Hi Bonnie,
I hope you are not still awaiting a reply!! Eventually all good birds come home to roost! I guess your Dad heard this method of oiling clocks over a camp fire and a few jars! As an amateur clock repairer, and friend to a few professionals, I am surprised that your clock has kept running for 40 years. However now I would suggest if you want it to run another 40 you should bite the bullet and pay a clock repairer of repute to clean your clock. This involves stripping it, cleaning all the gears, springs and plates and then reassembling it and oiling it (in the approved manner), regulating it and returning it to you all nice and shiny. It may cost, but think how much you have saved in the past!
Good luck,
Richard
November 2007