Seawitch
Stern Electronics, 1980My Seawitch is still not working properly--left flipper is dead--and I can't figure out what's wrong. Basics have been covered, and everything looks correct. While I'm reasonably smart and generally not an idiot, I'm really in over my head here and it's time to call in someone who actually knows what they're doing. Any suggestions on who might be able to help? Would love to have someone come to the house, but we'll haul it somewhere else if necessary.
Sent you a PM with contact information for Tom Grobe, he is one of the best techs around and as helped me and some friends up North multiple times with issues
Thanks for the ideas! Bemmett, another friend of ours had recommended Tom, but it's been tough to get him on the phone. Will keep trying. Is it best to just keep leaving him voicemails, or is text better?
eXidy, my left flipper is dead following a rebuild of all the flippers, including new coils. Everything is connected correctly, nothing looks wrong. Even tried another new coil, lest the first one was bad. No such luck. If you've got ideas, would love to hear them!! Frustrating to have the game not playable after all that work 
A flipper rebuild usually doesn't include new coils. Was there a reason you changed the coils out?
Quoted from Simkie:following a rebuild of all the flippers, including new coils.
I don't think there is a transistor for the flippers on old bally/sterns. There is a relay on the P/D board that energizes the circuit, then the flipper switches themselves complete it. Could be bad solder joints on the relay, burnt trace, or maybe bad header pins.
I would offer to fix, but the 3 hour drive to Ft. Collins (and back) is a deal breaker.
LMK if you want to bring it to Denver to get repaired, at a reasonable cost.
I replaced the coils because they were *ancient* and there was some burning evident on the paper wrappers. One of the coils for the upper flippers was dead already and I figured the others were not terribly far behind and I might as well swap them out while I had everything apart. The other ones work, so I don't think that there's an overall problem in my work?
I believe the coil is getting power when the flipper button is pushed--the coil hums and the plunger moves a mm or so. I don't know how to check voltage or relay joints or header pins, but if you speak slowly and in small words, I'm very good at following directions 
Sounds like the end of stroke switch isn't closing (enough), so you are only getting the hold power.
Try closing it more, maybe even pinch it together a bit. Try not to get shocked. (it just bites a bit)
I think you may be close.
Quoted from DNO:Sounds like the end of stroke switch isn't closing (enough), so you are only getting the hold power.
Try closing it more, maybe even pinch it together a bit. Try not to get shocked. (it just bites a bit)I think you may be close.
Give the man a cigar! Flippers now work! And they feel GREAT. AWESOME.
New problem: the right outside post behind the middle bank of drop targets has given up the ghost. It was threatening, but on the fourth ball after getting the flippers going, it took a hit and let go. It no longer screws into the hole securely and the rubber pulls it right out. What now?
(Sigh, this game has been one thing after another.)
I assume that is a post that screws into the playfield, not one that goes all the way through to a nut?
If so, get a bamboo skewer (they are really cheap at the grocery store for BBQing and such). Little wood glue on it, and put the tapered end in the screw hole. Cut it off flush and let it dry, then you can reinstall the post. A small pilot hole will help install. I have heard other methods, like mixing up a filler with sawdust and wood glue, or buying a wood filler, but I think the skewer works well. Plus it is a very cheap fix.
Good luck.
I wish it went all the way through! That sure would make it easier to fix. It's a flat ended screw post and it goes into the playfield about 2 mm before hitting some sort of metal. I thought perhaps I could drill the hole just a little deeper to give it more purchase, but that didn't work. I also tried gluing it with gorilla glue, and that didn't work, either.
Is the goal with the bamboo skewer to fill the hole completely? Basically fill it, redrill a small hole, insert post?
Yes, that is the goal. Bamboo has some flex to it so it will push into the grooves in the hole pretty well.
Just be careful cutting it off flush, you do not want to scratch the playfield.
I wish it went all the way through! That sure would make it easier to fix. It's a flat ended screw post and it goes into the playfield about 2 mm before hitting some sort of metal.
The post does go all the way through. Sounds like you broke the post screw. Here is a pic of the original setup. Stern post screws are installed through the bottom of the playfield. You need to tap out the broken piece from the topside of the playfield and find a replacement.
Quoted from sanctumwear:The post does go all the way through. Sounds like you broke the post screw. Here is a pic of the original setup. Stern post screws are installed through the bottom of the playfield. You need to tap out the broken piece from the topside of the playfield and find a replacement.
Holy shit! I had no idea! Thank you so much!
Have it tapped out and will pick up a replacement today. 
Quoted from Simkie:Give the man a cigar! Flippers now work!
Glad you got it fixed.
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Stamford, CT