King arthur grandfather clock

Question

I recently inherited a King Arthur Grandfather Clock. I have it set up, instructions were included. My problem is keeping it running, no where in the instructions does it tell us where to set the pendulum. I've tried turning it up completely and changing a full turn when it stops.Very tedious and time consuming. Just can't seem to find the correct "spot". Can you offer any help? Thank you.

Answer

Darlena, I'm sorry about the delay in my answer, but I was out of pocket with my laptop and my Internet access was sketchy. I had answered your question, but it did not go through.

First, was the clock running before it was moved? Sometimes moving can upset some adjustments, which can usually be corrected. I'm not sure exactly how the instructions are worded, but there could have been a misinterpretation because the rating nut at the bottom of the pendulum is adjusted to make the clock run slower or faster AFTER the clock is running reliably. It has nothing to do with making it run or not. So, after the clock is running reliably again, it will have to be rated (timed) again. But first let's get it running. I am going to copy a set of my instructions to you and you can check some things. You will see that the clock has to be stable, the weights have to be hung in the correct position and the pendulum hanging arrangement has to be correct. If, after following the instructions, it still doesn't run, I will need you to send me the model number of the clock movement. My shop email address is below. The model information can be found on the back plate of the movement itself. With that I can send you a photo of the way the suspension and pendulum assembly should be. However, if you can send me a clear digital photo of the complete back of the movement, including the pendulum hanging, I can tell you if it is hung correctly. As King Arthur has been out of business for quite a while, I don't believe your clock has the auto beat function.

THE FIRST LEVEL IS THE SETUP.

For Floor Clocks If the clock is in operating condition but not working, I would check the stability of the clock in that it doesn't rock or wobble on the floor. It should be relatively level. The level is not critical, as setting the beat (below) will correct for this.

Next, verify that the weights are hung correctly. On most clocks the weights vary in weight. The general rule is that if two weights are equal, the third weight, if it is heavier, goes on the right side (as you face the clock). If the third weight is lighter, it goes on the left.

Is the pendulum hanging configuration correct? This means that the suspension spring, hanger, verge and pendulum are all connected properly with nothing broken, especially the suspension spring. When the pendulum swings, it should be "in beat", meaning that when the pendulum swings you hear an even tick....tock....tick....tock. If it is uneven, like tick..tock......tick..tock, the clock will probably stop. Most later model movements have an "auto-beat" mechanism. The beat can be set by holding the pendulum over to one side next to the case and releasing it. It will automatically correct itself. If it does not have this feature, the escapement crutch will have to be slipped manually. If required, I would need a good description of the verge and hanger mechanism or a photo of the back of the movement to give you instructions for that. Also check to see if the hands are catching on each other or the dial. Look at the chime and strike hammers to see if they are all in alignment at the rest position. Sometimes jammed hammers or the drive mechanisms will stall the clock.

THE SECOND LEVEL INCLUDES MAINTENANCE

Usually, the first symptom of a clock failing is that the chime and/or strike mechanisms slow down and then fail altogether. At this point the clock needs to be serviced. This includes cleaning, inspecting, oiling and adjusting. In the inspection, the movement is checked for adjustments, broken or worn parts. If there are any broken or worn parts, we go to the third level. If all parts are okay, a good clock oil and grease is used. In most cases the movement should be removed from the case to have access to all the lubrication points. Clock lubricants can be bought from clock suppliers. Using lubricants for other applications can cause problems, as some lubricants are not compatible with others. This even applies to different clock oils. After lubricating, the operation is checked for final adjustments. I recommend maintenance be performed every 7 to 10 years.

THE THIRD LEVEL IS REPAIR.

This requires that the movement be broken down and all parts inspected and repaired or replaced, and then reassembled lubricated, adjusted and tested. I do not recommend this except by an experienced clockmaker.

Question

QUESTION: Hi There, I am in a pickle, I dismantled a clock for shipping and I did not write down the sequence in which I removed the chimes and weights. It is a king Arthur grandfather clock and the movement is by URGOS, made in Gemany, O jewels, UW 03038B and the number 415717. I has 9 chimes and 3 weights. Two of the weights are about the same weight and the third is about twice as heavy.It is chain driven and is approximately a 7 day clock. Hopefully it survived the move as I have heard that most do not. I had a manual that told me how to prepare for shipping and the set up to put it back together, but asal I have lost that some time ago. My question is, Which side of the clock does the heavest weight go and when installing the chimes, which side dies the longest one go. Also I don't rember if I messed with th two levers that are on the movement on either side. They look like some sort of shipping locking mechanism. I don't think that I moved them but just in case how should they be positioned. And lastly is there anywhere I can get the manual for the clock. It was purchased around the early eighties. I had the clock model number but have evidently haven't unpacked that info yet.

I sincerely will appreciate any help you may give, thanks for your forum on clocks

Sincerely,

Ray Buckles

ANSWER: Note: Reference to the left and right sides is as you are facing the clock.

Raymond, on most clock movements, including your Urgos, if one weight is heavier than the other two equal ones, it will hang on the right . The chime tubes are hung in sequence of length from right to the left, starting with the shortest and the longest being on the left. There is a 4 position lever on the front right side of the movement which controls the chime selection and silent position. I am not familiar with the lever on the left. On chime rod models, these levers can control the chime and strike silence functions. I hope this helps. Good luck in setting it up.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John and thanks so much for taking the time to clarify the reinstallation of weights and chime rods. Maybe next time, if there is one, I will be a little smarter and write down the correct sequence.

The levers I was referring to are on the inside back of the movement. They are on both sides of the movement and about 1" above the lower mounting screws. They are much like an "L" shaped lever and are slotted on the lower side. Is there anyway to obtain one or a copy of the ordinal manual?

Thank you again for your kind help. Sincerely, Ray

Answer

Ray, I just can't think of what the levers can be on the tubular chime movement. Would it be possible for you to send me a clear digital photo of each of the levers? My shop email address is below. Also, I'm sorry but I do not have any Viking manuals.

(General Note: Due to the commitment I have for answering Allexperts questions and follow-up information, and the excessive backlog at my shop, I regret that I cannot answer other questions from this email address in a timely manner)