Expert: Michael Radi - 11/11/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have made sure clock is totally level,it's very fussy that way... but it still
hasn't worked in years. I can wind it up and it will work for a little while, but
then stops.
The part of the arm that attaches to the pendulum also attaches to the
uppermost gear by a short rod. The connection to the rod from the arm is not
solid....it slips. Could this be the problem ?

ANSWER: I'm having a bit of a time understanding exactly what you are saying about the part that slips. Let get some of the language straightened out so we can communicate better.
The verge rocks back and forth letting one tooth pass on the uppermost gear each time the pendulum swings either direction.
There is an arm attached to the verge called the crutch
The pendulum leader passes through the crutch via a slot or pin
Thanks,
Michael

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

QUESTION: Hi Michael,
  I guess I'm talking about the crutch and the pendulum leader. SHould that be
tight or is there some give??
Here's a close up pic. Hope this helps..
thanks !

Answer
Thanks for the great photo. At the point where the crutch attaches to the shaft that the escape wheel is on it usually is a slip pressed on so you can adjust the beat of the clock. It needs to be tight enough so that the clock does not get knocked out of beat from simply running.
From the looks of your clock it appears that you could adjust the beat by bending the crutch wire so the slip may not be required in this case.
Let me know if this is not a clear enough answer.
Michael