Score Reel Rebuild

Often overlooked, and can be the source of simple problems on EMs - especially 4 Player machines. In a typical reconditioning job, they are always overlooked. For this restoration - each Score Reel Unit was cleaned, checked for broken parts, contacts cleaned and adjusted and the coil sleeve was replaced. That's SIXTEEN units. So it is a fair amount of work, but I believe it should be done. Methods was simple - Strip them, soak the parts in a solution of Windex and water. Use nifti to clean the reels, and dry out in the sun and compressed air - rebuild with a new coil sleeve and test.

Here's a stripped unit - the backerlite contact board was cleaned with a scotchbrite and alcohol.  The base is cleaned with a scotchbrite and windex. I place an old towel over the rest of the units so I don't drop parts or fluids as I clean





Parts cleaned, dried and ready for re assembly





Cleaned unit - ready to test;





Credit assembly


The credit unit was in good condition, but was a tad sluggish in its action - caused by lubrication. It will be rebuilt ;





I soak all the moving parts in degreaser. Then I wash with Windex and water and leave in the sun to dry. A drop of machine oil on the shaft, and I reassemble. Finished unit works like a charm and is installed;





Player Unit

Best till last ! They are always tough to rebuild due to their complexity. No short cuts, this will take two hours to do a proper rebuild. Looks like just another stepper unit ;




But it has a cam and 5 banks of switches. Get this rebuild wrong, and the machine will simply not function





Disassembly takes a while and you need to be careful that you understand how it works to put it back together. You should not attempt this unless you either take a lot of photos, or have the schematics handy !





After removing the cam and switches - you have the simplest of stepper units





All parts are cleaned with degreaser - except the back of switches. They are cleaned with a business card and then with alcohol. A drop of machine oil on the shaft and reassemble








So the 16 score reels, credit unit and player unit are rebuilt - almost done !