Chimes on 3301x

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 3:00 pm     Post subject: Chimes on 3301x

I'm a first timer. Just installed a 3301x in a Shaker style wall clock. Pendulum, bim-bam??, etc.

Seems the chime is not working corrrectly. When the minute hand reaches the hour, half, etc nothing happens. No chime. When I release the little gizmo arm in the back, it chimes -- until I press the arm back down or manually advance the minute hand.

Also, After and hour or two, it seems the tension on the chime works actually stops the pendulum.

Guide me
Ron

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:41 pm     Post subject:

Out of curiosity when was this clock movement purchased? The movement number (3301X) suggests that it came from the Mason & Sullivan Co. The movements were not manufactured by M&S but were supplied to them mainly by German makers.
M&S has been out of business since 1992 and any clock movement that has been sitting around that long (at least 15 years, perhaps even longer), would have what's known as "shelf life", meaning that at the very least it would need oiling before being put into service. This may be the reason the chime is not releasing at the hour and half. There could be other reasons too, including rough handling at some point or possibly a manufacturing defect.

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 9:07 pm     Post subject:

OK. Confession time.

This was the clock that I started on many years ago. Trashed a lot of wood, reached my skill level, postponed the project for about 15 years.

Now, the clock is finished. The movement has been in it's original styrofoam case up until when I installed it last week.
Ron

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 9:20 am     Post subject: 3301X movement

Almost certainly after that many years of being stored away the oil in the clock pivots has evaporated or dried out. As a starting point I would recommend oiling the movement. Only the pivot points need oiling. Don't be tempted to use anything except clock oil which is formulated specifically for this purpose.