chimes on Ethan Allen Grandfather Clock

Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:46 am     Post subject: chimes on Ethan Allen Grandfather Clock

I have had this clock since 1981 and it hasn't run in several years. My dad has it running again now and it is keeping perfect time, but the chimes are 7 minutes early. For example, when it should chimes for the quarter hour, it chimes at 8 minutes after, for the hour chimes, it chimes at 7 minutes until the hour. Same thing for the half hour and 3/4 hour....always chimes 7 minutes earlier than it should. Any suggestions?

Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 10:25 pm     Post subject:

you can adjust the bushing in the minute hand, by using a small allen head wrench, or square stock, and giving it a slight turn.

Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 1:10 pm     Post subject:

Just as amrad suggests, the bushing (or hub) of the minute hand can be rotated independantly from the hand. It is in this way that you can make adjustments to compensate.

Remove the minute hand and grip the hub (on the backside of the hand) with a pair of pliers. Note that if you have a square driver, you may use that instead of pliers (just insert it through the square mount hole in the minute hand). Rotate the minute hand while keeping the hub stationary. Since you are chiming 7 minutes before, rotate the hand clockwise on the hub. Try to adjust for the seven minutes. Re-mount the hand and activate the chime. If further adjustments are required, remove the hand and repeat the adjustment process (clockwise or counter-clockwise, as the need would be). Once synchronized, re-secure the minute hand on the center hand shaft.