Gottlieb Volcano System 80, model 667
Finally, I have a mechanical issue for a change.
The yellow drop targets at the top of the playfield started acting up. Coincidentally, the one target I bombard the most is the one giving the most trouble, but it's two specific ones I think. Anyway, when the targets reset, sometimes one target will not stay up. Since the game resumes with a target already down, the target bank will not reset when the rest are knocked down.
So I pulled the unit out, visually inspected, wiped out some dust, and manually operated. It all seems good when I pull the lever by hand. But maybe 10% of the time during play one flag or another will not latch in the up position.
What is the cause of this? Worn out target? I think I replaced all of these targets in 2012, but I didn't touch the game in all this time so there has been very little wear. Weak springs? When I compare to the other bank, the red drop targets seem to be stiffer and take more force to trip down. That's why I'm thinking springs are worn out.
I also made sure there is clearance. I had thought maybe they were rubbing on the rubber behind; I adjusted so the fronts fully clear the wood slot but the backs also do not rub the rubber.
Suggestions, ideas, thoughts?
Thank you!