Hi all,

First off - my apologies if this has been answered, or is in the wrong subform (mods feel free to move if needed). I did a search, didn't see what I was looking for.

Bought my first machine - a Whirlwind. Had some issues with the multiball switches in the left lock lane...I think. If I managed to lock a ball, It was kicking the ball out at random, and half the time not realizing I had a ball locked when there was one in the lane. I adjusted the switches a bit, and I thought I had the problem resolved (i think the lowest switch wasn't up high enough to put constant pressure to note the first locked ball in the lane). It held the ball longer than it typically would, threw 1 ball locked on the scoreboard, but kicked it out when i started the storm.

My question is: when is it supposed to eject the balls in the lock lane? Only when 3 are locked? Anytime you start the storm? Just want to know what the "expected behavior" is before I waste more time adjusting things and potentially breaking them....considering I really have no experience messing under the playfield. I saw one guy on here adjusted the lever that kicks the balls out my moving a washer..I guess I may try that next. Tips/suggestions are appreciated..but first I'd like to know what the game should actually be doing.

Thanks!

stangbat - is that the only way they should release? when you lock a third ball? nothing sooner releasing one or 2 of the balls?

I have replacement switch bank on order from pinballspareparts. I adjusted them...or at least tried to. No dice. Looked at the underside, it appears all is soldered ok. I hope my soldering skills are up to par when the new switches come in. I can't recall the last time i soldered anything...

Threw it into test today after some time w/the manual. Ball on switch 1 (lowest) will trigger most of the time. Dropping a ball through the hole will cause it to flake out. Switch 2 with a ball on switch one is hit or miss as well...the game will flash the switch lights back and forth.

So, i'm thinking that switch bank i ordered will hopefully fix the issue. Anyone have reason to believe it'd be some form of wiring issue? The prior owner had a crimp connect on the middle wire..not sure why it's not soldered. At any rate..new switch bank is in the mail..and I have to take the old one off anyways.

Does anyone clip/restrip the wire prior to re-joining to the new switches? It doesn't look like i have a lot of room to play with when it comes to length. Thanks again..

So i got those switches. They look...used. Dirty...like they were ripped out of an old machine. Question - if the switch doesn't make an audible click, does that mean it's bad. The new bay of 3 switches - 2 click audibly, one does not. I'd like to know if that's a bad sign before I waste the time to install them.

Thanks again. I think i'm gonna just order 3 new switches w/diodes so i only have to do this once. Kinda pissed at the aussie buy. I got robbed for 30 bucks!

Replaced all switches over the weekend w/the lock w/new ones (Thanks stangbat). Soldering skills weren't the best, but they were still there. Everything is working as it should. Thanks everyone!