Sticky ball trough on The Shadow

[kevlar]

I'm having a very occasional problem with balls not running down the trough on my recently purchased Shadow. Sometimes after locking a ball or a drain the machine just sits there until I give it a little shake and then the balls move down the trough into position and the game continues. I've taken the trough out and balls run along it fine even when held barely off horizontal which is a lot flatter than than when it's mounted.

Is this a common problem with this trough design?

One other thing, the very first opto at the top of the trough doesn't work, is it supposed to? Or is that there for machines with 6 balls? Either way it doesn't seem to affect gameplay and I don't think it can be linked to the balls not running down into place.

 

[RudeDogg1]

Have u tested the opto on the switch test?

 

[Spandangler]

Yes it's fairly common. It will be tiny divots in the trough. File them out and all should be fine

 

[kevlar]

Have u tested the opto on the switch test?

Yes its not working or needed, just checked the manual against the test, although there's 7 opto's in the trough only 6 are used, top trough ( made when popping the ball up ) and trough 1 to 5 so ignore me on that one.

The trough does feel smooth though, I'll take it off again and double check.

 

[Spandangler]

Well it'll be one of 3 things, it can only be mechanical. Trough divots, magnetised balls or a levelling issue.

 

[RudeDogg1]

new balls then maybe

 

[Sgt GrizZ]

Trough sleeves are also available . Never used one myself.

http://www.pinbits.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=51&products_id=449&zenid=rf0a7vkpaljrluatksfutsmc60

 

[Moonraker]

As others have said, it's normally caused by (tiny) divots or magnetised balls.

It's also worth checking that the trough is not fastened on too tight and so that the balls are binding on the palyfield above!

Sometimes it's possible to see/investigate the cause by opening the playfield door when it happens.

 

[kevlar]

Thanks guys. Took the trough off again and there were indeed tiny divots. Gave it the once over with some emery cloth and so far so good. Fingers crossed.

 

[ronsplooter]

It's probably worth getting some new balls as well seeing as they're not too expensive. You want the ones that are for games with magnets as they'll become magnetised less easily.

 

[kevlar]

It's probably worth getting some new balls as well seeing as they're not too expensive. You want the ones that are for games with magnets as they'll become magnetised less easily.

I may do that. Are there any particular makes/suppliers preferred? My other pin is a getaway so there's a lot of magnet use there too.

 

[ronsplooter]

Send Andy at Pinball Mania a message, he'll sort you out. You want the carbon steel ones

http://www.pinballmania.co.uk/hardware.htm

 

[pinballmania]

Also have the trough liners

 

[Paul]

Also have the trough liners

Are they suitable for STTNG Andy, and how much (dont need any yet, however suspect i will do in the future.... )

 

[pinballmania]

Are they suitable for STTNG Andy, and how much (dont need any yet, however suspect i will do in the future.... )

believe so. £6 each plus p&p