Expert: William J Perkins - 8/9/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi I just bought this used Ridgeway grandfather clock the Dial sticker has printed Dial-E3, Model-131, Movement-HL, Finish-COA4, Serial-3679. My problem is I'm not sure how to place the weights. I bought a new suspension spring for it because the one it had was bent. I think I have it all assembled correctly according to my research but it will only run for a few minutes then it stops. The ticking does not sound even and I'm not sure if I have the weights on correctly. Could you please help me?

ANSWER: As you face your clock The heaviest weight hangs on your right.  One thing I know, because "the ticking does not sound even" that your clock is out of beat.  Send me all the information stamped upon the back plate of the clock's movement and I will endeavor to tell you how to restore it to correct beat.  I suspect you might have installed the wrong suspension spring, more than likely to stiff.  With the information you provide from the backplate I should be able to identify the correct spring to you.  Regards WJP

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QUESTION: Dial-E3, Model-131, Movement-HL, Finish-COA4, Serial-3679 this is all I see on the back of the plate. Does this help at all?

Answer
Unfortunately the information I was seeking is not there.  In absence thereof I will give you a generic answer for putting your clock in beat.  My first advise is to call a professional clock repair person to get your clock back in beat.  If you want to attempt this yourself here is what you need to do.  Move the clock away from the wall so that you have access to the back of the movement.  The first thing you do is to remove the pendulum.  Then making sure the clock is level start the pendulum lever and clutch into motion.  Since it has no pendulum they should swing back and forth very rapidly. (The clutch is that part of the pendulum assembly connected to the shaft that holds the anchor which in turn regulates the action of the escape wheel)  The clutch is friction fit to the anchor shaft.  You need to move the clutch into a position where the swings to right and left are equal.  
When you achieve the equality of swing rehang the pendulum and set it going.  It should be in beat.  If not you will have to repeat the operation until it is satisfactorily completed.  Of course it is very probable that there are other problems present.  To find this out the first step is to correct the beat situation.  I wish you the best of luck.  If you need more please provide a complete description of the situation.  Regards WJP