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Ball Launch Problem - Geometry/Pool Cue Question

Steve

Steve

Registered
10 Years
Joined
Jul 21, 2011
Messages
774
Location
Maldon,Essex
I have a problem with my IJ failing to launch the ball onto the playfield. When the plunger contacts the ball it goes up in the air, rather than along the wooden V groove, causing the ball to hit the front part of the ruins plastic. This takes most of the momentum out of the ball and it rolls back down against the plunger and the process just keeps repeating itself. I've tried raising the front of the idol ruins with some shims but it's still hitting. Messing about with the playfield is out of the question, and I was wondering if any adjustment in the position of the launch coil plunger can effect the ball trajectory? If you roll the ball up the shooter lane by hand it clears the front edge of the ruins with plenty of space to spare.

It appears that the plunger is making contact with the ball in near-as-damn-it the centre of the ball?


Question is: to stop the ball launching upwards, do I need to lower the point of contact with the ball or raise it?
 
Sounds to me like the plunger coil or bracket is either incorrectly mounted or slightly bent (possibly from lifting the playfield over the years). It should be centre on the ball as you describe but if I was altering it I would raise contact to the top of the ball rather than underneath.
 
I remember seeing this when we were working on the switch issue.
You must have spent some time in a snooker/pool hall in your past, most of us have. It might be hitting the ball in the centre but at an angle that is upwards or downwards. As Moonraker suggest, move it to the top a bit, if that doesn't work apply your snooker sense.
 
Calimori said:
I remember seeing this when we were working on the switch issue.
You must have spent some time in a snooker/pool hall in your past, most of us have. It might be hitting the ball in the centre but at an angle that is upwards or downwards. As Moonraker suggest, move it to the top a bit, if that doesn't work apply your snooker sense.
Click to expand...

I'll try it tonight and see if a bit of chalk on the end helps!
 
Calimori said:
Just checked mine, the solenoid appears to have a nylon tip. I don't have the time to take it apart right now but can do in a bit if you want to compare Steve.
Click to expand...

Cheers Geoff, mine has a white nylon tip also but a rubber tip is a good idea!

I'll look and see whats on my other machines and have a play around tonight.
 
Thanks for the help chaps, it's now sorted.

I noticed the nylon tip was quite badly mushroomed and realised it was still the original. (I had bought a complete replacement and forgot to fit it)!

New coil assembly is now in and it's done the trick.
 
Yep, plays perfectly. Feels really fast as well? Maybe down to the clear-coated playfield. (Or the angle of dangle I set it at).
 
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