Clocks, Watches/Cuckoo Clock fault

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Expert: - 6/15/2009


Question

Clock mechanism before
Our 1 day (Black Forest) cuckoo clock fell from the wall. The wooden case broke (minor damage) and I have fixed that. The fault, now, with the clock mechanics is -- the Door where the Cuckoo comes out (when striking the hour etc) opens and shuts with every "Cuckoo" sound. ie at 9 o'clock the cuckoo "cuckoos" 9 times but also the Door opens and shuts 9 times. The door used to stay open for the whole 9 "strikes of the hour" and then shut. I have attached a photo of the mechanism before the damage (on the LEFT) and after the damage (on the RIGHT)
The lever marked with a red line does not "catch" properly while striking. Would there have been a hair spring on that lever ? (to help it get into the right position to "hold" to door open, during hourly "Cuckoo-ing") Thanks for any advice.

Answer
Thanks for the great photos. There is an arm inside the movement, just above the red arrow on the right photo. This arm should drop down, grab the arm that presses on the flat plate and hold the door open until the clock is finished striking. It is a gravity feed (no spring). It may have popped out of its pivot hole in the front or back plate.
Let me know if you need more help.
Michael
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank You Michael for your speedy reply. I will check the arm you spoke about and thanks for the information that it is gravity fed. Your answer has made a whole family and a Cuckoo Clock very Happy.


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Michael Radi

Expertise

Clock repair and clock parts questions

Experience

I have been professionally repairing clocks for 11 years. I owned and ran a clock shop for 6 years. I have been the owner of a clock parts supply company for the past 11 years.

Organizations
National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors

Education/Credentials
High school graduate, some college, graduate of Niles Bryant School of Piano Tuning and repair.

Past/Present Clients
I perform about 20 clock repairs per week.

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