Electro-Mechanical Pinball Repair For Dummies

 
When I purchased my first EM , I didn't have a clue how to remove the legs,playfield glass,headbox etc, let alone fix it if it didn't work. As I had not much electrical knowledge or experience, First look under the playfield and behind the headbox was quite daunting, but after learning how they work and hands on troubleshooting, they are not as difficult to understand and repair as first thought.
 

TRANSPORTING AND SETTING UP

Most early em's can be transported in a small vehicle, All my 3 em's, I have transported in my small Mitsubishi Mirage 2 door..

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Never transport the machine with the legs or Headbox/Backbox attached, and always remove all the balls from the machine.
 

REFITTING THE LEGS AND HEADBOX / BACKBOX


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image Lay machine on its backside and screw both front legs back on ( Bolt size 3/8 " x 2-1/4" long )
 
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image Tilt the machine gently forward, front legs on the floor.
 
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image Now stand behind the machine, Lift the machine up and slide a box, crate or saw horse under the machine to take the weight of the cabinet while you attach the rear legs. After legs fitted, lift machine and remove selected support.
 
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image Remove the power lead from the bottom of cabinet and place it outside the cab making sure the power lead runs through the cutaway at the top/rear of cabinet. Do not connect to power yet.
 
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image Remove the panel behind the headbox/backbox and sit the headbox/backbox onto the cabinet, line up bolt holes and screw in at least 2 of the 4 x 3/8" head bolts.
 
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image Locate the male connecting plugs from inside the cabinet and push them firmly all the way into the female plugs in the backbox making sure the correct male plugs go to the correct holes in the female plugs (they usually will only fit one way).
 
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image Place a spirit level across the top of the backbox and adjust the leg levelers to the correct levels. The more sloped angle makes the game more difficult.

image Open the front door of the machine and check the tilt pendulum is hanging free and not touching the metal ring, also the tilt ball is closest to the front of the machine.
 

 

Terminology
Turning Machine On and Start Up
Start Up Sequence




 
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