The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Pinball Repairs / Problems & Assistance => Topic started by: Extra Ball on March 17, 2009, 12:38:17 PM

Title: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Extra Ball on March 17, 2009, 12:38:17 PM
Got a problem with Flash, actually I have never been happy with the 2 flippers on the right hand side of the machine. Things I have done, new plungers and links, new sleeves, coil stops, and new set of contacts in the top RHS flipper. When I got this machine the flippers on the RHS would almost double flip, like an extra half a flip instead of 1. When I adjust the end of stroke on the top set of contacts (the ones I renewed) it effects the performance of both RHS flippers. When I adjust it enough to correct the double flipping issue I loose alot of power to both flippers. This has me stuffed really, and I at my wits end with it.  ^.^

Another issue with those flippers is a low tone buzzing, with a power/pulsing feeling when holding the flipper button in. I have read this is a problem, can someone pls advise me (in easy to understand terms) how to deal with that. I love this pin, but am getting frustrated with the flippers!
Please  @@^
lol
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Strangeways on March 17, 2009, 02:57:16 PM

I think you have replaced all the components you need to for fully functional flipper fun on your Flash. Except the part that will most likely be your problem.

http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1245

This is the EOS switch stack that acts as the EOS for the bottom RHS flipper and routes power to the top RHS flipper. If this is not adjusted, then you can have all sorts of issues, such as low power and the "hammer effect" you describe.

I'd start with replacing the EOS and see if that improves things - but keep in mind, they are tricky to adjust.
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Extra Ball on March 17, 2009, 03:19:50 PM
Here was I thinking the problem lay with the top set of contacts.
Thanks Nino.
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Extra Ball on March 17, 2009, 03:33:19 PM
just checked those bottom flipper contacts......pitted to buggery!  @.@
 :D going down to bunnings later to buy a decent file, seems to be a bit of meat on them contacts to play with
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Strangeways on March 17, 2009, 06:55:43 PM
just checked those bottom flipper contacts......pitted to buggery!  @.@
 :D going down to bunnings later to buy a decent file, seems to be a bit of meat on them contacts to play with


Have a go at that first - then adjust the contacts.
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Extra Ball on March 17, 2009, 10:58:27 PM
Filed the contacts to within a mm or 2 of its life to get rid of the pitting, but reckon they are beyond their useful life really.

Another issue! I checked the cabinet switches, they seem ok but......the button seems stuffed. The LHS flipper button will return of its own accord, even when I seperate the contact leaves from it. Must be a spring in the button? Anyway the RHS button will not return, it was relying on the contact leaves to push it back. Lucky the second player credit button from my arcade machine suited, and have installed it into the pin.

So where am I at? The top RHS is good now, but bottom one is only marginally better. Time to order those switches from Greg. Spent 3 hours fiddling with all those contacts/switches this afternoon, even skipped dinner because I seemed to be getting somewhere. I reckon I pretty much get how to adjust them now (its great to learn something), and as you said Nino they are not easy things to set.
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Strangeways on March 17, 2009, 11:55:43 PM

Greg - Rule of thumb with Williams system 4/6 - Replace flipper kits, "Extended EOS" and cab switches. You can clean / file the contacts and the machine may work to your satisfaction - adjusting them is the key.
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: humpalot on March 18, 2009, 09:00:12 AM
If you want power then you can always replace the assemblies to later model ones and have flippers that scare the shit out of the playfield plastics.  The ones on flash will always seem weak not matter what you do to them.
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Strangeways on March 18, 2009, 09:49:58 AM
If you want power then you can always replace the assemblies to later model ones and have flippers that scare the shit out of the playfield plastics.  The ones on flash will always seem weak not matter what you do to them.

Mick - I installed flipper kits, bushings and flipper button contacts on Tony's Flash. The flippers were very powerful and responsive - in fact, a shot from the RHS flipper along the LHS guide, across the top of the lane guides, down the RHS, passing the the upper RHS flipper (Doh! - too late) and then SDTM !

Before I installed the new hardware, the ball JUST made it to the upper lanes.

I'll be replacing all the flipper hardware on future restores.
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: humpalot on March 18, 2009, 10:27:55 AM
I own a flash, I've re built the flippers on mine all original and plays great.  I've also played another that had later model assemblies in it and it made a noticeable difference to flipper power.
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Extra Ball on March 23, 2009, 11:47:24 AM
This was me 15 mins ago in the shed  $#$

Ty Nino I ordered a set of those contacts you linked from Greg (fast and excellent service as allways RTBB), and with a little mucking around have Flash's left flippers perfect!
Because the new set was a little different in length I had to make new holes under the PF to accomodate them. This cheap repair has made the biggest difference to the game.
 #*#
Title: Re: Flash Flipper Issues
Post by: Strangeways on March 23, 2009, 12:25:24 PM
This was me 15 mins ago in the shed  $#$

Ty Nino I ordered a set of those contacts you linked from Greg (fast and excellent service as allways RTBB), and with a little mucking around have Flash's left flippers perfect!
Because the new set was a little different in length I had to make new holes under the PF to accomodate them. This cheap repair has made the biggest difference to the game.
 #*#

Enjoy your game, Greg !

 ^^^