Older Williams Pinball Glitchy issues

TheDrewster

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***Edit! Not Williams, Bally, I meant.***


I just bought an arcade game from a gal whos got a big gameroom. I can score one more game from her if I can fix her favorite Pinball, which is a vintage Bally Eight Ball. I played the game and saw what she was talking about.

First, it takes several tries to get the machine to boot up. Once it turns on, it plays fine for a few mins, then the data displays will glitch out and flicker. Eventually, it will get to the point where the machine becomes unresponsive completely. Could cracked and cold solder joints be the cause of this problem? Or is this the work of a shot power supply?
 
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***Edit! Not Williams, Bally, I meant.***


I just bought an arcade game from a gal whos got a big gameroom. I can score one more game from her if I can fix her favorite Pinball, which is a vintage Bally Eight Ball. I played the game and saw what she was talking about.

First, it takes several tries to get the machine to boot up. Once it turns on, it plays fine for a few mins, then the data displays will glitch out and flicker. Eventually, it will get to the point where the machine becomes unresponsive completely. Could cracked and cold solder joints be the cause of this problem? Or is this the work of a shot power supply?

Connectors!

I would start by taking a hard look at connectors throughout the game. Specifically the rectifier board and top right connector on the driver/regulator board. The large cap on the driver board could probably stand to be replaced as well. Eight Ball is really bad for connectors because there are so many lamps.

From there I would take a look at the MPU. Could be corrosion damage or oxidized IC legs or any number of other problems.

Unfortunately pinballs from that era typically need a bunch of work done to them to be reliable. It's not going to be just one problem. Fortunately the cost of parts involved is typically pretty low. You just have to invest your time.

The best thing to do is dig into the game and see what you're working with then come back here for advice if needed.
 
Connectors!

I would start by taking a hard look at connectors throughout the game. Specifically the rectifier board and top right connector on the driver/regulator board. The large cap on the driver board could probably stand to be replaced as well. Eight Ball is really bad for connectors because there are so many lamps.

Yup! I've yet to work on a Bally pinball of that era that didn't have burnt pins on the rectifier board.

Edward
 
Could someone tell me what the rectifier board is or what it looks like? I am somewhat of a pinball n00b.
 
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