Expert: Kenneth Saunders - 9/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Wire hook that keeps cuckoo door closed is in the release position. I am able to open door with finger and cuckoo pops out with no sound. Cuckoo will sound only one time at half hour and one hour. Cockoo chain moves down freely. What makes cockoo sound only one time? Clock is installed on wall in flush position. Chain appears to have NO kinks in it.

ANSWER: Kinda technical - but the rack is dropping not enough teeth- most often caused by the rack tail being bent. The fix is to make adjustments to the front of the mechanism so it works properly. To do this the front of the movement needs to be accessible either by removing the mechanism from the case or sometimes the dial can be removed to gain access. Easy job for a pro.

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

QUESTION: You allude to a rack not dropping enough teeth-most often caused by the rack tail being bent. What is the rack and where is it located?

Thanks for your assist

Answer
The fix is to make adjustments to the front of the mechanism so it works properly. To do this the front of the movement needs to be accessible either by removing the mechanism from the case or sometimes the dial can be removed to gain access. Easy job for a pro.