The flippers on my LOTR occasionally flutter with the capacitors installed on the flipper switches. I changed them out and it still happens. The switches are new as well. I checked the EOS switches and adjusted them so they're good. What could I possibly be missing? I clipped one leg of the capacitor and am playing without them. Am I missing out on a little extra snappiness without them?

Yes and yes. Sometimes I'll hit the button and the flipper will quickly flip up, but drop back down, then come up again, in fast succession. I just know that it happens more frequently with them installed vs not installed. I dont see any arcing between the contacts with them disconnected.

The main thing I was adjusting was the EOS switch, but i feel like i have it gapped well enough where there wouldn't be any issues. When closed, they are making good contact.

Could it be bad diodes on the coils?

They are all new switches all around, new capacitors as well. I did run a business card through all the switches in case there was some kind of manufacturing residue. I installed the PBL high power coils, but then took them out and reinstalled the stock coils, so the solder is fresh. I double checked any molex connections in the front of the cabinet also, in case something got loose. I also reseated the connectors on the board. I think I've done everything short of taking the board off and reflowing the header pins.

I didnt rebuild the flippers. It was done prior to me owning it. It might be something I'll look into if nothing else helps.

Mine has Normally Closed EOS switches and they are adjusted to open at the end of the stroke.

I have replaced the flipper switches with SW-10A-48, which is the replacement part for 180-5160-00 given by Marco (purchased from Pinball Life).

Even with the capacitor clipped, I get occasional flipper flutter/flipper not activating when I press the button. Seems to happen on the left side vs the right side. I suppose I could swap the coils to see if it follows, however it has happened on both side before also.

I replaced the diodes on the coils, with no improvement.

Do you think the flipper coil would be next? I haven't tested it, I understand you can test the resistance, but I'd have to brush up on the method and what to look for.

If that is indeed the case, it's big oops from Marco, as that was the source that I used to determine which switch to use. I typically get parts from Pinball Life or PB Resource.

Can you link something that would work? I'll get a pic of the EOS switches for you later today.

This is what PB resource has for a switch
Looks like there is a capacitor installed also
They're also 20.00 a piece!
switch (resized).jpg

Here is the same from Marco
https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/500-6889-01

I was going to do this as my next step, and get some new flipper switches also. Looks like Pinball Life has the correct switches as well. Thing is, it looks like the flippers were recently rebuilt. The EOS switch looks pretty new and the mech looks relatively clean.

I have a set of the Pinball Life high powered coils that I'll re-install to rule out a coil problem. Then my next step is to get new switches and try those.

Thanks for confirming. I have 2 new flipper switches in my cart. Will try this next and get the right switches in. I also just read from another Pinsider that his game with APB (?) coils are doing the same, so I suspect it's not the coil. Hopefully this takes care of it.

Original

I installed the "paliney" style switches and it plays well so far. I haven't had any fluttering or delayed flips so hoping this did the trick.

https://www.pinballlife.com/stern-flipper-leaf-switch-single-contact.html