Expert: William J Perkins - 10/3/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a Howard Miller mantle clock model 613-178 with a two jewel action unadjusted that is stamped 340-020 on the back plate.  I have tried to regulate the time with the adjusting screw but it still runs fast by about 20 minutes a day. It seems to be a floating balance system.  Any advice you can provide would be much appreciated.  Thank you in advance for your help.

ANSWER: There is a site on the inter-net that will explain how to adjust the floating balance.  However the time keeping error of 20 min per day indicates a much more serious problem that simple adjustment.  I suggest you have the clock cleaned, however, I believe you can get a new replacement movement for less than the probable cost of cleaning.  If you go that route I suggest you go with a Hermle 341-020 movement in lieu of the 340-020.  The only difference between these two movement is that the 340 has a floating balance and the 341 a pendulum balance.  The reason I make this recommendation is that a lot of clock repair persons have difficulty with the floating balance, other than just plain lack of skill I cannot imagine why. Eliminating the problem from your clock would save you maintenance costs in the future.  The site I suggest you peruse is <home.earthlink.net> click on item 50 in the index, i.e., Hermle floating balance.  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt reply.  I tried copying and pasting the above URL into my browser and arrived at a page that said they can't locate that page.  Is there some other way to arrive at the item 50 in the index? Thanks again.

Answer
Unfortunately I am computer ignorant.  Just before making this response I tried the address and did not encounter any problem.  As stated I am computer ignorant, would it make any sense for me to copy the information to my computer and send it to you via e-mail?  All-experts does not support attachments so if we are to do that I would need your e-mail address.  Perhaps you have another suggestion.  Regards WJP