Question I have this German cuckoo clock that was a gift to my Dad from my mothers family in Germany. I have it now and it hasn't been run in years. My mom told me that to start it I need to put the 3 weights at the top and even with each other. The one all the way to the left, is the weight for the pendulum. When I take the pendulum off the little hook goes back and forth real fast. When the pendulum is on it looks like it will work but stops after a short time. It would sound like the pendulum would be too heavy, but it is the original pendulum. I realize that in order to make the clock work the pendulum needs to move. Can you tell me what the possible problem could be, and what I need to do to get my clock working correctly? Thank you!!
Answer Hi Abby,
I don't know the repair history of the clock. Its very possible that it could use an overhaul.
First of all before we get to that lets make sure that the clock is in "beat". Put the pendulum back on and give it a push. Listen to the tick. It should have an even tick tock . If the tick is not even try shifting the clock slightly to the left , if it does not improve shift it to the right.Not large amounts just enough to change the ticking . When you hear the even sounding tick tock the clock should be in "beat". Also the pendulum will travel the same distance on either side instead of favoring one side.
If this does not work the clock will most likely need an overhaul. In that case you will need to bring it to a clock shop that repairs cuckoo clocks.
