31 day 6' grandfather keeps stoping after 5 mins or so.

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:18 am     Post subject: 31 day 6' grandfather keeps stoping after 5 mins or so.

For some reason the pendulum keeps stopping. I bought it yesterday and it will only go back and forth for about 5 mins. It is a winded clock the weights are just for show type of thing. Could there be something wrong with the pendulum? If so what should I do? Here is a picture of what it looks like… it’s on ebay but not where I bought it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/31-DAY-Wood-6-GRANDFATHER-CLOCK-Chime-Pendulum-Weights_W0QQitemZ260327629686QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item260327629686&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A3%7C294%3A50

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:09 pm     Post subject:

Just to note: You should always consult your movement manual for directions specific to your movement. Movements can vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. With that being said, there are a few “general” things to check into:

1.) Make certain the clock case is level. Actually – the movement should be relatively level wherever the clock case is located. If things are not level, the pendulum may have trouble continuing to swing.

2.) Check to make certain the suspension spring is not broken. This tends to be the most common problem associated with a pendulum that will not continue to swing. The pendulum hangs on a metal piece called the pendulum leader. This leader typically hangs from the suspension spring near the top of the movement. The suspension spring resembles two thin, small rectangular (or square) plates, which are connected by two extremely thin metal bands in between each plate. The pendulum leader hangs from one of the plates – while the other plate inserts into the rear pendulum post of the movement. In the instance of a broken suspension spring, one or both of those extremely thin, metal bands in between each plate may be broken. The suspension spring should be replaced with a new one if broken.

3.) Make certain the pendulum is in beat. Remember, the pendulum hangs on a metal piece called the pendulum leader. This leader is typically inserted (about mid-way up the leader piece) into an arm which extends off the backside of the movement, called a crutch arm. With the pendulum leader removed, the crutch arm should swing an equal distance from center to left, as it does from center to right. In some cases, the entire pendulum/leader assembly can be over swung to automatically correct the swing of the crutch arm (commonly called "auto beat adjustment").

Again, consult your mechanical movement instructions for specific information in regard to your movement. Hope some of these suggestion can help...