Ultra fast time set

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:15 am     Post subject: Ultra fast time set

I just purchased a 1987 Howard Miller floor clock, crank wound, cable operated, three chime, model unknown that runs super fast. It is fast by about five seconds a minute or an hour every twelve. No amount of adjustment of the pendulum globe will slow it down. As a matter of fact, if I move the adjusting scew on the pendulum in a manner that would normally speed up the clock, no alteration in the fastness of the clock is noticed. It runs five minutes an hour fast no matter the length of the pendulum.

Could it be the suspension spring has been weakened after all these years?Any assistance will be appreciate.

Thanks

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:36 am     Post subject:

You might double check the weights. I have found clocks that the person had put the wrong weights in the wrong place. If there is a weight that is too heavy in the middle position than it will run too fast. Check the bottom of the weights and see if they are marked as to which one is Left, Center, Right. If not then you could try a little trial and error. If all else fails contact Howard Miller and give them the serial number on the clock and they can tell you how heavy each weight should be.

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 1:16 am     Post subject:

Thanks. Weights are marked on the bottom of each as to correct position. According to Howard Miller set up instructions available on the web, I have placed the weights in the right position. It's baffling.

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:07 am     Post subject:

Is it possible the pendulum bob could have been changed before you got it? Those are about the only reasons a clock would run fast unless the escapement is out of whack and is jumping teeth.

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:39 am     Post subject: Time set.

One other thought.....when turning the adjustment nut on the bottom of the pendulum does the pendulum disk/bob actually move downward? On some pendulums the disk is a tight fit on the rod and has to be manually pulled down to lower it after the nut has been loosened, otherwise you have the impression that you have made the adjustment but in fact the disk/bob has not been lowered at all.

Other than the escapement jumping teeth, what is the correct pendulum length for this movement? e.g. could a 94cm length pendulum have been substituted instead of a 114cm.

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 4:40 pm     Post subject:

Clkwrx, You are right. I finqally took the clock to an authorized Howard Miller clock repair man. He immediately recognized that the pendulum was not the right one for the clock. The pendulum with the clock was 94 cm rather than the 114 cm called for for this model. It's now in good hands for a cleaning and overhaul.. and a new pendulum.

Thanks to all for your interest and help. Time marches on.