Check a score reel mechanism
Steps
- With the reel out, snap the coil plunger in by hand and release it fast; it should step one number cleanly (letting go slowly may not step it).
- If it drags, strip and clean the moving parts with alcohol, especially the plunger. Never oil the plunger, and clean off any oil found.
- Check the return spring has enough pull to step the reel; only after cleaning, cut about 1/4" off a tired spring as a stopgap or replace it.
- In the game, step reels by snapping the plunger in; never twist the reel itself.
Systems
Related tips
- Score reels by maker
- How the score motor resets the reels
- Clean the score reel relays
- Bally score reel relays
- Service Midway motorized score reels
- Parts common to solenoid-driven score reels
- Gottlieb rat trap and decagon score reels
- Score reel EOS switch: what happens when it fails
Source: Repairing Electro-Mechanical (EM) Coin Operated Games to 1978, Part One, Clay Harrell (pinrepair.com)