Stern SS flipper plungers

[AskJacob]

I noticed the flipper plungers in my Stern Magic are a little different to the 'usual' plunger, in that they are machined with a "fat" end of the plunger, and the remainder of the plunger is a bit thinner.

Is there anything particularly special about this arrangement? Do they perform any different to a generic plunger?

The ones installed seem OK (other than the grease/oil on them  ) but was wondering if I ever had to replace them would I need to find the same odd plungers, hit generics with a lathe or just replace them with generics?

Cheers
Jacob

[Strangeways]

I noticed the flipper plungers in my Stern Magic are a little different to the 'usual' plunger, in that they are machined with a "fat" end of the plunger, and the remainder of the plunger is a bit thinner.

Is there anything particularly special about this arrangement? Do they perform any different to a generic plunger?

The ones installed seem OK (other than the grease/oil on them  ) but was wondering if I ever had to replace them would I need to find the same odd plungers, hit generics with a lathe or just replace them with generics?

Cheers
Jacob

Perfect timing Jacob !

I've been working out a "rebuild kit" for early Stern machines, and the ONLY part that has been a problem is the plunger and the coil stop. All other parts are available from PBR.

The plunger is part number - A-1972 (no longer available)
The coil stop is part number - A-186 (available from Marco Spec)

These are the other parts required if you wanted a "full rebuild" (From Steve at PBR)

Early games (Before Star Gazer use)

#4A-111-W-1 Flipper bushing $3.38ea
#A-191-R Flipper Pawl $5.63ea
#A-191-L Flipper Pawl $5.63ea
#4A299 Flipper link $1.94ea
#5A-175 Flipper spring $0.50ea -Would be a substitute
#SW-474 Flipper Cabinet switch $5.21ea -Would be a substitute
#SW-294-BL EOS $3.00ea -Would be a substitute
#SW-294-BR EOS $3.00ea - Would be a substitute
Normally open EOS on Right Flipper (has offset insulator) $4.19ea
#STN-A192 Flipper plastic & shaft $3.89ea

Games starting with Star Gazer & Later

#4A-111-W2 Flipper Bushing $2.82ea
#4A299 Nylon flipper Link $1.94ea
#A632L Flipper Pawl Left $7.50ea
#A632R Flipper Pawl Right Currently out of stock!
#5A-175 Flipper spring $0.50ea -Would be a substitute
#SW-474 Flipper Cabinet switch $5.21ea -Would be a substitute
#SW-294-BL EOS $3.00ea -Would be a substitute
#SW-294-BR EOS $3.00ea - Would be a substitute
#STN-A192 Flipper plastic & shaft $3.89ea

The plungers I'm about to use are Generic - 2 1/8. I'll let you know how I go !

[AskJacob]

Yeah, the coil-stop seems to look almost like an AC one with the ring at the base.

Hmmm a flipper rebuild order looks like a fiddly pain in the butt!

I look forward to seeing how you go with this!

Cheers
Jacob

[Extra Ball]

I was cleaning mine up on Nugent recently and was surprised that the plungers are machined skinny. If we put generics in then they will weigh more, and we may loose flipper power 

[Ballywannabe]

Either type will work - I find the 'solid' ones give a bit more power.

cheers
Ian

[faza]

Check this out from one of our sponsors
http://www.pinball-fixers.com/stern-flippers.html

Cheers

John

[Ballywannabe]

I personally would never do that to my Sterns   I love the feel of the original Stern set-up.

Parts are not that hard to come by - get some old mechs off ebay, Marco has coil stops, slugs just need to be 2 1/8 with a small hole, PBR has many of the other parts although they are not listed.

cheers
Ian

[Strangeways]

I personally would never do that to my Sterns   I love the feel of the original Stern set-up.

Parts are not that hard to come by - get some old mechs off ebay, Marco has coil stops, slugs just need to be 2 1/8 with a small hole, PBR has many of the other parts although they are not listed.

cheers
Ian

Agreed - although I do think Owen's substitutes are functional, I stick to original if possible, and I have had success in sourcing and replacing Stern flipper parts. I love the "feel" of the Stern setup, and it is an improvement on the Bally of the same era.