herschede grandfather clock-pendulum issues

Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 2:45 pm     Post subject: herschede grandfather clock-pendulum issues

I recently had this clock cleaned and repaired by a reputable shop.
It has had a couple problems since it was delivered that were resolved. Now, it quits running after 1/2 hour, consistently after I restart the pendulum. In fact, you can time it so that you can actually watch the last throes of it's operation. While viewing the pendulum about 4 minutes before 30 minutes have gone by, It will eventually begin to twist 15-20 degrees clockwise & come to a stop within seconds.
It was out of level & I corrected that but the problem is still there.
Any ideas?
Jim

Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:27 pm     Post subject:

Jim,

Check to make certain the suspension spring is not broken. If it is, replace it. Beyond that, you have taken the first step to correcting pendulum issues by making certain things are level (in particular, ensuring the clock movement is level front to back as well as side to side). The next step would be to perform a beat adjustment to see if this corrects the pendulum issue. If you need a description on how to do this, simply reply back.

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 12:11 pm     Post subject: herschede clock

Thanks Chris for those suggestions! I think I need to get one of those manuals for the clock that occassionally pop up on ebay. This clock looks like a daunting piece of equipment so I'll familiarize myself first.
Thanks again Chris!
Jim

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 3:09 pm     Post subject:

Beat adjustment should actually be covered in your clock instruction manual for your movement (if you have one). It is an initial step for movement set-up/calibration, and may have to be performed from time to time (especailly after removing the movement for servicing). It is not a complicated task to perform, and it is something that all mechanical movement owners should be familar with. If you do not have your instruction, then it is a great idea to look into some type of manual to help familiarize you.

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 4:17 pm     Post subject:

Hi Chris,

I did download a free manual so I can at least identify parts. The procedure you mention is in there, except they say to make the adjustment "using trial & error method" until the beat becomes regular.
Hmmm...do you have a more definitive procedure for adjustment Chris?
The suspension spring is fine.
Thanks,
jim

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:53 pm     Post subject: herschede update

I followed through on your advice & after taking the beat adjustment pin from the 2:00 o'clock position to the 11:00 position, well...it's been running for the last hour and a half!!
Unfortunately, the chimes quit! The hour strike is fine. Not sure whats going on here. I do hear it click right before the chimes typically would start but...no chimes.
Any ideas Chris as to what is going on here? Did I bump something while taking out the pendulum?
Thanks,
Jim
PS: The first thing I noticed with the pendulum now that it's working is the swing distance of the bob is way shorter.

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 10:21 pm     Post subject:

I am glad to hear you have proceeded with beat adjustment. The trial and error method mentioned involves manually adjusting the beat. This is the process in which you ensure that the crutch arm swings an equal distance from center to left as it does from center to right. In regard to an easier method, some movements are equiped for automatic beat adjustment. This is achieved by actually over-swinging the pendulum and allowing it to self-correct.

In regard to the chimes, check to make certain that the movement is not in any sort of "silent" or "night silent" position. There will usually be a lever which extends through the clock face (around the 3 or 9 o'clock position - in some cases there may be a lever in each location, depending on the movement you have). The dial should have some sort of decal or printing to indicate what position the chime/silence lever is in. Also make certain all the weight are wound/raised (I apologize, but I forget which weight controls the chimes - so this recommendation is simply to err on the side of caution).

Note that some clocks will automatically silence the chimes during certain times (usually from 11pm to 5 or 6am). This could also be factor which is preventing the chimes (especially if the movement thinks it is 12 hours later than it actually is). If this is the case, you may flip the chime select lever to "silent" and advance the minute hand 12 hours. Flip the switch back into a "chime" position and allow the clock to run for a few hours before verifying the chime.

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 11:40 pm     Post subject:

Hi Chris,

Yes, I'm familiar with the small chimes/silent lever. It is on chime.
I can say that when the movement was installed by the repair person in July, it ran flawlessly for one weight/wind cycle. Then, the chimes stopped working (the heavy weight was stationary)& I waited till Labor day weekend for the repairman to come up & fix it. I do remember that He pulled the faceplate off & made some adjustments, and the chimes then worked fine. I don't know what He adjusted & it would certainly be nice if the "fix" could be made by me.
The price I pay for living in upper mich. next to Lake Superior!!
Thanks Chris,
Jim

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 2:24 pm     Post subject:

General aspects to make certain of:
1.) Make certain the cable/chain is on the drum and not twisted (I believe this would be the right cable as you face the movement).

2.) Make certain the correct weights are on the correct cables/chains (I believe the heaviest weight should go on the right as you face the movement).

Beyond this, I wonder if it could be a problem with the chime train. I will admit that there is much that I do not know about mechanical movements (my knowledge is general at best). That being said, I could not tell you if this was something that you could fix yourself.

So... My next recommendation would be to contact our mechanical technical support. Even if this is not a Klockit movement, most movements are built in a similar manner. Perhaps our technician could tell you if this is some type of adjustment (what have you) that you could make on your own. The other factor is that the technician might be able to give you some ideas on what could possibly be going wrong with the movement if it requires repair beyond your own experience. The fortunate part is that, like this forum, any advice you receive is free.