Expert: William J Perkins - 4/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: won't chime on the hours. fifteen minute chimes can be set, but they miss occasionally changing the number of chimes. ( 4/8/12/16)Usually resets itself to 16 chimes on the half hour.

ANSWER: The fact that the strike does not work and the chime fails to remain in sync tells me your clock need to be cleaned, adjusted and lubricated.  Another, less likely, cause would be the the weight are not properly hung.  The heaviest weight should always hang to you right, as you face the clock.  The other two weights are very similar in weight, so it makes no difference which you hang center or to the left.  Regards WJP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Knowing enough to not use WD-40 on the movement isnt enough. What would I use to lubricate the movement?

Answer
I don't understand the relevancy of WD-40 to this inquiry.  However since you have brought it up, WD-40 is an excellent product for what it was intended.  As far as I know, no reputable horologist, nor the makers of the product, has ever suggest it to suitable for clocks.  It's use by the uninformed has killed many a gallon of cleaning solution.  As far as what should you use to lubricate a clock, I suggest you go to the site, <howtorepairclocks.com/clock-oil.html>.  the information provided therein will advise on the subject of oiling your clock.  There are other similar sites on-line.  Regards WJP