Ice Cold Beer Solenoid Assembly... Holding in plastic plunger?

ChompingQuarters

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 18, 2006
Messages
10,196
Reaction score
68
Location
Clinton Township, Michigan
Ice Cold Beer Solenoid Assembly... Holding in plastic plunger?

In the last day the plastic press fit plunger that goes into the metal plunger shaft keeps popping out. I'm probably going to use a little bit of tape or a dab of epoxy to hold it in better. However, wondering if there is a better way to keep this from popping out?
 
Let's see a pic of what you are referring to. Most likely it is similar to a pinball coil/solenoid and there is something specific that is missing or broken...
 
Here you go... The plastic pin slides into the plunger just fine... Just not snug enough!

Plunger1.jpg


Plunger2.jpg
 
Okay, I can't tell from your pic, but that looks like a standard pinball coil with a plunger that is half metal, half plastic. If so, the plastic and metal should be connected, and it looks like yours is broken or separated? If so, you can buy another plunger...
 
Thanks modessit and Riptor... Mike, if it is the same let me know and I'll send over some $$$$ for one. I thought it was just press fit in there but I guess not? I wrapped some double faced tape around it and "crammed" it in there... Seems to be holding!!! But still... If it's suppose to be one piece then I'd like to replace it.
 
It was originally a pressed fit. Once it comes out it probably wont stay in.
I checked my machine this morning and it looks like I can modify the qbert one and it will be an exact duplicate. It needs a snap ring groove machined in it and might need to be shortened. I will work on this today.
 
It was originally a pressed fit. Once it comes out it probably wont stay in.
I checked my machine this morning and it looks like I can modify the qbert one and it will be an exact duplicate. It needs a snap ring groove machined in it and might need to be shortened. I will work on this today.

Just let me know what I owe you. Thanks!!!
 
Got this finished up. On the left is an unmodified qbert plunger, center is an original ICB plunger and right is the qbert plunger I modified. You will need to reuse the C-clip off your original plunger.
 
Last edited:
Resurrecting an old thread here, but how long is the plunger suppose to be?
Also, any ideas on if mine doesn't have enough umph to pop the ball back to the hole switch?
Trying to catch the voltage as it actuates seems to be anywhere from 14 to 30V.
 
Resurrecting an old thread here, but how long is the plunger suppose to be?
Also, any ideas on if mine doesn't have enough umph to pop the ball back to the hole switch?
Trying to catch the voltage as it actuates seems to be anywhere from 14 to 30V.

Sounds like a weak coil to me. Its going to be hard to get a reading on the voltage unless you use an analog meter.
 
It feels like a weak coil, but they are new N-26 1200's from Marco, I have tried 2 of them with the same result. Any advice?
 
Did you install a new coil sleeve? You could trace the wiring out and check all connections. Possibly a dirty connection causing a drop in voltage.
 
Yes, new sleeve that came with the coil. I can jumper directly from the PS with a push button to test coil. I will trace power back tonight, cleaning as I go, and let you know.
Thanks man.
 
So I checked power at supply, tested 35 as it should. Traced wires back and the power wire was very loose at power and coming out at connector C. Crimped new pins with no change, still seems weak. Does this look correct?
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20150331_211334713.jpg
    IMG_20150331_211334713.jpg
    198.5 KB · Views: 46
The bottom of the ball trough where the ball is resting is broke. Could the ball be getting wedged there causing the coil to not be able to push it up as far? It is also possible that some pieces of that plastic broke off and are inside the channel and making the ball bounce back.
 
Will the metal length of the plunger affect coil force?
My plunger is 3", but only about 1 1/2" is metal. It definitely does not look like your modified Qbert one.
 
Sure it could. I see in you pic that yours does not have the e-clip on the bottom either. I have never seen any other ones used in ICB so possibly yours has been changed at some time or another. There are several variations of these plungers used in pinballs.
 
Back
Top Bottom