Expert: Martin Meyer - 3/19/2008

Question
Hello
I had the movement replaced about 1 yr ago.
I pulled the weight up to far and it got stuck so i took the chain off the wheel and I got it working again then I (not thinking) moved the min hand forward to set time which I know was a no no.(air head). Now it wont chime every 15 min like it did before.Still strikes every hr.What can be the problem? Think this would be an easy fix? Or did I do damage?
Thanks for your time...
William

Answer
Hi William,
    The hour strike is triggered by the quarter-hour chime, so if your clock still strikes the hours, the chime train gears must be working, but the chime hammers are not being lifted and dropped to make the chime tones.
    Look into the clock from the right side panel or small door, and you will see the row of four or eight chime hammers, and a large pinwheel (like the one in a music box). Turn the minute hand forward to a chime point and observe if the pinwheel revolves. If it is revolving, but not lifting the chime hammers, then the likelihood is that the chime selector lever (in the dial, usually near the "3") is not set correctly.
    First, check the setting of the selector lever. If it is set at a position marked "4/4 Silent", then that is your problem. Reset the lever to the Westminster, Whittington or St. Michael position, and your clock should chime properly.
    If you don't have a "4/4 Silent" setting, then the selector lever may be jammed. Move the selector lever up and down; you should be able to observe the pinwheel move back and forth when you do this. Adjust the selector lever to a position of one of the three above chimes, and be sure that it clicks into the position affirmatively.
    One more possibility is that the chime hammer wires are jammed together or tangled. Make sure that all wires and hammers are in a straight row and not hitting each other.