Expert: John Newman - 12/11/2010

Question
I have a 25 year old "Trend" (by Sligh)(movement # 225-A03 grandfather clock.  It has run perfectly until no!    Sometime after the time change from daylight to standard time it just quit running. I re-set it re-started the pendulum it ticks for a couple minutes and stops. What can I do?

Answer
Nancy, listen to the beat (tick tock) and see if it is even.  If not, hold the pendulum over all the way over to one side and release it.  Most modern production grandfather clocks have an auto beat mechanism and that might possibly do it.  If not, below is a list of steps to check for a clock not running. If you still have problems, get back with me.



CLOCK NOT RUNNING

The first level is the setup.  If a clock movement is in operating condition but not working I would check the stability of the clock in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor.  Next, verify that the weights are hung correctly.  On most clocks the weights vary in weight.  Generally, if one weight is heavier than the other two equal ones, it hangs on the right (as you face the clock).  If one weight is lighter than the other two equal ones, it hangs on the left.  There are a few other variations.  Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct?  This means that the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring which can be broken or crimped easily.  Also it needs to be "in beat", meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock.  If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will probably stop.  This can be corrected by a manual adjustment or an auto-beat function of the clock.  Doing this eliminates the tedious job of trying to "level" the clock after it has initially been positioned on the floor to be relatively level.  If I know the model of the movement I can usually determine what type of beat mechanism it has.  

Level 2 concerns cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting.  My recommendation is that a clock should be serviced every 7 to 10 years.  In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts.  If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used.  In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points.  Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers.  Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others.  This even applies to different clock oils.  After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments.

The third level requires that the movement be broken down and all parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled lubricated, adjusted and tested.  I do not recommend this except by an experienced clockmaker.

John Newman
The Village Clocksmith
Old Prattvillage
Prattville, Alabama