Howard Miller Grandfather Chiming Problem

[shutterbug]

I have a 1981 grandfather that will not chime correctly. It appears that some of the hammers are not lifting high enough to strike the chime, but the gears do not seem badly worn. Is there another possible cause for this? The mechanism is turning properly otherwise and I can see that it's trying to do what it should do :0) If needed, any ideas where to find parts?

 

[shutterbug]

I have a 1981 grandfather that will not chime correctly. It appears that some of the hammers are not lifting high enough to strike the chime, but the gears do not seem badly worn. Is there another possible cause for this? The mechanism is turning properly otherwise and I can see that it's trying to do what it should do :0) If needed, any ideas where to find parts?

 

[Scottie-TX]

Now I assume ( not good ) this is not your grandfather but is a clock. Please elaborate: "Not striking correct" Incorrect number of strikes? You don't mean "chime" now - do you? Hammers not being dropped to rods? Please. Need more info.

 

[shutterbug]

I guess I assumed it was self explanitory :0)

It's the Westminster chimes that are not working properly. The timing is fine but I can see that two of the striking hammers are not lifting high enough to hit the chime rod when released. They are set at 1/8 inch or less above the rod, so that is not the problem. The lifting cam seems OK (not worn down)and the brass part that lifts the hammer is also (visually) fine. I'm just wondering if the lifting unit is adjustable in some way. It looks like a Hermle movement. I was thinking of building it up with solder to lift higher, but decided to ask first :0)

 

[harold bain]

Shutterbug, it sounds like the hammers are not close enough to the chime rods. They can be gently bent until they are close enough to strike, but leave a small gap or the sound will be a clunk. Is it possible that the movement was moved slightly on its seatboard? This will also put the hammers out of adjustment to the rods.
Harold

 

[shutterbug]

Thanks for the reply Harold. I checked those two things and they're not causing the problem.

 

[Chris]

Shutterbug:

I had the same problem on a Seth Thomas bracket clock yesterday. The gear spins, but hammers barely move, right? On this clock, the chime selector which pierces through the dial was hanging up on a piece of decorative fretwork, not allowing the cylinder with the pins to fully engage into Westminster mode. Make sure the chime selector is fully engaged. Hope it's that simple, Chris

 

[Scottie-TX]

Oops! I re-read and now DO see "CHIME". SHUTR: Are these problem hammers the ones that are also used for strike? There is a bar below them for lifting to strike. There may be an adjustment of either that bar or the hammer wire at that place that allow them to clear the bar during chime operation. Whaddya think?

 

[MARK A. BUTTERWORTH]

If the hammers are not lifting high enough, then either the hammer tails are worn (most likely), or the chime roll is worn ( less likely). Your unit is 24 years old and will also need a complete overhaul. Unfortunately it is not a simple matter of adjustment. If really want parts only, then http://www.blackforestimports.com may have them. We have the complete movement at http://www.butterworthclocks.com

 

[shutterbug]

I think Mark hit the nail on the head. I'll try getting the parts and make another go of it :0)

Thanks for all of the replies!