Expert: William J Perkins - 8/15/2010

Question
My Briton Grandfather clock won't chime. It has a silencer lever but I have made sure that it is on chime. Just quit working after 4-5 years of excellent operation. It's almost like a gear is not engaging to allow the two outside weights to drop. Please tell me what I can do to make it operational again. Thanks

Answer
I suspect the cocking mechanism is failing to function.  This could most likely be due to normal wear, or perhaps looseness or bending of a pin.  If it is your intention to affect repair yourself, I would suggest you remove the dial so that you can observe the functioning of the gears and levers that are placed on the outside of the movements frontplate.  Being able to observe these parts in motion would most likely disclose the cause, which you could then correct by, straightening, tightening or replacing some parts.  Frankly, if you are not mechanically inclined I would suggest you have this done by a qualified clock mechanic.  Regards WJP