Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this video, we take a close look at a Bulova B-5203 flip clock that I recently picked up on eBay. The clock had an alarm problem and a non-working neon glow bulb.
I’ll show you how I diagnosed and corrected the alarm problem, including an adjustment to the mechanism that was causing the alarm to sound continuously.
The main project, however, is oiling the Toshiba VA82 synchronous motor used in this clock. These 3.6 RPM motors are common in vintage flip clocks, but getting lubricant inside the sealed motor can be a challenge. I demonstrate a method using a small section of PVC tubing, adhesive, lightweight oil, and heated water to draw the oil into the motor as it cools.
By the end, the Bulova B-5203 is running smoothly, quietly, and the alarm and neon glow bulb are working properly.
If you're working on a Bulova, Toshiba-motor flip clock, or another vintage flip clock with a similar motor, hopefully this repair technique will give you another option for getting that old motor running smoothly again.
LINKS TO PRODUCTS NAMED IN THIS VIDEO
DAFLEX D105 series PVC tubing
daburn.com/d105daflexnon-shrinkablepvctubing.aspx
Whirlpool Dryer Adhesive 279368 WP279368
ebay.com/itm/157688695874
ebay.com/itm/147516636925
amazon.com/Whirlpool-279368-Adhesive-for-Dryer/dp/B004XLDCZM
Remington Rem Oil Bottle (2-Ounce) Green
amazon.com/Interstate-Arms-Corp-Remington-2-Ounce/dp/B0015N8D3C
ebay.com/itm/318188739778
CREDITS
Our Executive Producer
Robert Jagers - Well known and respected restorer of flip clocks. Find Robert at:
flipoclock.com
Thanks to all our supporters!
Robert Jagers
Johan de Jong
JW Hopkins
John from NH
Cipri Hosu
Reysic
Kristina Schlah
Gnemelf
Shelli Yoder
Eerchant
Ron Kellis
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UC0Dn3A3p02pyT0owaYVwZRg/join
In this video, we take a close look at a Bulova B-5203 flip clock that I recently picked up on eBay. The clock had an alarm problem and a non-working neon glow bulb.
I’ll show you how I diagnosed and corrected the alarm problem, including an adjustment to the mechanism that was causing the alarm to sound continuously.
The main project, however, is oiling the Toshiba VA82 synchronous motor used in this clock. These 3.6 RPM motors are common in vintage flip clocks, but getting lubricant inside the sealed motor can be a challenge. I demonstrate a method using a small section of PVC tubing, adhesive, lightweight oil, and heated water to draw the oil into the motor as it cools.
By the end, the Bulova B-5203 is running smoothly, quietly, and the alarm and neon glow bulb are working properly.
If you're working on a Bulova, Toshiba-motor flip clock, or another vintage flip clock with a similar motor, hopefully this repair technique will give you another option for getting that old motor running smoothly again.
LINKS TO PRODUCTS NAMED IN THIS VIDEO
DAFLEX D105 series PVC tubing
daburn.com/d105daflexnon-shrinkablepvctubing.aspx
Whirlpool Dryer Adhesive 279368 WP279368
ebay.com/itm/157688695874
ebay.com/itm/147516636925
amazon.com/Whirlpool-279368-Adhesive-for-Dryer/dp/B004XLDCZM
Remington Rem Oil Bottle (2-Ounce) Green
amazon.com/Interstate-Arms-Corp-Remington-2-Ounce/dp/B0015N8D3C
ebay.com/itm/318188739778
CREDITS
Our Executive Producer
Robert Jagers - Well known and respected restorer of flip clocks. Find Robert at:
flipoclock.com
Thanks to all our supporters!
Robert Jagers
Johan de Jong
JW Hopkins
John from NH
Cipri Hosu
Reysic
Kristina Schlah
Gnemelf
Shelli Yoder
Eerchant
Ron Kellis
Join this channel to get access to perks:
youtube.com/channel/UC0Dn3A3p02pyT0owaYVwZRg/join
