Expert: Harold Williamson - 12/19/2009

Question
Dear Mr. Williamson
I recently replaced the bellows, cleaned and oiled this clock. And it is running beatyfully.
When turning the clock hands manualy, the clock strikes and cockoos perfectly.
However when running on it,s own, it passess the halfhour and hour marks without striking.
can you help?
thank you
KLaus Rapp

Answer
Hello Klaus,

Need to know,

Was it striking b4 the cleaning?
Is it an older clock?

As you know there are tones of lifts and other wires to complicate this clock.

There is a friction washer between the plates, some are round and some have fingers and they are on the handshaft again between the plates.  This washer must be snug and not have oil on them .

I really cannot go on because to adjust the friction it must be taken apart and replaced or shaped(bent) to just the correct tension.

There are other lifts that must be adjusted but rarely can be done with the movement still in the case..

Trial and error might come up with a solution if you have good lighting and a visor to watch what happens as you turn the hands as opposed to what dosent happen as the clocks runs past the hour.  You will see movement 3 to 4 min. befor the strike happens.

Really a tuff one and sorry I could not be of more help.
Harold