On Gottlieb games that use a large solenoid, some operating at 110 volts, to
reset the drop target bank, or a sequence bank ("Card Whiz's" Joker
bonus, for example) these solenoids don't have the regular end of
stroke switch used on the control bank that breaks the circuit as soon
as it's reset (when in proper adjustment!). Instead, relying on the motor,
and another relay that doesn't sense end of stroke, but only the
motor contacts. This results in a timed circuit independent of actual reset
time conditions.
To avoid metal fatigue and noisy operation, with power off, loosen the 4
screws securing the reset solenoid(s), then press the plunger down to it's
limit by hand, pressing on the back of the solenoid at the same time, then
move the whole assembly together back until the bank just latches reset.
Now tighten the screws. Note that now the solenoid should bottom before the
bank linkage, but still provide enough stroke for a successful reset. Some
tweaking might be needed! In any event, when the machine is again played,
there should be no loud "humm-buzz", just a small "clunk" when these reset.
I only write this because it IS a precise adjustment (and all too easy to
just set the thing to "bottom" the bank, no regard for the stresses over
time); and most of the old Gottliebs I've seen have had this set where the
solenoid is still pulling on the "bottomed" bank, resulting in a loud,
violent (for a pinball's "internal workings" noise) reset. On drop targets,
this can loosen the riveted-spot welded channel iron covering the lever, if
it falls off entirely, the edge of the remaining lever will wear slots in
the metal fingers that reset each drop target, and require frequent
adjustment. As parts are becoming difficult to find, it's worth the extra
effort to go beyond "functional", and make these parts "happy". Gottlieb
designed them to last!
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