Expert: William J Perkins - 7/4/2008

Question
The clock strike interval is a bit speedy and erratic, and goes nutso when the strike mechanism is fully wound.

It has a notched wheel with notches and gaps corresponding to the hours, and a sort of flywheel with two prongs that operate the beater.

Instead of striking at a sedate "bong...bong...bong", it's more like "bongbongbong", and when fully wound, it ignores the gaps in the cogs and goes into a frenzy!

Any ideas?

Answer
My immediate reaction is that the governor fly is not tight enough on its axle.  This member should always enjoy slippage.  The governor is the fan like thing that spins around during the strike sequence.  The adjustment of this unit is best left to a trained tech.  Such a person knows exactly how much slippage to allow.  If the fan blade is made to tight to the shaft, serious damage will ultimately befall the strike train.  Hope this helps you WJP