Expert: Martin Meyer - 6/19/2009

Question
I have a grandfather clock that has started to chine erratically. When it does chime its the not always the correct quarter hour, but when it does chime the hour its correct. There is not set pattern of its chiming sometimes it does and most times not. Since this has started the weights are not descending evenly only one of the 3. There are 3 choices of chimes and also silent. Hopefully its an easy fix.
Thanks, Rick

Answer
Hi Rick,

There are many possible causes of chime failure, some minor, others serious. The two side weights control the hour strike and the quarter hour chime. When the chime does not work, neither of these weights will descend. When the quarter hour chime fails, the hour strike will not work either, but when the hour strike does work, whether it strikes the correct number of times is not affected by the quarter hour chime mechanism.

The most common causes of erratic chiming are: the heaviest weight must be on the right side (as you look at the clock); the movement needs lubrication; the movement's bearings are worn. There are numerous other possibilities related to internal problems in the rather complicated series of gears, pins and levers which control the chiming. Although it is sometimes possible for a non-clockmaker owner to lubricate the movement, it is usually difficult to do properly. I would recommend having a professional clock repairer do a service call to lubricate the movement, check for bearing wear and look for any other possible causes of the problem.  http://www.clockmasteronline.com