To the fantastic LOTR fixit team,

I have an issue that I can't seem to fix. Machine works well but upon shooting the ring during normal play, the ball gets stuck in the Ring well and does not drop out onto the playfield or go through the ring and get onto the habitrail.

I think that I have worked it out and it's mechanical. The spinner switch is working well and the Optos are fine as I checked this in the switch matrix. The ball comes in during a mode and just sits there. No movement after the magnet turns off. Checked this with a paper clip and I see that the magnet turns off. Doesn't seem to be a problem electrically.

If I push the ball through with my finger, it goes to the back and everything is fine. Ball returns to the habitrail and play proceeds. Also after the mode is started, the ball goes through the ring and through to the back normally.

Do I need to rebuild the ring assembly? A shim to give it more angle to drop backwards?

Just asking the collective...

Thanks!

Nope. Just changed them. New Carbon Steel ones.

I did forget to mention that.

Thank you both for the suggestions.

The magnet is turning off. I was afraid of that before and suspended a paper clip when the mode is triggered. Clip is captured as well then releases when the mode starts. I don't think it's the magnet now.

The clear plastic funnel seems to be smooth and unbroken. Nothing in there to "catch" onto the ball. Sticking a finger in there I don't find any rough spots.

Has any one had to adjust their funnel/ring to overcome this? My guess is that somehow it needs to me tightened up, but I can't see where to tighten anything.

Did not want to hijack the thread, but just got Silly Old Elf's Side Art Blades for LOTR.

Fantastic quality and artwork! I highly recommend them to anyone looking to dress up their cabinet sides!

Hijack over...

jfesler was extremely helpful to me on fixing my "Balrog Hit" error. Wanted to add this to the LOTR forum to help with others...

I did leave the Balrog on the motor pivot, but just removed the back plate from the assembly. Two hex/slotted screws hold it in place.
The switch is exposed then. Remove the two Phillips head screws and the switch assembly comes right off. The issue with mine was that the switch was wired wrong as I got the game. Follow the correct mounting of the two red wires (on my game at least) so that the switch is normally closed. Two red wires going to normally closed/normally open.

I also had to bend the Roller Microswitch out to have the Balrog close it when in the resting position.

My game was registering a Switch Matrix issue because of this. Ball launch was auto-firing was the main issue.
Replaced switches, optos in trough, and scratched my head on this one. Again, hoping others learn from my problem.

Stern Switch Wiring (resized).png

Please add me to the list buying a of a "River etched" Path of the Dead. I just like the fact of seeing the pinball through the top, not adding the figures and lighting.

Thank you for doing this!

Not sure that this has been mentioned, but I just got a new topper today! (Nah, just kidding! I'll keep the light up Balrog up there!)

Marco is now selling these and I was surprised to see it. Got it for posterity, I guess...

IMG_2135 (resized).JPG

I would be interested to find out as well. Also as another Pinsider just said to me he can't imagine Chuck E. having pinballs for many years now.

Good find! Just checked again and they also have Shrek.

I just thought about this and I should buy all of them. I can wait a couple of years and sell them for $4000 each!

Wow, I guess I started a Cheesy trend!

Glad to see everyone grab those toppers!

Sold