Sticky flipper issue on Cactus Jack's

[ajlaird]

I have an issue with the RHS flipper on my Cactus Jack's (Gottlieb System 3) pinball machine.

In trying to troubleshoot the issue I have checked the spring and the alignment of the plunger, and also changed the coil sleeve just in case. The problem is not seen when testing the flipper by hand.

However, after using the flipper over a few games, it begins to stick in the up position.

My guess is that as the coil warms up for some reason the plunger alignment is thrown out and the plunger can no longer retract smoothly.

How do I fix this - do I just get a flipper kit and replace everything or is it likely to be one thing causing the issue? In particular, would the coil itself need replacing?

[MartyJ]

Magnetized coil stop ??

[Strangeways]

Coil warming up suggests EOS needs adjustment. I'd clean and adjust and see if the problem persists.

[ajlaird]

Hmm, both coils do warm up from use but they appear from touch to warm up to roughly the same temperature. I know from experience that if the EOS isn't working the coil will get very hot! Hot enough to melt a coil sleeve!

I will still check EOS to be sure, but I suspect that is not it.

[MartyJ]

Try swapping the coil stops from left to right and see if problem remains

[oldskool1969]

My space station was doing the same as yours and so I also ended up doing new coil stops ( fixed that )
Then thought bugger it, rebuild with new everything and now it is flawless and awesome
Motto - do the extra and gain the extra 

[ajlaird]

You are right, I should go the whole hog but I don't want to spend any money right now!

Anyway, I swapped the coil stops and this has actually helped, but I still think it is an alignment issue. On the LHS there is a fair bit of play in regards to the plunger and coil alignment and it still being free, on the RHS there is a lot less room to move and it only takes a little bit of lateral movement to get the plunger sticking. For some reason swapping the coil stops has helped with this.