Expert: William J Perkins - 12/26/2011

Question
Dear William;
Need your insight and direction in getting our grandfather clock to keep time past 3-4 minutes of working time. It appears to keep accurate time during this short period but stops its pendulum momentum after a few minutes. All 3 weights are pulled up.... Maybe to tight.

We inherited the clock from my Father-In-Law. When he fell sick he moved in with us which left the clock dormant for over year. It always worked just fine for years.
Can you advise us on how we can get our clock to work again. Cleaning, oiling, spring, pendulum, we don't know where to start.

Happy Holidays and many thanks.

Grisha
M:  

Answer
From your problem description I suspect the clock has gone out of beat.  That is if you listen to the clock's tick-tick and it is even the clock is in beat.  If it goes tick-tock it is uneven and is out of beat.  Going out of beat often occurs when a clock is moved or is left unattended for a prolonged period.  This condition can often be corrected by the following procedure.  Grasp the regulating nut at the bottom of the pendulum bob, pull straight down, with a pressure of about 1 pound, move the pendulum back and forth in an arc of about 3 and 1/2 to 4 inches.  Release your hold, at a dead center position.  Start the pendulum in motion with a very gentle swing. If the clock is reasonably clean and properly lubricated this should restore beat.  Due to the extended down time of the clock I really believe you should have the clock, cleaned, adjusted and lubricated.  Regards WJP