how can I make the pendulum on my grandfather clock work for longer than 5?

I had exactly the same problem on a Goodfellow 8 day Westminster chime Grandfather clock (c1970s). Moved it to Germany from the UK and then back to the UK again. Following the second move it would not keep ticking. I put it in for a service/repair (£150) and has not missed a beat since. Apparently, amongst all the decades of dust and dirt, the holes had worn and needed re-bushing. I don't think the clock is worth what I paid for its repair financially but I love it as my dad bought it new and has since passed away

Gordon Laing
December 2011

It's even tick tock even the pendulum is inside. Then there was a wear somewhere in the mechanism. The dirt inside the clock was disturbed thus revealing the wear. If it does then send it to a clock repairman. He will overhaul it. It cost around $300 or more.

David
June 2010

Try listening again to the clock about four minutes after you set it going (if it runs for five). If it is even slightly uneven, try leaning the clock case to one side or the other to get it as even as possible. You are trying to get the clock at the EXACT angle it was in your old home.
The clock would have been much more forgiving when first put together (or repaired) but they get, literally, set in their ways. The only alternative after this is to have the clock overhauled, paying particular attention to the pallets.

Robert Loomes www.clockrepairer.co.uk
July 2008