Expert: Martin Meyer - 4/8/2008

Question
Hi Martin
Recently acquired a behive with west minister chimes.  The clock runs strongly, but I only get the chimming at the quarter hour.  The clock does not chime by itself other than that.  I cannot fiqure out what triggers the chimming at the rest of the quarter hour points.  Do you have any printed matter that might help me?  If not what kind of information can you give me.  Also do you know which spring controls the different quarter hour chimming?  Thanks very much.  Jerry

Answer
Hi Jerry,
    There are many causes of chiming problems, and the remedies are complicated and usually require the services of a professional clock repairer.
    One thing you can check, however, is that all three arbors (keyhole shafts) are completely wound, as far as they will go. You can also lubricate the clock by putting a small drop of CLOCK OIL ONLY on each point where a gear shaft enters the front and back main plates of the clock. Other than this, the problem is most likely an adjustment of the series of levers and cams which operate the chime mechanism.
    The left mainspring arbor (as you look at the clock) powers the hour strike; the middle arbor powers the time mechanism, and the right arbor powers the quarter-hour Westminster chime.