Williams system 3 question

indy5mike

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I am a pinball noobie but would really appreciate any direction. I accquired this game non working. Ater board work I finally have it to where it appears it should work but it will not start a game. I can add credits and the only problem I am finding in test ( I still have some learning to do about test) is a flipper coil that occasionally locks on, I am assuming I will be changing that coil but I first need to get the start to work. I tried jumpering it to make sure it wasn't as easy as a bad switch but it did nothing. Where should I be looking? I feel so close to having this working. Thanks
 
So... let's just clarify. You can add credits but you can't start a game? Have you checked the trough switch and game start switch?

I would start there. Check out the switch matrix and dedicated switches. System 3 does have diagnostics but it's more of a pain to use than later versions (system4-7).

http://www.pinrepair.com/sys37/index3.htm#test

The flipper sticking on is likely unrelated to any board problems. It's also not likely to be solved by replacing the coil. You'll need to determine if the coil is actually staying energized causing the coil to lock on or if it's some kind of mechanical problem and go from there.
 
Like Lindsey said, start looking at the smaller elements first.
When it comes to pinballs, most of the problems I have encountered are relatively small such as bad switches, or something not working properly because it is not mechanically sound.
There are a few things that can cause a sticky flipper, and it is usually not the coil itself.
Unlike video games, the problems most encountered with pins are mechanical. That is not to say you wont experience problems with electronics, but you will spend more time tweeking the mechanics, maintaining and repairing flipper assembly and changing rubbers and cleaning and waxing, cleaning and waxing, cleaning and waxing.

The online pinrepair site already referenced will be a great help to a newbie.
 
Thanks to everyone. I got this fixed by changing the 4049's at IC15 and IC16on the driver board. Everything seems to be working again. So far have had no more problems with the flippers.
 
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Congats and good luck with your new pin.
Don't be so sure the flippers will keep working consistently. Most flipper problems are intermittent.
Do not make an easy assumption to make that if you just lubricate, it will resolve the problem. I purchased two of my mahcines as 'need work' and really all they needed was good cleaning and flipper repair. In both cases the owners had been uneducated. In one the flippers were greasy, the other they had been spraying graphite and it made a serious mess of the underside of the playfield.
If it is your first machine, a flipper rebuild is a good thing to do early on so that you have a good understanding of the mechanics and parts. Some peeps recommend a full rebuild, and depending on condition, I would recommend it too, however after that I usually only replace worn parts.
Good luck and enjoy it. Yes Pins take a bit of sweet lovin, but the gameplay will be all the more sweeter for it.
 
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