Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 12/11/2010

Question
QUESTION: Ken, you have answered several questions in the past on a circa 1905 Jacques grandfather clock, which have helped me get the clock working right.  However, I still have a problem with the hourly strike.  Every few days it will stop when setting up for the strike.  Some months ago, I put an extra weight (about one pound) on the middle weight because I noticed that if I applied a little pressure on the middle weight, it would make it past the 53/54 minute.  That worked for several months but now it is back to stopping almost daily.  I am told that it may need a replacement for the mechanism (spring?) that sets up the chimes and the strike but that the springs currently built are not strong enough and do not last long. Do you know if I can get an old spring in working condition and from where?  Alternatively, I would put a new spring but don’t know how long it would last.  Any thoughts?  Thanks.

ANSWER: can you refresh my memory and supply a photo of the back of the mechanism?


Spring is the wrong word and am not sure who told you what or what they ment.

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

QUESTION: Attached is a photo of the side of the mechanism, I can't get to the back of it---hope this is helpful.  Unfortunately, I do not have copies of the previous emails we exchanged, which were quite helpful.  What I was told is that the mechanism that triggers the setting of the chimes and the strikes may need replacing.  I do not know the correct term but thought it was some kind of spring.  Hope you can shed some light.  Thanks again.

Answer
is there a lever or method for shutting off the chimes and the strike?

If so, just try it with out both and see if it runs fine.

Agin I do not know who told you something needs replacing- me? some landscaper? who?

it is remotely possible that the chime mechanism may be interferring with the running of the clock.

More likely some other cause like wear or needing cleaning or such.

but if you can shut off the chimes and it still stops.....or keeps on ticking...... they you will have eliminated or have found an area to work on.

You may need a pro to service it in the end.