Weak Left Flipper Help

ComputerSpace

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Hello all,

I have a Williams Skylab EM pinball that has an issue with the left flipper.

The flipper is very very weak, so much so that it will not hold the pinball up if it lands on it. If I have the flipper up and the pinball lands on it, it will bring the flipper down about half way. Forget about shooting the ball with the flipper!

I've already replaced the flipper coil - not much change. I'm thinking it may be the side player button leaf switch - it's pretty burned, or possibly the end of stroke switch on the flipper assembly...

What say the pinball experts out there?

This is my only pinball and it's been this way for about two years and I've quit using it. I miss playing it now and want to fix it. Any suggestions on were to get parts?

I was considering one of these kits from a seller on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130241340343&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Any thoughts on that?

Thanks in advance.
Tom
 
completely agree with Burt6666 on this.
Clean the EOS contacts by putting a business card or piece of paper in between the contacts, then squeeze contacts together and pull card/paper out.

You're going to want something a little more aggressive for EOS switch contacts. I you've only got a business card it's worth a try but you'll need a fleck stone file to really clean the contacts.

Clean the cabinet switch contacts too. They are just as likely to cause this problem.
 
I was considering one of these kits from a seller on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130241340343&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Any thoughts on that?

Thanks in advance.
Tom

A flipper rebuild kit is probably not a bad idea. I would replace the cabinet switches too. Might be cheaper to buy from Steve Young. You'll have to check.

http://www.pbresource.com/

I've already replaced the flipper coil - not much change.

In the future remember that the coil is almost never the problem. Unless is looks burnt or doesn't work at all (reads open).
 
Thanks for the tips guys.

I went out and took a look at the EOS leaf switches. They're toast. All pitted and worn down to almost nothing, in fact one of them appears to have been 'repaired' in the past. There is a blob of solder keeping a contact (loosely) attached to a leaf. So, EOS switches all around. I already replaced the flipper switches some time ago and they look pretty good still.

Time to order some parts.

Tom
 
Just a FYI... I did order the kit I mentioned above and installed it yesterday. The left flipper is now working much better. It's still not quite a strong as the right one, but it will throw the ball to the top if you time it right.

Got played quite a bit last night. The first time in over two years. I don't know why I didn't take the time and fix it a long time ago...

Thx for the tips.
Tom
 
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