(Topic ID: 293987)

First tech post...newbie with a Firepower flipper question

By ClarkWGriswold

2 years ago



Topic Stats

  • 5 posts
  • 5 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 2 years ago by chuckwurt
  • Topic is favorited by 1 Pinsider

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    #1 2 years ago

    Have not had to post here before as this is my first issue with my Firepower since buying it 1.5 years ago. Right flipper won’t fully reseat and the primary issue seems to be that the spring is just done for. I bought the full flipper rebuild kit but I would rather not do an entire rebuild as that involves de-soldering/soldering which I really don’t want to get into just yet if I don’t have to. Question is....can I simply replace the worn out spring on that flipper without having to fully dis-assemble and/or remove the entire flipper assembly to do so?

    Thanks and yes, I realize that I am looking for the easy way out!

    Carter - Va.

    #2 2 years ago
    Quoted from ClarkWGriswold:

    Have not had to post here before as this is my first issue with my Firepower since buying it 1.5 years ago. Right flipper won’t fully reseat and the primary issue seems to be that the spring is just done for. I bought the full flipper rebuild kit but I would rather not do an entire rebuild as that involves de-soldering/soldering which I really don’t want to get into just yet if I don’t have to. Question is....can I simply replace the worn out spring on that flipper without having to fully dis-assemble and/or remove the entire flipper assembly to do so?
    Thanks and yes, I realize that I am looking for the easy way out!
    Carter - Va.

    Sure you can, I'm assuming your using the original over the plunger type spring that came stock? Just remove the coil and replace no? Better to upgrade to the later William's style mount and springs, but if removing the spring is an issue I assume you won't want to get Involved in that upgrade then...

    #3 2 years ago

    You can replace just the spring if you take out the coil and center bracket. But I'd recommend replacing the plunger+crank+bushing too since it'll be only a few more screws. The only thing that requires soldering is the EOS, which is separate from the rest of the unit as far as disassembly goes

    #4 2 years ago

    You can replace just the spring. I'd be worried about the rest of it though. A spring takes a really long time to wear out, so my thought is...what else needs replacing. Check to make sure the plunger moves freely inside the coil's sleeve at the very least. Make sure it doesn't have resistance. That would indicate a melted sleeve or debris in there preventing it from coming back down. I had to replace an entire coil because the sleeve was badly melted to the inside of the coil. The flipper would get stuck at the end of the sleeve causing it to not come back down. First 70% of the action was fine, but the last 30% was melted and caused the plunger to get wedged. I found that out by physically moving it and feeling the resistance. Check that to make sure it's not just a spring issue.

    I would still recommend replacing the sleeve if you're going to be ordering parts. I have a Firepower and I've done some work to the flippers and pops before. It can be intimidating at first, but it's really not bad. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and you'll be glad later(I know I was).

    Also! I had a weird issue with my Firepower where one of the flippers would stick up. I couldn't figure it out, but finally I saw the EOS switch was bent badly and the part that touches it was binding on the sharp edge of the EOS switch. Check that as well. Just a thought.

    #5 2 years ago
    Quoted from ClarkWGriswold:

    Have not had to post here before as this is my first issue with my Firepower since buying it 1.5 years ago. Right flipper won’t fully reseat and the primary issue seems to be that the spring is just done for. I bought the full flipper rebuild kit but I would rather not do an entire rebuild as that involves de-soldering/soldering which I really don’t want to get into just yet if I don’t have to. Question is....can I simply replace the worn out spring on that flipper without having to fully dis-assemble and/or remove the entire flipper assembly to do so?
    Thanks and yes, I realize that I am looking for the easy way out!
    Carter - Va.

    Gotta learn sometime. And I suggest not only doing a full rebuild of both flippers, update them to the later 90s style mechs. Pinball life can provide you with all the parts needed. Just buy the whole assembly with out the coils.

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