The lock assembly is held onto the playfield with posts that are nutted on the underside of the playfield. The two rear posts (closes to the back of the game, where the ball enters the lock area) should have a small black plastic spacer that goes around these threads between the playfield and the lock mech (on top of the playfield, in other words). This lifts the entrance of the lock up, so balls don't hit the top flange and bounce out.

I *think* you should only have two. However - I'm basing this off of my game, an early sample - so it's possible that the # of spacers was changed at some point.

On mine (again, it's an early sample, so it may not match what was in production) - NONE of the metal guides had spacers, EXCEPT the two back posts of the lock assembly - for me, both of those held one spacer.

Ah! Those are washers! Yes, those were everywhere on my game too! These are small black plastic spacers.

I'll grab a shot tonight. The only reason I was reminded of this was because I *just* dissassembled my lock area, because I'm getting ready to send my playfield out to get refurbished.

This one has had them, and the other one I used to work on (years back, in mid 90's) had them as well. Though, admittedly, the one I used to maintain out in Colorado did NOT have them. Since it lifts up the lock area some, and none of the two machines have given me lock issues, I figured they must have been there for a reason.

Once I get home later tonight, I'll grab a pic.

No, nono. It may be *common*, but it's not normal.

For the record, both my games that had the spacer in it had *0* bounce-outs. The one I maintained that had no spacer I honestly can't remember.

Anyways, here's a pic of one of my spacer. (The other spacer is off the unit.) You'll notice that the bottom edge of it (towards the lock-nut) is warped out of shape. The two notches are face up, and were created by the lock assembly pressing down on it. (Apparently, it was over-tightened at the factory.

IMG_20141110_200457.jpg

..Delete..

One has 900 windings of 24 gauge wire, and the other has 1000 windings of 25 gauge wire.