Grandfather holds time, will not chime

Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:32 pm     Post subject: Grandfather holds time, will not chime

Hello,
I am new to clock repair, although I have repaired some clocks, I have never worked with grandfathers before. I have two Hermle movements that I plan to clean and oil. They are 1980's, westminster, 8 hammer. One of them needs a new escapement wheel. The other is the problem. It holds good time, except, it will not chime. No melody or strike. They only way it works is if I turn the silent lever to silent. The silent lifts one of the arms that starts the melody. If I turn it to chime, nothing. I have tried moving the weights with no luck. The retard bars by the hammers are pushed out of the way. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Scott

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:36 am     Post subject:

a lot of these that old will need bushing and some are worn out by then . for you to learn you could bush and clean and oil but there is no guarantee that they will work.

they are tempermental movements at times and that is why repairers in business replace the whole movements - otherwise they would be out of business!!

as you now know, dirt plays a big part in stopping wheels moving properly and wear in hoes makes this a bigger problem stopping clocks altogether

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:49 pm     Post subject:

With the movement in its case or on a horse, with the dial off and the drive weights on (this is if it is weight driven and not a springer), try tripping the strike lifting lever upwards. Gently at first as it could be jammed. With this lever released, try moving the fly-brake a little to try and start things off. When all problems are solved, it sounds time for a clean. With your other longcase, make sure the new 'scapewheel is exactly the same size as the original with the same amount of teeth.