Expert: William J Perkins - 11/5/2010

Question
I have a Pearl grandfathers clock. tag # is 433-6760     9914    9/85 (if any of this makes sense)
3 spools of wire that go around lowering or raising weights. From L to R, I have light-light-heavy weight hanging. Center & right weights go up and down with correct time and chime. Looking at far L weight does not lower as the spool of weight wire is over lapping a clear plastic tab that lays on the spool of wire. How can I get that strain of wire in line with the spool and not on top of the clear plastic? It seems that is what is keeping it from dropping and working properly. The clock does tick...tock...tick...tock what appears to be normal, the pendulum swings and keeps correct time. It rings on the hr. 1/2 hr and 1/4 hr. but does not bong the hourly bongs. It sat unused for 2 years and recently was moved here. Please help. Thank you, Rose & Robert

Answer
I am not sure I understand what you are telling me.  I will do my best to present a reasonable solution.  First the weights must be hung in their proper order.  One weight is much heavier than the other two, that one should always be hung on your right, as you face the clock.  The next thing, I understand is that one of the cables is wound on top of its plastic cover.  If that be the case you need to have the cable properly spooled back onto it's drum.  Frankly I cannot envision how such a condition could come about.  In any case, if indeed that is the situation it needs correction.  I would suggest you have it done be a qualified clock repair person.  The most important clue you have given me is, "It sat unused for two years".  That being the case I would say that it is remarkable that the clock runs at all.  The lubricants would have, long ago, lost their viscosity.  I urge that you have this clock cleaned and new lubricants applied.  Regards WJP