Three flipper mechanism generations

First generation (Hot Tip to about Stellar Wars, and usually still on Gorgar, Laser Ball, Time Warp and Tri Zone): EM-style parts screwed separately to the wood, with replaceable coil stops. Second generation (fully from Firepower to about Firepower II, all Black Knights): parts on one base plate with a better pawl, but the coil stop cannot be replaced, so a worn stop means a new mechanism. Third generation (from Firepower II production, Laser Cue, Star Light): replaceable coil stop and improved plunger/link and pawl, used by Williams to about 1992.

Systems

• Williams System 3
• Williams System 4
• Williams System 6 / 6A
• Williams System 7

Games

• Black Knight
• Firepower
• Firepower II
• Gorgar
• Laser Ball
• Laser Cue
• Star Light
• Stellar Wars
• Time Warp
• Tri Zone

Related tips

• How flipper power is routed by generation
• Second-generation flipper rebuild: assemblies
• 50 volt flipper power supply on the last three System 7 games
• Firepower right flipper switches sit close to the pawl: a short kills the switch matrix
• Flippers dead after long storage: corroded button and EOS contacts
• Right flipper too weak for the top lock after a rebuild: lighter return spring
• Where the flipper fuse is by generation
• Improving first-generation System 3/4 flippers

Source: Repairing Williams System 3 to System 7 Pinball 1977 to 1984, Part Three, Clay Harrell (pinrepair.com)