Expert: Michael Radi - 3/4/2010

Question
I purchased a second hand floor clock.  It is a viking clock with 3 weights and chains.  The back comes off and chimes are there.  The clock keeps perfect time but will not chime.  There is no lever on the face but there is a lever in the back.  I hav emoved lever up and down with no change.  Clock still does not chime.  How can I get clcok to chime.  Am I missing something very simple?  Not sure how old clock is - not an antigue - for sure of that.  No bokklet or instructions came with it.  Pretty face, clock is about 6' tall with moving moon and sun dail protion at the top of face.  Is ther a switch or button ot lever that I am missing to get the clock to chime?  Thanks

Answer
There are a lot of things that will keep a clock from chiming and without inspection I can't say what the problem is. Let's start with some simple ones;
Put the heaviest weight on the right side of the clock (chime side). It takes more power to run the chimes than the other sides.
You can test the chime train to see if it is jammed by rotating the drum that lifts the chime hammers with your fingers. Give it a little push in either direction. Sometimes this is enough to at least make it chime a few notes.
Let me know what happens.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair