The auto plunger launches weakly and the ball does not make it around the outer loop to the top lanes, even though the coil stop is intact.
Auto launch too weak to make the outer loop: bent launcher bracket
Cause: The auto-launch bracket was bent, so the ball did not sit flush on both launch arms and was driven into the inner side rail on launch, losing speed.
Checks
- With a ball resting in the shooter lane, check it sits evenly on both arms of the launch fork and is not touching the manual plunger tip.
- Watch a launch in slow motion or by hand to see if the ball rubs the side rail.
- Check the fork's spot welds and the shooter rod housing plate for cracks or bending.
Fix
- Straighten or replace the bent bracket and realign the launch fork so both arms hit the ball evenly and straight up the lane.
Systems
Games
Source: Pinball Repair help group!! (Facebook group)