Expert: Michael Radi - 9/24/2010

Question
I have a pearl Tempus Fugit Grandfather clock. A friend brought it to me to see if I could get it to run. After hanging the weights and pendulum it wouldn't run. I can put light pressure on the center weight and I can see the tick tock wheel doing it's thing. It seems that the weights are not heavy enough. Are the weights supposed to be filled with some kind of ballust to make the clock run?

Answer
The weights should be filled with either steel or lead fillers. Sometimes you can add a little weight but it can make the clock wear out faster. I would start with oiling the clock. Sometimes you can get really good results and the clock may start ticking again. Also, one of the weights will be lighter or heavier than the other two. Put the heaviest weight on the right side as you face the clock. Put the next heaviest weight on the center and the last weight, of course, goes on the left.
Be sure that the clock is chiming and striking properly. If the movement is stuck between chimes or strikes it can stop the time side.
Let me know if there are any questions I can answer for you.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair