Expert: William J Perkins - 12/27/2009

Question
I just purchased a 75 franz hermle grandfather clock. It was in storage for 9 years and was pretty dusty when I got it. I cleaned it, blew out the dust on the mechanism and sprayed WD-40 on it to loosen up the parts. It will not run. I have the weights on correctly but when I swing the pendulum, it only swings a few times and stops. How do I start this clock without having an owners manual for reference or knowing what's wrong with it? Thanks!

Answer
If you wish to save this clock, don't waste any time, get it cleaned.  While wd-40 is a fine product, it should not be used on clocks.  If you do take this clock to a professional clock repair person, be sure to tell him you have used wd-40 on the clock.  This will allow him to take safeguards against killing his cleaning fluids, which are expensive and he would have to charge you for the loss, as well as the normal fee.  I wish you good fortune, regards WJP