Expert: John Newman - 12/23/2009

Question
I have a Pearl Grandfather Clock model #1151-053H.  It was transported approximately 10 miles from one home to another and now will only run for about three hours.  Can you give me some idea as to what may be wrong?  Thank you.

Answer
Candace, the most common causes of a floor clock not running after moving, winding,or bumping is that one of the pendulum hanging assembly components had come loose or it has been knocked out of beat, or the weights have been rehung incorrectly.  The following is a check list I have prepared for clocks that are not running.  I have modified some parts to apply to your clock:



THE FIRST LEVEL IS THE SETUP.  

If a clock movement is in operating condition but not working, I would check the stability of the clock in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor.  It should be relatively level.  The level is not critical, as setting the beat (below) will correct for this.  

Next, verify that the weights are hung correctly.  On most clocks the weights vary in weight.  This can be determined by the model of the movement, which you have given me.  If your 1151 does not have a seconds hand and the pendulum bob is less than 165mm (6.5"), the weights should be
(as you face the clock) Left 4.7#, Center 4.7# and Right 7.3#.  If it does have a seconds hand and/or the pendulum bob is more than 165mm, the center weight should be 7.7#.  These are approximate figures.  

Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct?  This means that the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring, meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will probably stop.  Most later model movements have an "auto-beat" mechanism.  The beat can be set by holding the pendulum over to one side next to the case and releasing it.  It will automatically correct itself.  If it does not have this feature, the escapement crutch will have to be slipped manually.  If required, I can give you instructions for that.


THE SECOND LEVEL INCLUDES MAINTENANCE

This includes cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts.  If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used.  In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points.  Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers.  Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others.  This even applies to different clock oils.  After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments.  I recommend maintenance be performed every 7 to 10 years.


THE THIRD LEVEL IS REPAIR.

This requires that the movement be broken down and all
parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled
lubricated, adjusted and tested.  I do not recommend this except
by an experienced clockmaker.


I hope this helps a little.  If you have any further questions, get back with me.

John Newman
THE VILLAGE CLOCKSMITH
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama