Expert: Martin Meyer - 12/17/2007

Question
Kenneth,

We have a 30 year old Ethan Allen Grandfather clock.
The clock keeps good time but the chimes are erratic. Many times it will not chime as expected.
After I remove the hood I see the chime hammer is often stuck in the what I would call open position or back position. If I just touch the flat what I would call a butterfly looking piece it usually releases and the chimes will start again. When the chimes do start back up they seem to be slow in the chiming pattern.
I have a suspicion that one of the family members may have wound the chime chains to tight at one time.
Is there anything I can do to remedy this or should I take it to the shop? We had a professional cleaning done in the last 10 years.

Answer
Hi Kenneth,
    Your clock's chime mechanism is stalling. This can be due to either needing lubrication or wear in the bearings of the movement.
    If you want to oil the clock yourself, you must get proper clock oil in a long-tipped oiler from a clock supply house. Place a very small drop of oil at each point where a gearshaft end goes through a hole in the front and back main plates. If this was your problem, the chiming should speed up almost right away. You can also have a professional clock repairer do a service call, which will include lubricating your clock, examining the bearings for wear, and making other adjustments.
    If the bearings in your clock are worn, you will need either a replacement movement or an overhaul of your old movement, where bearing holes are replaced with bushings. This is a job for a professional clock repairer. 30 years is well past the expected lifespan of a modern clock movement.