Emperor clock

Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 4:38 pm     Post subject: Emperor clock

I just inherited an 80s model Emperor grandfather clock. It works great without the pendulum installed but when I connect it, the clock stops within a couple minutes. Any tips on cleaning the works?
Thanks

Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 1:34 pm     Post subject:

Just a couple of general tips:

1.) Make certain the movement is level. The pendulum will not continue to swing if the movement is not level.

2.) You may have to perform a beat adjustment (as the penduluem will not continie to swing if out of beat). On most movements, the pendulum is connected to the pendulum leader. The pendulum leader inserts through an arm called the crutch arm (which sticks out from the back of the movement). This crutch arm must swing an equal distance from center to left as it does from center to right. You can remove the pendulum and adjust this crutch arm by pushing through slight resistance until you have an equal swing from center to left as you do from center to right. Some movements also feature an automatic beat adjustment. If your movement has this option, keep the pendulum mounted and overswing it (the movement will self correct the beat).

3.) Locate the before-mentioned pendulum leader. Continue up the pendulum leader to find the suspension spring (attached through a post which extends from the rear of the movement at the top). Make certain the thin metal bands (between the two plates of the suspension spring) are not broken. If broken, replace the suspension spring.

A good cleaning is always an option to look into as well. You can check with qualified clock repair people. Best of luck.