grandfather clock runs fast

Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 7:17 pm     Post subject: grandfather clock runs fast

I new to this forum and a newbie to clocks so I hope I can get some answers to some questions. I have a grandfather clock by Sligh, it's a Trend clock. Model #103 - Auto Beat Rev. Jan. 1981, with a type K attachment for the pendulum. Style # 0893-2-CL, Movement #103-003. Pack #364/145/1203. I hope that means something to you who are more knowledgeable. The clock was purchased in Nov. 1985 and I purchased it in 1991. It has been serviced at least once in my care.

My problem is the clock runs fast. it easily gains 10 minutes in an 8 hour period and will continue to gain unless it's corrected. It's been running fast for about a year now and I can't slow it down. I have made sure to the best of my ability that the clock is level and I have adjusted the pendulum nut down until there are a few threads before the nut comes off and this does not slow it down. I have run the clock with chimes and with out and that doesn't seem to help either.

I was wondering if anyone can offer some advise or what I might look for to try and correct it. I attached a photo.


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Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 9:39 pm     Post subject:

Given my general knowledge, I can only attest that your clock movement probably requires service (at the very least). Generally speaking, my understanding is that clock movements should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years (oiled every one to three years). While you can do the work yourself, I am of the opinion that cleaning is best left to a qualified professional. In most cases, they will give the movement a good visual inspection for any worn or damaged parts in need of replacement. While your problem may be more technical than a cleaning/oiling, a qualified repair person should be able to cue you in on the cause after a good cleaning. Given that you have had your movement serviced once in the last 20 years, it is probably due for another.

I do urge you to keep checking back within this forum. Our more experienced patrons may be able to offer more specific suggestions in regard to the root of the problem. In some cases, they may even be able to offer suggestions for a fix. Understand, however, that clock repair is a skilled trade. Sometimes, some repairs are better left to trained professionals.

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 6:53 pm     Post subject:

Thanks Chris for the reply and the sage advice. I'll keep checking back.

Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 8:47 pm     Post subject:

Clocks are mechanical devices the require a regular service.

ONCE in 25 years? the oil has not only dried up but the wheels have been running on dry bearings for years so it's probably worn out by now.

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 3:11 am     Post subject:

I'm far from an expert, but is it possible the pendulum was replaced with one too short? That could explain the speedup.

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:27 am     Post subject:

No, the pendulum has not been replaced since I have owned it.



I am no expert on clocks but if it were running on dry bearings, wouldn't the clock not want to run at all, instead of running fast?

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 2:03 pm     Post subject:

It is weird to say what a clock will do once oil dries up. In some cases, wear can occur (as dust and oil mix and dry up, it creates an abrasive that wears on parts, pivot points, bearings, etc). I would believe that wear can lead to extra play in the gears or "slippage" (which could be what makes the clock run very fast). The inverse is ceasing up (due to no lubrication to help keep parts moving). In this case, the clock would probably stop running at any given time after starting it up.

The main point is this: Since you are running the original pendulum, the problem must exist solely with your movement. I would contact a couple of qualified clock repair people for estimates. No matter what, your movement needs service (or you need a new movement). Review estimates. If the repair is more expensive than a new movement, then I would consider a new movement...

Above All - no matter what happens, you have gained a bit of knowledge in regard to movement service. Moving forward (with the existing repaired movement or a new movement), you now know that there is required service for your movement to ensure it will function as it should for many years to come.

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 1:29 am     Post subject:

There are only a few factors that could lead to a clock operating faster than it should if all the wheels in the time train are still original.

These include a lighter weight pendulum bob. It may have been changed for cosmetic reasons, scratches or dents in the brass "skin" of the pendulum bob. Even though the diameter of the bob may have been the same, the weight may have not. If the bob WAS changed and it was not replaced with the same weight bob, ie., one that was half the weight for example, it would run very fast and no amount of adjustment would correct it. The same thing would apply if a shorter pendulum was put on the mechanism but, as far as the photo appears, that isn't the case. The pendulum looks like it is just long enough to fit into the case which would indicate to me that it is probably the original.

Another may be a replacement of a missing weight, maybe from a move, with a weight that is lighter than the original. This would have to be the center weight of the three weights on your clock. And, in the same arena, have you tried weighing each weight to determine if the proper weight is in the proper place. That appears to be a fairly new clock so maybe, if you look on the bottom of the weights, they may have a little letter or code on them indicating which position they would be hung. The lightest weight would most likely be the time weight in the center. If the weight that is IN the center now is one of the heavier weights, that may cause it to operate faster because of the heavier weight driving the time train faster than normal.

I would suspect it is in either the weights being hung in the wrong place or the pendulum bob being too light for the size of the clock mechanism. Weigh each weight and record each ?weight's weight? and I will wager that you will find one weight lighter than the other two. Place that weight in the center position and you may find that your clock will go back to keeping perfect time for you.

Good luck.

Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2011 10:02 pm     Post subject:

Sorry for not following up on this. I forgot the link.

As far as I know all the parts, pendulum, weights are original. I will double check the weights and see if they are in the right position.

Thanks

Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:30 pm     Post subject:

I checked the weights and they are marked L, C and R. The weights are in the correct position.

Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:34 pm     Post subject:

Although the weights are labeled, you should verify that they are in proper place by their actual weight (as Clockguy has suggested). After all, it could just be that a wrong weight fill was accidentally installed into the wrong shell. For reference sake: I believe that it is pretty standard for the heaviest weight to mount on the right cable (as you face the front of the movement).

If you can not pin-point the problem to the weights and pendulum, then it is probably best to have a professional take a look at the movement itself.