clock stopped keeping time

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2011 12:04 am     Post subject: clock stopped keeping time

The last time I wound the clock, I set the pendulum swinging again as I always have. This time the pendulum stopped moving after a while and won't start again. My husband and I have tried starting the swing 3 more times, thinking the pendulum might have gotten stopped by the chains.
I know that I did not over-wind it when this all started.

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2011 1:33 pm     Post subject:

You probably did not over-wind the movement. I would check the following (in this order):

1.) Make certain the clock is level (specifically the movement). It should be level front to back and side to side. If you have moved the clock, it may have shifted from level (which may disrupt pendulum swing).
2.) Check to make certain the suspension spring is not broken. Follow the pendulum up the pendulum leader (the metal piece the pendulum hangs from). Follow the leader up to a post that extends off the backside of the movement. The suspension spring will be secured in a center notch of the post with a small turn screw. The suspension spring looks like two small metal plates connected by two thin metal bands. Check to make certain these thin metal bands have not broken. If so, replace the suspension spring.
3.) Perform beat adjustment. The pendulum leader (mentioned previously) has an arm extending through it just above where the pendulum mounts. This arm extends out of the back plate of the movement and is called the crutch arm. Remove the pendulum from the leader, and then remove the leader from this arm. This crutch arm must swing an equal distance from centerline to left as it does from centerline to right. You will encounter slight resistance when you push it to either side. To even out the swing, push through the resistance until you have an equal swing from center to left and center to right. Most movements are equiped with auto beat adjustment. You may be able to use this option instead of the manual beat adjustment (previously described). This is achieved simply by overswinging the pendulum and letting the movement correct the swing for you.

In most cases, the options above will correct a non-swinging pendulum problem.

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 4:32 pm     Post subject: clock wouldn't keep time

dear chris,
sorry it's taken so long to reply. i had to wait for my husband to get home in order to do what you suggested. (someone had to hold the light)
we did everything you told us and, after we adjusted the beat, it started working again. i wanted to wait until this morning to make sure that it would continue.
i can't tell you how glad i was to find this site. this is two times now that you have helped me. we are so tight on money that we would have just had to let the clock stand and not work anymore.
what a wonderful feeling you must get helping people....and saving them money.
i have to say that it has really helped my self-esteem also. i feel very mechanical when i can fix something.
thank you so much.
sincerely, pam

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:02 pm     Post subject:

From the very bottom of my heart, you are certainly welcome. On the same token, I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to provide an update. It is not often that I see/hear the end results of services I offer. I suppose most people figure that once the problem is solved, there is no need to persue further contact. But you are correct... For those people that do update me, it is a great feeling of accomplishment to know that I played a small part in assisting someone in the right direction.

Kindest regards and and gratitude,
Chris