Expert: William J Perkins - 3/31/2010

Question
QUESTION: My Trend grandfather clock no longer chimes or strikes the hour.There is a small lever on the rear of the works that activates the chimes.If I trip that lever,the chimes or the strike works.But after that it is erratic.It may or may not chime when it is supposed to.A friend says I might have to add weight to the right hanging weight.The weights are correctly positioned[L,C,R] but the cylinder for the right weight is full.How can I add more weight, or do you think this is a problem.The clock was built in 1979,and was recently cleaned and oiled.Thank You,Ralph

ANSWER: Please don't add more weight.  Your clock sounds like it needs cleaning.  Adding weight would simply increase the rate of wear and ultimtely seriously harm your clock.  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: I recently had it cleaned, but frankly , the cleaning  consisted of spraying the works with brake cleaner and then oiling it with clock oil with no disassembly.I have removed the works from the cabinet.I am a do-it - yourselfer and ex-tool and die maker.Could you advise me how to properly clean and oil it? On the back of the works,I believe it says....URGUS made in germany..no [0] jewels  unadjusted. Thanks for your help....ralph

Answer
You need to literally give the clocks movement a bath.  Preferable it should be taken apart, each and every part thoroughly cleaned and polished, and all pivots and pivot holes cleaned and polished.  Additionally all worn pivot holes need to be rebushed.  If the clock is simply dirty you might get away with a bath without taking the movement apart.  To clean the movement you need some clock cleaner concentrate which you mix with water.  You would warm that solution up and immerse the movements into it.  Using a stiff clean brush, clean the clock as best you can.  When done put the movement under the hot water faucet and flush thoroughly.  Use a hair dryer to completely dry.  The lubricate with a good grade clock oil.  Use the lubricant sparingly.  One drop should do the entire movement.  To much lubricant is almost as bad as no lubricant.  You can buy the supplies you need from any clock materials house.  I wish you luck.  Regards WJP