Expert: William J Perkins - 1/27/2010

Question
My father bought me a Herbert Herr cuckoo clock 10 years ago.  It has never ran correctly, the pendulum at the bottom always stops.  Thus, stopping the clock.  This clock was new when he bought it and I wonder if something happened in shipping it to me.  The music still works and also the cuckoo itself.  I've tried to level it and still it does not work.  Any suggestions?  And if this is too big of a job for me can you suggest a qualified person to work on it and can you guesstimate how much it should cost?  I just hate that I've never been able to use it.  It will work for a few minutes and then stop.

Thanks for your help!!

Answer
It sounds like something has been causing friction from the gitgo.  With all the wires and things on a cuckoo it would be difficult to guess what it might be.  I suggest you have the clock examined by a qualified clock repair person.  Due to the history of the clock I suspect the problem is quite minor.  As to finding such a person, go to the web site <local.com>.  this will bring you to a window that will ask you where you want services rendered and what services you desire.  In the 'where' box enter the name of your community and in the what services box enter 'clock repair'.  Click on enter and you will be rewarded by a listing of such providers in your community.  Regards WJP