Problems with a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock

Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2011 9:54 pm     Post subject: Problems with a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock

My Howard Miller grandfather clock is about 25 years old, and it's having some trouble. Various problems, which may or may not be related. If anybody here has some insight, I'd greatly appreciate it.

The biggest problem is the chimes. They usually ring on the 15 minute mark as they're supposed to (though sometimes they don't ring at all), but often they ring on the wrong 15 minute mark (1-hour chime at the 15-minute mark, etc). Every answer I've been able to find on the internet has to do with chimes that are consistently off by a certain amount of time. However, my clock's problem is that some of the time the chimes ring correctly, and some of the time they ring late or early.

The next problem is that the three weights are dropping at different speeds. I'll wind the weights up to the same height, and a few days later they've each descended to different heights. I've checked to make sure the weights are on in the correct order, and according to the labels underneath, they are (assuming "left" or "right" means the left or right side of the clock as I'm facing it).

Finally, the latest problem, which just started. After I've wound up the weights, the pendulum fails to remain in motion. This has happened at least twice so far. I was only able to note the time once, and I didn't notice right when the pendulum stopped swinging, but according to the position of the hands it was either about 15 minutes or 12 hours and 15 minutes after I had set it in motion.

Any ideas?

Thanks a lot

Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 2:31 pm     Post subject:

The erratic chime problem may require a qualified service person to repair. In regard to chiming at the wrong position, this is something that you can easily remedy. If chiming the full hour at the 3 position, remove the cap nut and remove the minute hand. Re-mount the minute hand so it points at the 12 position (or the position that corresponds to the chime sequence you heard) and replace the cap nut.

Your pendulum stopping is probably the result of one of three things:
1.) The clock case (in particular, the movement) is out of level. It should be level front to back and side to side. Adjust the leveling legs if not.
2.) Broken suspension spring. The pendulum hangs from a piece called the pendulum leader. Follow the leader up and it will connect to a small piece which is secured to the rear post of the movement. This small piece is called the suspension spring, and it resembles two metal plates that are connected together by two thin (flexible) metal bands. If either band is broken, you will need to replace the suspension spring.
3.) Beat adjustment - Your pendulum may be out of beat. If so, you will hear an un-even "tick-tock" or the pendulum will stop (soon after it is started). Perform beat adjustment to see if this would correct the problem.

All said, a service call may be the best option (particularly if you have not had the movement cleaned/oiled within the last 5 years). During service, the movement could also be inspected for other possible problems (i.e. weight drop and erratic chime).

Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 2:36 pm     Post subject:

In the "Mechanical Movement" section of this forum, there is a post provided by Andydiamond about "Beat Adjustment". Very informative (and nice of him to post). Feel free to check it out and respond with any questions that you may have. I will provide the direct link below:

http://www.clockforum.com/setting-a-pendulum-clock-in-beat-t2476.html

Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 3:55 pm     Post subject:

Thank you very much for the help. I'll check out the other post