My AFM's SOL ball popper is really nasty in that it kicks about half the time to the left outlane. Really kills me to start martian attack and have it end right right away without a single flip. I've gone underneath and loosened the screws and tried to rotate it within the slight amount of slack and retighten, but it does not help.

My MB will kick the ball out of the scoop STDM about 1 in 30 kicks, though it gets into patterns where it consistently does it and then it passes.

Not sure if there's an alignment method I'm missing? Any ideas or tips?

Thanks!

LTG, yeah I thought about tweaking the holes to allow rotation.... Did it solve the problem with no issues down the road? I don't want to lift the playfield and adjust it every 5 games.

Simonakapw, I have considered buying a new scoop but I would hate for it to have the same problem.... Thanks for the info though, interesting that even new ones can exhibit the issue. Make me think it might just be luck of the draw on how it's mounted.

Both games are level at 6.5 degree incline. Left to right leveling is also within .1 degrees.

I don't have a problem buying a replacement and mantis was the one I was looking to buy. Just wanted to know that is was necessary and was going to solve this issue.

I'll check the alignment of the coil and maybe even cleaning it (although it's plenty strong as it is).

Please keep sending the ideas!

So I loosened the popper bracket on the underside and again tried to turn it as far away from the left outlane as possible. It is better, shooting to the left kicker or left flipper as it should. I only played a few games, but time will tell if it just slips back to drain shots.

So on AFM I loosened all the screws and really held it tight to the right (clockwise, looking from underneath) and tightened the screws. I also re-adjusted the solenoid bolts. Visually it looked the same but this time the popper is throwing the ball to either the left slingshot or left flipper. This is how I believe it should work. I'm hoping it stays put this time. So finicky, haven't had another pin exhibit this (my ST:TNG has been rock solid for two years so I guess I shouldn't complain!).