Expert: Martin Meyer - 11/22/2009

Question
My mother has a Grandfather clock that stopped running about 2 years ago as she did not bother with it. I have tried to get it running but all it does is run for about 15/20 mins then stops. When it goes pass the halfpast time the chimes do not work either. Can you help me please.

Answer
Hi Ken,

Both stopping and chiming problems have multiple possible causes. But sitting without running for two years has probably contributed to the problems, and the clock undoubtedly needs an oiling. Also, running for a few minutes, then stopping is one symptom of the pendulum being out of beat. If I understand you correctly, the chimes are working at the first quarter and the half hour, but not at the 3/4 hour or on the hour. This is an unusual problem, and I would not even hazard a guess without having the clock in front of me on my bench. You can browse my previous answers on setting the beat and on lubricating, but, considering that the clock has multiple problems and has not been running for a long time, it will be much more effective to have a professional clock repairer do a service call and address all these problems at once.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com