TAF Saucer Kick out not powerfull enough

[Tucks]

All, the saucer kickout at Thing on my TAF has lost power. When the ball is in the saucer it tries to eject it but can't push the ball over the lip of the saucer hole. Sometimes after about 5 tries it manages to push out but something is clearly wrong. Do I need a new coil or just give it a good clean??
All help greatly welcomed. Regards, Tucks

 

[mark9]

Make sure the plunger is running freely through the coil. Worn mechanical parts are more likely, rare that a coil needs replacing.

 

[Tucks]

Thank you. Will give it a go Regards

 

[DRD]

I would say good clean. Isoprop alcohol is good to get rid of black gunk in the coil sleeve.

Brasso or solvol autosol to clean the plunger and give it a bit of polish

It can make a huge difference, especially if some fool oiled it in the past

This will probably be enough. If not you can cheat by putting a squirt of gt85 on the plunger. BUT this is last resort. Gt85 is dry Teflon lubricant in a spray. The solvent evaporates to leave the Teflon behind. But it can make solenoids TOO powerful.

If you are new to pinball repairs, suggest you take a photo of the assembly before you dissemble it. It is very easy to start head scratching if you don't. And turn the machine off before you do it. It is remarkably easy to short circuits or blow things when power turned on.

 

[Tucks]

Many thanks and great advice. It's my first machine and on a very steep learning curve. This may be my first technical post but sure won't be the last. Thank all.

 

[astyy]

If you are new to pinball repairs, suggest you take a photo of the assembly before you dissemble it

Defo agree with that, Digital camera is fast becoming my top pinball tool.

I've had problems with coils but not going soft, more sticking on that type of thing. You can at least check the resistance (from site below) and that the coil sleeve is free moving - a tight sleeve is also a bad sign.
https://www.flippers.com/coil-resistance.html

As the guys point out earlier tho more likely gunged up mechanicals.

 

[Tucks]

Taking a photo is a great idea. Reading loads on the internet a keen to learn more before I sell the wife and kids for more machines! Cheers