Expert: William J Perkins - 11/21/2008

Question
I have an old grandfather clock that runs slow. I have even removed the weight and left the long swing arm, it still runs slow by 5 min per hour, I have cleaned the clock works and also did the old lighter fluid fumes try to help clean it, without the arm on it it will run 10 min an hour fast, any ideas?

Answer
The symptoms you describe are that of a dirty, possibly worn clock.  Cleaning a clock requires that it be taken apart and all the pivot holes and pivots cleaned and polished.  Additionally all worn parts need to be replaced or repaired.  Particular attention must be given the escape mechanism.  The faces of the anchor need to be repaired and polished and the teeth of the escape wheel attended to.
The cleaning you describe is an old Yankee alternative to professional cleaning.  I have used and recommended the method many times.  However, I have never heard of using lighter fluid.  It has allways been kerosene in a container containing a cotton wick.  You place a container, usually a tin can, filled with cotton in the bottom of the clock.  You then saturate the cotton with kerosene and close the clock.  Then just let nature take its course.  The fumes from the kerosene will penetrate the workings, drawing much of the dirt onto the cotton.  You must understand this is in no way a substitute for a good cleaning.  It is a temporary alternative.  Period.  Regards WJP