Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 1/6/2012

Question
QUESTION: Hi Kenneth,

I have an 8-day cuckoo clock with a recently installed brand new movement.  My problem:  The door opens almost the entire way, but not enough so that the bird will cuckoo.  If I gently open the door further with my finger it will then close.  If I don't help the door to close manually, it just remains open continually, and the bird will never cuckoo.

The wire from the bird to the door has been reinstalled just like it was originally.

I'm wondering about two possible fixes.  First, perhaps I need to slightly readjust the length of the wire from the bird to the door--just bend it at the door a little further out and hook it back on.  Or secondly, I'm wondering if the horizontal perch needs to be twisted slightly toward the door, still keeping it horizontal, of course.

I see no binding, no interference that would cause the door not to open fully.  Thank you so very much for your expertise.

ANSWER: the trick to putting in new cuckoo movements is to re-use the old perch swing arm from the original movement - because getting the bends correct on the new arm is a serious challenge.
I think the perch needs adjusting for sure - course now you have to remove everything again--that is why using the old one is much less re-work and re-work and re-work............

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kenneth,

In trying to remove the old perch wire, I can see I need further advice.  The wire seems to have a slight groove in it at the far end where it's held in a two-fingered slot.  Do I need to pry these two fingers apart slightly?  Then there's the problem of the "flap" on the wire--so I can't just slip the wire up and out.  Looks like I may have to loosen the four little bolts?  I can just see the whole thing falling completely apart in my hands!  Thanks for your continuing help.

Answer
spread BOTH the top and bottom sets of hinge fingers by putting a screwdriver blade in the slot 90 degrees to the front plate of the clock and moving the blade side to side- enough to loosen but not allow the perch wire to come out --then twist the screwdriver blade between the front plate and the wire and pop it free--replace by popping old perch wire in with your fingers (or pliers) and then closing the hinge fingers with pliers and oil the joints. NO BOLTS need be touched!