Regards, Larry

[PHONOMIKE]

I agree with everything Curt said but would like to add 1 important thing if you decide to tackle your first spring.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS make sure the spring is FULLY unwound before trying to remove it. With the amount of stored energy in a spring that has been left would, it's almost a guarantee someone, or something gets hurt. Good luck

[marcapra]

I believe his name is spelled "Ron Sitko".

[fran604g]

Ron is a great guy to buy from. He's very knowledgeable and helpful!

Fran

[mikejk]

I would like to add to the excellent instructions you have already been given from the members. Once you have the spring barrel free of the motor and the gears and lid removed, the use of a five gallon plastic bucket is very handy. With the open side of the barrel facing away from you, hold the barrel down inside the bucket and gently pull the center coil up and out and begin feeding the spring out hand to hand and don't let go. During this, if the spring does get away from you , it will be contained inside the bucket instead of being allowed to fly free and hurt you.

Good luck with it,
Mike

[Steve]

I have also bought from Ron Sitko and was pleasantly surprised to find out how helpful he was and how astonishingly quick he shipped some parts to me in the UK. He's definitely a recommended supplier in my book!

[dutchman]

Thanks for all the info. Talked to Ron last evening and the spring barrel is on its way to Ron. I chickened out