Expert: William J Perkins - 2/18/2009

Question
I have a cuckoo clock that has a regula a25-86 movement in it. My wife and I received this clock a few weeks ago and though her parents claim that it works great, I have had several issues with it. Some I have corrected, for example the music box wasn't working all the time,(adjusted the strike arm coming from the movement...that appeared to fix it). But from there everything seemed to go down hill.  1st of all, the cuckoo chain seems to skip teeth when I try to pull it, (I have had the chain off and back on, chain seems to be fine.) Then for some mysterious reason, my pendulum will only swing for a few swings then give up..it seems if I simulate a heavier pine cone then it keeps right on going. The big problem right now seems to be that there is a black L shaped arm, on side with a pin the other with a flat fell out. I think I finally figured out how it goes back in, but I am not sure if the pin sits in front of the plate that is on the arm going to the bird or if it sits behind it. Either way doesnt seem to be working correctly..the bird just sits there and never closes the door. I know this seems like a hand full, but trust me...i have been in the dawg house ever since this thing came into my house...
Thank you for any and all help that you can give me.


Answer
Cuckoo's are sometimes difficult to understand.  Once you understand them they become easy to work with.  In reality they are amongst the simplest of clocks, albeit, they have a lot going on at the same time.  I am going to commend a book to you that will greatly improve your learning speed.  Karl  Kochmann's, "The Black Forest Cuckoo Clock".  Nearly every library network has this book available.  Now to get to your clock.  I am not sure I really know what you are describing, specifically parts and function.  First since the addition of weight makes the clock run, it is in dire need of cleaning.  If you run the clock with excess weight you will damage the pivots and pivot holes in short order.  Secondly, since the clock was obviously out of service during its transition the accumulated dirt in the clock had the opportunity to congeal, another
reason for cleaning.  Third, the pin you describe should be between the plates.  Forth, the failure of the bird to duck back into the house is most likely due to the missing pin not engaging the trip lever so that it returns to its neutral position.  Another likely cause is the link between the bird and the door is binding, or, the bird is leaning against the door and wont let it close.  
Try for the book, it will be worth your while. I wish you luck,  Regards WJP