I LOVE EBD (Eight Ball Deluxe) - my fave game since I was a kid. Lately, when I shut it off for more than a few minutes, it shows 25 credits when I turn it back on. Then, when I start playing it, the game awards a credit on the first ball when the ball rolls through either the A or B lane at the top of the game. Any suggestions on what's gone haywire?

Good thought! Thank you. But that wouldn't explain why 25 credits appear after the game's been off for a little while.

Yes. I can knock it down to 21 credits by starting four players. Then I shut it down...wait....power it up and I have 25 credits.

Update. Now the game isn't powering up. MPU LED flashes twice, then nothing.

I have a battery holder attached to the floor of the backbox with leads running to the MPU. I made that mod several years ago and it's worked great since 2008.

Board is clean - no corrosion. I moved the battery off the board when I rebuilt the machine more than a dozen years ago. When you say "it's probably bad or it's socket," can you expand on that, please?

I pulled the U8 chip, straightened the pins, and replaced it. Still no love. You said, "Time to swap old 5101's for some nice new NVram." What does that mean and where do I order the parts? Thanks, slochar!

OK, I've been researching 5101 NVRAM. It looks like there are a couple folks who sell an adapter gizmo that plugs into U8. Looks like I'm looking at about $20. Am I on the right track?

Hey, everyone, thanks for your advice and support. Wayne Eggert at Pinitech.com set me up with a 5101 NVRAM replacement chip and it works great. It arrived yesterday and I installed it while i was home for lunch...and I was late getting back to the office. EBD lives again! My boys and I are so pleased that we decided not to put the game back together right away. We're going to shop it on Saturday afternoon. Parts will be here later today.

I've been a pinball nut since I as a tyke. I'm 57 now. This hobby wouldn't be near as much fun without the Internet and people like you willing to help out your brother pinheads. I'm proud to be a member of this fraternity.

Next up for repair and shop service...Six Million Dollar Man! There's a tech issue with that game, too, so you'll be hearing from me. This is going to be an important repair because my older son wants this game in his apartment at college next fall.

Thanks again!

Bruce
Scottsdale, AZ