How to repair a Cuckoo Clock music box.

How to replace a broken gear in the governor assembly of a cuckoo clock music box.

[@pcdubya]

Wow great explanation, I have one similar I just got that looks fine but not working. Looking around before diving in, thanks. Fascinating little mechanisms.

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Great! Thank you. These little guys can be rather recalcitrant.

[@rehorneman]

Love to see you do a Cuckoo/Quail repair. Love to see a complete job from disassembly to cleaning , any repairs ,then ,reassembly..I realize I am asking a lot. Just hoping!

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Well it just so happens i have three in the shop right now. I will do one of them as a video for you. Please be patient with me.

[@rehorneman]

Great take your time. I will be watching for a video!

[@Chrisclockrepair]

So I filmed it and right now I have to edit it and then post it. Stay tuned

[@KarthusDreams]

thank you

[@Chrisclockrepair]

You're Welcome.

[@richardmoy4793]

I believe I have the same music box you repaired. The problem with mine is the lock hook locks so hard after the music plays that the upper lever can't release the catch from the music drum for the next play. I have tried to adjust it over and over again, but no luck yet.

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Watch my video on how to adjust the music box. That will solve your problem kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnqcnquDpamWack

[@alanfrancoisesell6978]

Thank you for the video. The music box in my cuckoo clock isn't working. After careful study i've realized that the fly wheel in the music assembly is not turning. All the other levers in cuckoo clock as well as the levers that activate the music box seem to be moving correctly. I don't have a plastic gear but a metal gear in the governor. What else should I focus on to evaluate this repair. If I move the fly wheel manually the music will play which in turn activates the other gears for the water wheel and dancing people. Thank you for your time.

[@anthonyATteamMUROC]

Great video; exactly the same problem. I too have a crack in the small white gear. If I have no access to another gear, what is the next option do you think?

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Thanks for the comment! You can order them. Or you can try using 5 minute epoxy from your local hardware store to “glue it back together which will be a cheaper route (5 bucks) try from black forest imports if you want to order. I have done this successfully. I will make a video showing how ro do this for you.(www.blackforestimports.com/category/Parts-Accessories/Cuckoo-Parts-Accessories/Music-Boxes-Related-Parts-Cuckoo/Fan-Assemblies-Governors-Relatated-Cuckoo/Fan-Assemblies-Governors-Drive-Gear-Cuckoo/) You can also order an entire music box from timesavers.com

[@anthonyATteamMUROC]

@@Chrisclockrepair Thanks for your prompt reply. I'll give it a go gluing and then order if that doesn't work. Appreciate the help so thanks.

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Let me know how it turns out.

[@hemiola07]

I’d check with Don Caine of Music Box Repair Center Unlimited; the movement in this video is a Cuendet movement, and they are notorious for having those plastic gears. Although this was done to save cost, they eventually crack over time, resulting in a nasty clicking noise when the movement plays. I had a 36-note Cuendet music box that refused to play because the part was dirty and because the movement in general needed cleaning after over 50 years; I sent it to Don, and although we decided to retain the plastic gear because it was still intact, Don told me two solutions should it give way: Either adapt a Reuge part to go on the movement (this was done for a Lador box of mine that had a problematic governor fan and drive wheel), or ... I forgot the other solution, but there is one. Don has over 40 years of experience and even made Oz’s music box prop for the Disney movie Oz the Great and Powerful; I would highly highly recommend you consult and commission him for any Swiss music box repair. He has done absolutely outstanding for me in the past six years, restoring each piece to perfectionist standards and even better than factory condition - and we have discussed these cuckoo clock movements before. Cuendet made a lot of them ... Give Don a call today and see what he can do for you! :)

[@hiepp0]

Thanks for the great video. I was wondering what can cause the music to play extremely fast. I know it is the governor but any idea what part is loose that prevents the governor from working correctly. I wonder how small those teeth on the gear, there may be a 3D printed solution.

[@Chrisclockrepair]

If the fly is loose on its shaft, it will play too fast.

[@ek-1707]

After having a new governor assembly put in by a music box expert, it plays exceptionally slow. I've lubricated the tips of the worm drive and the end point of the cylinder axle. I've loosened and reset the scews that hold the Governor assembly in place, but nothing changes the speed it plays when the weight is providing the energy to run. I can manually roll it and it feels pretty stiff. Do you have any suggestions for adjusting this?

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Unfortunately not really. The resistance of the new tines or some other factor has increased the resistance somehow. Unless you added weight (not recommended as it will wear the bushings faster) I don't know how to alter the speed. Maybe you could reduce the size of the fan, but it may be a gearing issue as well.

[@kenz5469]

I hsve a squeaky comb on my music box on an old clock. Would you know where and how to replace the dampers to eliminate the squeak? I assume it probably had dampers sometime in the past.

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Unfortunately no. I do not know how to replace those nor do I know anyone who does. I would just get a new music box or comb.

[@kenz5469]

Ok.Thanks

[@fbetter9722]

Where can I buy the black sprocket on the music box the rachtet sprocket

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Try black forest imports

[@suzziesturgill5219]

My music box is working but not moving as well, has slowed down, any suggestions? Thanks for the great video

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Suzzie Sturgill Thank you. Hard to say without looking at it. You can start by oiling the pivots of each gear on the music box. Check for wear at the pivots and music roll. Send me pictures at [e-mail]

[@suzziesturgill5219]

@@Chrisclockrepairthank you Chris I sure will!

[@suzziesturgill5219]

Also thanks for the great video's I tinker with clocks myself but not a master at it! Lol

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Suzzie Sturgill I am certainly no master, but the key is looking and learning. If it seems hard, you probably haven’t looked for the right solution.

[@suzziesturgill5219]

@@Chrisclockrepair I'm intrigued with all the works inside, I'm hoping just needs an oiling and a small adjustment on the arm, haven't taken down to investigate thoroughly yet, will get pictures and send! Thank you very much

[@barbdixon9673]

Hi Chris I am working on a music box from a cuckoo clock the box works and I can hear the music faintly. Could you please give me advice on how to fix the problem. Thank you

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Try watching my other music box repair video to learn how they work. Study yours well and try to find the problem. I can’t advise well without having it to hand

[@horrornerd1338]

I have a cuckoo clock with a music box, the music play very very slow. What can be the problem?

[@Chrisclockrepair]

Likely wear on the pivot holes. Did you try lubricating it?

[@horrornerd1338]

No I haven't yet, it seems a bit dry and a little dusty, so I'm hoping that is the problem.

[@ClockFixer]

Replace the whole governor......

[@Chrisclockrepair]

That is a good option.

[@ClockFixer]

It really pisses me off that the Swiss would stop using a brass gear, and instead save .000004 cents by going to worthless plastic/nylon. They ALWAYS crack!

[@Chrisclockrepair]

LOL