Adjusting window spiral balances

Question

I just got your "spiral charger" for my tilt windows.  Here is what I have to work with:

Each sash weighs 23lbs.  There are TWO 5/8 spirals on each side for both the top and bottom  (total 8 spirals for each window).
TOP sashes are 4pcs 5/8" x 20" "red"
BOTTOM sashes are 5/8" x 22" "blue"
These are the originals which are about 25 years old.

I don't know how they are "supposed" to feel when the widow is removed. If I take the spirals out of the locking foot the spirals just fall out to their full length. The bottom seems to be acceptable (I can lift relatively easy and it stays up) but the top sash keeps dropping down on 1 side. Reading your instructions on how to adjust them I am a little unclear for what looks like a simple operations.

Do you "twist/tighten/rotate" the spiral clockwise for BOTH the top and bottom sash or does one go clockwise and the other CCW?  They seem to tighten in either direction. I'm more than willing to replace them since they are 25 years old but at around $80 a window if I can't do it right it isn't worth the expense. Worse part is it is impossible to find someone to come out and do it for me here in northern New Jersey (Union county) even if I wanted to. :( 

Any suggestion on what I wrote above?  Are the "colors" correct for the 23 lb top and bottom sashes? 

Thanks!

Dave Sr. · Accepted Answer

First, if the spiral is falling out of the tube, it sounds like the spring inside the tube is broken. Also, if the tube of your balance is plastic then it will have to be charged up by turning it counterclockwise. If the tube is metal, turn it clockwise to tighten it up. You should feel the tension when turning the spiral. The red tip bearing is standard strength. The blue is a little heavier spring.