Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 9/28/2009

Question
I have nearly completed building a solid walnut Emperor Grandfather Clock kit Model 301M with three types of chimes.  My in-laws purchased this kit in the 60's but never assembled it.  I am doing this as a surprise for them.  They don't even know I have it.
The clock movement seems to work fine but the sequential chimes (sixteen chime rods that strike Westminster and two other selectable chimes) at the quarter hours and on the hour continue repeatedly for several minutes before they finally stop instead of the progressive 4, 8, 12 and 16 times at the quarter hours and then stopping.  
The clock is chain wound with three weights.
Can you tell me what might be causing this and if there is something I can do to correct it and get the clock to chime properly?
I'm hoping to take the clock to their home and set it up while they are out of state in a couple of weeks.  They don't even know I have it.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Answer
should be 12 rods not 16 ---8 for the quarter chimes and 4 for the hour -

it would help to know the make and model of the mechanism- stamped info on the back brass plate of the works.

if it has been sitting for 45 years or so, then some of the levers that should drop by gravity are probably gummed up and may need cleaning and or oiling.