Rebuild a flipper, part 1: strip and inspect
Steps
- Undo the two bolts holding the coil stop with an Allen key; catch the spring washer before it rolls away.
- Push the old coil sleeve out with a 5/16" nut driver. It should slide out easily; if it fights you, the coil has been overheated and should be replaced.
- Fit a new sleeve from the end of the coil away from the solder lugs (always replace the sleeve).
- Unhook the pawl return spring, loosen the pawl bolt and pull the bat out from the top; remove the pawl with the plunger and link.
- Check the blue nylon playfield bushing: a cracked stem, internal wear, or a top less than 1/8" above the playfield means replace it (three screws, 1/4" nut driver; tall side up through the playfield, screws firm but not overtightened).
Systems
Related tips
- Flipper rebuild part numbers (pre-Whitestar)
- Flipper parts and their numbers (one per flipper)
- Old-style flipper parts do not mix with the Apollo 13 and later style
- Flipper rebuild kit 500-6306-20 and what it leaves out
- Which Williams flipper parts fit Data East flippers
- Flipper board torn up after raising the playfield
- Flipper crank pinch screw won't budge during a rebuild: heat it to soften threadlocker
- Solid state flipper board versions
Source: Repairing DataEast 1987 (Laser War) to Sega 1995 (Batman Forever), Part Three, Clay Harrell (pinrepair.com)