So I replaced my flipper coil/link/EOS switch for the top flipper of my Meteor.  There was an incorrect coil in there before, the same coil that Stern used for the regular flippers.

Anyway, after replacing that (along with the flipper cabinet switches) I have a problem I've never had before.  The flipper moves freely, flips freely in gameplay, but has zero power from resting position.  So if the ball is sitting right on the flipper, it can't even move it.  BUT, if the ball is away from the flipper, the flipper extends with usual power and can strike the ball.

So what causes a flipper to have no power in resting position when there is any load against it, but to have regular power as soon as it's started to extend itself?

Thanks for any help,
Daniel

Sounds like maybe the "hold" and "power" windings are reversed?

Very possible... I just swapped over wire for wire, one at a time.

How could I figure that out?

Quoted from tinyrodent

Sounds like maybe the "hold" and "power" windings are reversed?

- Recheck your new flipper coil, diodes orientation and wiring;
- Recheck the gapping/pressure on the top flipper EOS switch;

If not the above, then it will be:
- check the EOS switch contacts on the bottom flipper on the same side.
(there should be two contact pairs, one set is used to power the top
flipper when the bottom flipper gets close to end of its stroke).

Cheers,
- Sylvain.

Look at your other flippers and use them as your guide.

Quoted from McMean

Very possible... I just swapped over wire for wire, one at a time.

How could I figure that out?

Compare with another flipper coil wiring, as well as the wire size
connected to the lugs.

- Sylvain.

Wired properly.  I do notice in the schematics that the right flipper and the upper flipper coil does not have diodes drawn in the coil, but the left flipper does have diodes drawn in the coil.

Is there ever a situation where there should be no diodes on a flipper coil?

I would compare the wires with a working flipper. Also you can test the theory by pushing with your finger on the flippers while they are held up. But don't hold it for too long. The EOS switch is supposed to engage the hold winding. If it's engaging the power winding instead, it could burn up the coil pretty fast.

The coil will not hold the flipper in the extended position at all.  It flips up, then falls down immediately.
When compared to the other flippers, it is the same.  They both work perfectly, although, I haven't replaced anything yet.

Quoted from tinyrodent

I would compare the wires with a working flipper. Also you can test the theory by pushing with your finger on the flippers while they are held up. But don't hold it for too long. The EOS switch is supposed to engage the hold winding. If it's engaging the power winding instead, it could burn up the coil pretty fast.

Quoted from McMean

Is there ever a situation where there should be no diodes on a flipper coil?

EM pinball coils


Have you checked the bottom flipper EOS switches ?

Another reason I like EMs more.

I've got replacement EOS switches and coils for the bottom flippers, I just thought I'd do the one tonight.  I'll replace those ones tomorrow and report back.  The right bottom flipper EOS switch that controls the upper flipper is indeed pretty pitted.

Quoted from sylvain

EM pinball coils


Have you checked the bottom flipper EOS switches ?

Are you sure you don't have a broken winding wire? Check the resistance at the lugs for the power and the hold sides.