Expert: William J Perkins - 5/11/2008

Question
i recently purchased an ansonia clock movement on e-bay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=1502...
It runs, but when it strikes the hour and 1/2 hour it keeps going and stops sporadically. i understand the grooves in the wheel and the hours but I don't know why the lever doesn't lock into the grooves?  thanks, Dave

Answer
The workings of a clocks striking train is difficult to understand, all the gears, lifts, levers, cams, notches etc must be synchronized with each other.  Without having a working model to observe it is frustrating, to say the least, to get everything in order.  I urge you aquire a beginner repair book to assist you.  One of the best I know, that is readily avialble and doesn't cost an arm and leg is the "Clock Repair Primer" by Phillip E Balcomb.  If you can't find this one, get something like it, you really need it.