Expert: William J Perkins - 9/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello - we just bought an old grandmother (?) clock from a thrift store. It's a Howard Miller. On the back plate it says 150-H Westminster Chime model 610-181. I think it's from the 1970's.

All the parts were in a baggie, 3 weights but only 2 chains.

I figured out where the two outer chains went and loaded the heaviest weight on the right chain, as the instruction pasted on the back indicated.

I have a couple questions and very much appreciate your help:

1.) Should there be a third chain? If so, I think it goes in the middle, not sure how to run it through. If there's a third chain I guess I can get it from a local clock store?

2.) the pendulum hits the chime...it does swing freely. I don't see how to adjust it away from the chimes. Any suggestions? (I've leveled the clock.)

Thanks



ANSWER: I am not familiar with a movement having a reference number 610-181, however, I can give you generic answers.
Question 1.  Since the clock has chimes there has to be a three trains requiring three chains and three weights.  The chain on your left, as you face the clock is the strike train, the center one, the time train and the one on the right the chime train.  As you noted the chime train requires the heaviest weight.  As far as acquiring a suitable chain simply remove about 4 inches from one of the chains and take it to a local jeweler and ask him to get it for you.  Be sure to get your 4 inch piece back and re-install it to from whence you removed it.  If you would like send me your zip code number and I will refer you to a clock materials supply house near you.
Question 2.  As you know the clock must be level.  Level front to back as well as side to side.  Since you say the clock is level you need to move your movement closer to the dial.  (The closer to the dial the further away from the back and chime rods)
Let me know how you make out.  Regards WJP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for your insightful response. My zip is 92867. I looked at the pendulum movement. There is a lot of "play" in the mechanism (from the way it's designed), but I don't see any way to secure it once it's in a position farther from the chimes. The clock is currently level front to back. I thought about lowering the front to see if the pendulum would drift away from the chimes but haven't tried it.

Also, is there any benefit to blowing air (from a can) into the gears to clean them? Or oiling anything? I don't think this clock has ever seen a service. Would a photo help identify or diagnose it?

By the way, the chimes sound great

Answer
Being unfamiliar with the 610-181 movement leaves me very much in the dark.  Perhaps you can shed some light by digital photographs.  I need to see the back of the movement, how it is secured to the case.  A frontal of the movement could also help.  Most importantly, copy down, and send me everything stamped upon the movements backplate.  I am also having a problem understanding your meaning.  When you say "there is a lot of "play" in the mechanism" are you referring to the side to side movement of the pendulum or to the gears being very loose in their pivot holes.  If the latter be the case, forget about the movement, it is done and needs replacement.  Since allexpert does not support attachments send you information to my e-mail address.  <flashpowder@hotmail.com>  Let me hear from you WJP

SORRY FOGOT TO ADD MATERIALS HOUSES
Blackforest Imports    <blackforestimports.com>
Ronell Clocks          <ronellclocks.com>