grandfather clock ..runs 10 min then stops

Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 2:37 am     Post subject: grandfather clock ..runs 10 min then stops

Hi,
I have a grandfather clock..Hermle movement 1161 westminister chime .It was recently moved before I bought it. The center weight does not drop but the right and left ones do when the hour strikes or the quarter hour chimes. What could be the reason why the center weight does not drop which is why the clock only runs for 10 min I assume. The clock has been leveled and from what I hear is in beat.
Thanks,'
Ron

Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 7:22 pm     Post subject:

A couple of general things to check:

1.) Make certain the movement is level (adjust the leg levers of the case assembly if applicable). Some ensure that the case is level, which is fine - but this would not account for any variation in movement mounting from side to side. Make certain the seatboard (which the movement is attached to) is level more so than checking the case itself for level.
2.) Make certain the pendulum is in beat. If the pendulum is not in beat, it will stop swinging. If the pendulum stops, the center weight will not drop. 1161 should have an auto beat adjustment feature to ensure that the clock is in beat.
3.) Make certain the suspension spring is not broken. The pendulum will probably not continuously swing if so.

Just some general suggestions. I am curious, however, as to whether the pendulum continues to swing despite that the center weight does not drop.

Keep checking back within your post (as some of our patrons are far more experienced than I, and may have some additional suggestions).

Posted: Fri Jun 25, 2010 7:52 am     Post subject:

Thanks,
I'll check the level of the movement itself.

Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 1:35 pm     Post subject:

the self-correcting means you can take the pendulum all the way to one side and let go - it will find it's own beat - evenly.

When you take the hood off your Longcase clock, check if there is a bit of dirt in the mechanism with a torch, specially in the wheel meshing.

Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 1:37 pm     Post subject:

pleasse read.

http://clockforum.com/clock-stops-every-50-minutes-t1377.html

Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 6:38 pm     Post subject:

you may need to oil the movement, with some light clock oil


Ken

Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 4:19 am     Post subject: grandfather clock only runs 10 minutes

I did level the movement,checked the weights so the lightest was on the far left ,the lightest on the far right. the weights drop on the left and right but the center still doesn't. I have not taken the movement out of the clock to oil it yet

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 1:11 am     Post subject:

The pendulum swings for 10 minutes then stops...the center weight doesn't drop..the movement has been leveled