Quoted from Jeff_PHX_AZ:So does the Stern bubble have to be centered and pitch at 6.5 on new Sterns, with inclinometer in the middle of the PF? I used the ruler holding the ball in the middle of PF, lift ruler and if leveled the ball goes straight down between flippers.
If you adjust the pitch using the factory bubble, it should be at 6.5 degrees with the bubble centered. The bubble can occasionally be off and are sometimes way off. If you want to check the factory bubble, put your inclinometer on the playfield *between the flippers*, about level side to side with the factory bubble. If the factory bubble is correct, your inclinometer will read about 6.5 degrees. A tenth of a degree off on pitch probably isn't noticeable while playing, but more than a tenth will be noticeable. If you measure any higher on the playfield, it will read steeper. Like the original poster is seeing. Much easier to check pitch using a digital level as an inclinometer is only accurate to a single degree, rather than a tenth of a degree when using a digital level.
Chances are your bubble is close. Never hurts to check though. Especially if the game seems to be playing harder or easier than it should be. Not sure what you're doing with the ruler. Rolling a ball down the playfield tests side to side level, not pitch.