Expert: Michael Radi - 2/1/2009

Question
I have an Ethan Allen Grandfather clock it is about 40 years old, ran great until my grandaughter pulled on the pendulum and the suspension spring broke. Have replaced the suspension spring, but the pendulum will not stay swinging.  It will swing for about a minute then stop. Is there a specific way the pendulum attaches to the suspension spring?  The clock is level.  Thank you.

Answer
There should be a piece between the pendulum and the suspension spring. This is called the leader. The leader goes through the crutch on its way down.
The crutch may have gotten bent when the pendulum was pulled off. It's hard to describe how everything should be set up. If you could send a digital photo of the crutch and leader I can tell you if it is correct.
Also; Is the ticking of the clock sound even. The ticks should be evenly spaced in time.
Let me know if it is not ticking evenly.
Michael