The geared playfield motor runs very slowly with an audible groan, and the gearbox looks gummed up.
Playfield gear motor slow and groaning: clean out hardened grease
Cause: Old grease in the gearbox had hardened and was dragging the motor. Replacement motors are hard to find.
Checks
- Look into the gearbox for dark, sticky grease.
- Check the clutch as well, since a groan can also come from there.
Fix
- Keep the motor coil out of any liquid: either remove it (the laminated core can be driven out with a pin punch) or hold the motor so only the gear end is wetted.
- Spray the gear end with a citrus-based degreaser and clean it in an ultrasonic cleaner, then clear the foam with a foaming degreaser. Repeat until the gears turn freely.
- Relubricate lightly (a PTFE-type lubricant was suggested) and refit.
Systems
Games
Source: Pinball Repair help group!! (Facebook group)