Introduction
It’s frustrating when a clock is fully cleaned, reassembled, and oiled—yet refuses to run. This usually means something was missed during cleaning, a pivot or bushing is too tight, or the escapement is out of adjustment. This guide walks you through the most common causes and how to diagnose each one safely.
Check for Tight Bushings
Verify bushing clearance
If a bushing was installed too tight, the pivot will bind and stop the train immediately.
Test wheel freedom
With the mainspring let down, spin each wheel. It should coast freely without hesitation.
Check for oval or misaligned bushings
Improperly centered bushings cause drag and prevent the clock from running.
Check for Bent or Damaged Pivots
Inspect pivots under magnification
A pivot that runs out of true will cause intermittent stalls or immediate stopping.
Check pivot polishing
Pivots must be polished smooth. Rough pivots create friction even after cleaning.
Verify pivot seating
Pivots must sit fully in their bushings without riding up on the edge.
Check the Escapement
Verify pallet lock and drop
Incorrect lock or drop will prevent the clock from running even if everything else is correct.
Inspect pallet faces
Dirty or worn pallet faces cause poor impulse and immediate stopping.
Check verge depth
If the verge is too deep or too shallow, the escape wheel will stall.
Check for Power Loss
Inspect the mainspring
A gummy or sticking mainspring will not deliver enough power to start the train.
Check wheel freedom under load
Even if wheels spin freely when let down, they may bind under mainspring tension.
Look for bent teeth
A single bent tooth on any wheel can stop the movement.
Check Reassembly Errors
Verify train order
Wheels installed in the wrong position or orientation will prevent proper power flow.
Check lever placement
Strike levers, helper springs, and warning levers must be positioned correctly or they may block the train.
Inspect plate alignment
Misaligned plates can pinch pivots and cause binding.
Check the Beat
Listen for even tick-tock
If the beat is uneven, the clock may run briefly and then stop.
Level the movement
Side-to-side and front-to-back leveling is essential for proper beat.
Adjust the crutch
Small bends in the crutch may be needed to achieve an even beat.
Recommended Internal Links
FAQs
Why won’t my clock run after cleaning?
Usually because a bushing is too tight, a pivot is bent, or the escapement is out of adjustment.
Should I oil the clock again?
No. Over-oiling causes drag and will not fix mechanical issues.
Why does the clock run for a few seconds and stop?
This often indicates escapement problems or a pivot binding under load.
Can cleaning cause new problems?
Yes. Improper reassembly or tight bushings introduced during service can stop the clock.
Should I adjust the escapement?
Only after verifying power flow, pivot condition, and beat. Escapement adjustments require precision.
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