Expert: William J Perkins - 9/20/2008

Question
Sir,
    I got this VINTAGE GERMAN CUCKOO CLOCK as a gift from my relatives in Switzerland which was working perfect for 3 years or so but now suddenly the minute chain (on the left side) is little hard and it takes more pressure to pull up then usual and even if we pull it clock stops after 5 or 10 minutes, Kindly help.

P.S: (There is no problem in right chain it is working as usual)

Vimal Anand
India.

Answer
Without inspection of your clock I suspect a ratchet problem.  Such problems can sometimes be solved by carefully inspecting the chain to see if all the links are properly formed and closed.  Using a pair of miniture needlenose pliers correct all deformed links.  If that does not solve the issue,  the problem must be in the ratchet wheel itself.  A loose or deformed pawl, a weak or deformed and/or deformed click spring.  Cuckoo clocks by virtue of several major openings are inclined to accumulate dirt faster than closed case clocks.  Perhaps after 3 years your clock needs cleaning and adjustment.  Regards WJP