Granmother Problem with Grandfather

Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2011 9:56 pm     Post subject: Granmother Problem with Grandfather

Hey, everybody,

I've been given a longcase that's about 16 years old. And it has run until recently, when my grandmother 'pulled the pendulum off'.

It now runs for 30 seconds before stopping. I'd like to have a go at repairing it myself. Any ideas what I should check first?

Thanks in advance,

Michael

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 1:24 pm     Post subject:

It could be possible that the suspension spring might have been damaged or broken when the pendulum was pulled off. The pendulum hangs on the pendulum leader. If you follow the leader up, you should encounter a small piece that looks like two plates of metal connected by two thin metal bands. This small piece (the suspension spring) is typically secured through a post which extends off the backside of the movement itself. If either of those metal bands broke when the pendulum was removed, you will need to replace the suspension spring.

You could also check to ensure that the movement is level front to back and side to side. This could be another reason the pendulum stops swinging. You may also require a beat adjustment (aisde from checking the suspension spring and making certain the movement is level). It is possible that by pulling the pendulum off, the beat was thrown off.

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 11:09 am     Post subject:

Thanks for the detailed reply, Chris. I'll get on to checking the things you described.

Thanks very much,
Michael

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 5:09 pm     Post subject:

Hey, Chris.

You'll be pleased to hear that my grandfather clock's going again. Once I set the clock in beat, it went of it's own accord. And it's been going for about five days.

Thanks for your help,

Michaelius

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:40 pm     Post subject:

Glad to hear you have it going again!! Let us know if there are any other problems or cocnerns