Expert: William J Perkins - 12/14/2008

Question
I have a fairly new Herbert Herr cuckoo clock, but had both the music and cuckoo switch turned off for a few months. When I turned the switch back on, the cuckoo works, but the music box runs really slow and makes a grinding noise unless I move the switch. Then it works OK.

Answer
The blades of the governor are clipping the stop lever.  A very, very, slight adjustment of that lever is called for.  This can be a very tedious adjustment to make.  Unless you are very confident I would suggest you take the clock to a clock repair person and have him/her show you how.  Owners of cuckoo clock should be capable of making such minor adjustments themselves, but, they need to be shown how.  They are hardy little beasts and do not mind a little tampering now and then.  Regards WJP