It seems that one or more of the switches on the reel need adjustment. Read more here: http://www.pinrepair.com/em/index2.htm#reels

Does the reel operate correctly if you press the solenoid with your fingers? Ie does to easily increment one step for each push? I’m wondering if the mech is jammed or spring weak/broken allowing it to jump several steps for each trigger of the coil?

Did you look at the link I posted? It's likely that a sw. on the 100s reel is gapped to close and the vibration from the 1000s is getting it going. Other misgapped sw. will cause the problems you're having.

I have the same machine, it was rebuilt by ChipScott (pinside member) he may can help.

Assuming the score reelS are the same you try swapping player 1 reel with another to see if the fault moves with it. You’ll then know if it’s in the score reel or elsewhere.

Probably a mechanical problem with Player 1 100 Point Drum (score) unit. The way the drum units work is:

1. Electricity pulls the solenoid plunger in
2. When the electric pulse turns off, the solenoid plunger moves out of the coil
3. This solenoid plunger release rotates the score drum
4. There's a stop attached to the solenoid plunger whose job it is to make sure the score drum only turns a single position

If you're having trouble seeing this action, take a slow motion video of a good and the bad unit in action with your cell phone

Check the make/break switch on the A relay. It controls the spinner scoring. When it pulls in the blade that breaks circuit might not be opening properly.

You could swap the big round score reel with a working one

As suggested earlier, try swapping the score reel with one of the others (check it’s the same configuration). This will prove the problem if the fault moves with the reel. If so you either need a new score reel of some overhaul work.

I still think it's the switches on the reel. Are the screws that hold them tight?

Just found this thread. I have an Aztec. Maybe I can help you out.

I have included a picture here. I am going to start very basic just to cover the obvious. If you can take a picture of your 100's reel and post it here that may help tremendously.

Unless you have a specific reason to suspect someone has tampered with the wiring I would rule that out at this point. These EM machines have hundreds of switches and they all must work together to operate properly.

With the fact the reel is "bouncing all over the place" during reset makes me think you may have a broken/weak spring.

1. Check that the reel does not move freely by hand. It should lock on a number and not be able to move freely. (if one of the levers is not latching properly the number reel will move to some extent)
2. Check the springs and that they are there and attached. the Green spring (I colored it green for identification) is the one I am mostly concerned about.
3. The Blue spring pulls the solenoid plunger back into the home position (out of the coil).
4. if the red latch is not latching on the reel you will get the symptoms you are describing.

Hope this helps.

And a picture paints a thousand words. include one if you can
Latchwcolors (resized).jpg

Lots of good info here. Hopefully should be able to clear up your issues.

Is the game new to you? Did these problems just start happening?

This issue is a bit more involved. This may have to do with switch alignment as mentioned. The 1000's point and 100's point relays are wired to common Make-or-Break (M/B) switches. One M/B switch is on the "A Relay" that is pulsed by the spinner. The other M/B switches (2 of them) are pulsed by the Center, Right and Left Jet Bumpers. If these switch blades are not properly aligned then you could get both 1000's and 100's reel to pulse at the same time.

Since you referred to the spinner causing the problem that is the M/B switch I am going to focus on. See picture below. Make sure your switches look like the area I have highlighted.

If both leaf switch contacts are touching that is your problem If the switch looks normal, like the example below, we need to do some more investigation.
A_MB_SW (resized).jpg

Possible issues is the mechanism is gummed up. The springs appear to be good.

If you move the plastic arm on the top of your first picture does it move freely?

Check the switch positions against your other 100's score reel mechanisms for players 2-4.

There are 3 different switch configurations, 0, 1-8, & 9 position.

Position 0 (or Zero Switch) - opens all circuits and prevents the coil from actuating via the score motor and No. 1 reset relay

Position 1-8 - 2 switches are closed and 1 is open

Position 9 - All switches are closed

Here are pics of correct positions.

This is the "0" position
0 (resized).JPG

This is the "1-8" Position
1-8 (resized).JPG

This is the "9" position
9 (resized).JPG

Moving the plastic score reel itself is a little involved. It is a little tricky taking it off without having to remove several parts. Remove the C-clip then the plastic arms need to be moved out of the way and the reel slid off the post.

I was suggesting moving the whole score unit, not just the plastic reel itself. In other words desolder the unit and another the same, swap them and resolder. See if the prob moves with the unit. You do need to make sure that the switches are all the same on the ones you swap though or you will get yourself in a mess. And depending on which one it is you may not have an identical swap possible.

That is quite a bit of work. Making sure the wires are marked and re-soldered good. Not easy soldering in place. If you could do it on a bench that would be better. You could end up with a bigger mess on your hands. I would not suggest that route. Visually looking at the parts will tell a lot.

Some basic mechanical checks can be performed and eliminate a lot of teardown and time.

Start by swapping parts that are easy. Take lots of pictures and make drawings so you can put things back together EXACTLY the way they came apart.

Any Luck on your Aztec issues?

I have been cleaning up my Aztec Score Reels. Lots of cleaning and parts tumbling.

Here is my current situation.
IMG_1111 (resized).JPG