Greetings to all. I have a technical problem and a confession to make.

When bonus has been earned, my 1976 Royal Flush is gets stuck counting the bonus after a ball's been drained.

For example, if 1,000 bonus is lit at the end of a ball, it will keep counting the 1,000 until I tilt or power down the game. It's been doing wonders for my score but I'd be happier with an accurate count.

I checked out Marvin 3m...with visions of switches, coils, AX, SB, Z2 and S relays swimming in my head, I get confused and I can't figure it out. I try but I confess that I'm an artist and really suck at this technical stuff. I need a Rosetta Stone or a technical master.

Respectfully, mfl

Check that the Bonus unit (usually under the playfield)
steps down properly during the bonus count phase.

If it does not move, check that:
- the bonus step down coil is activated;
   (if not, it will be an upstream electrical issue (bonus relay contact, other contact, wire, etc.)
- make sure the ratchet is not gummed-up on the unit (often occurs)
- make sure that all contacts on the bonus unit are clean and properly adjusted
- make sure the zero position switch on the bonus count unit is set correctly,
  and acts correctly when the bonus count is zeroed.

Edit: It could also be a plug with corroded/dirty/broken contact
from the playfield to the inside cabinet mech relay board...
Or also a contact misadjusted or dirty on the score motor stack.

If visuals and this post does not help, you will need the schematics
to understand which relay contacts control the bonus count down coil
(and which contacts are in-series with it).

Cheers,
- Sylvain.

Thank you Sylvain. I'm going to print out your instructions and attempt to source the problem.

The ratchet is not gummed-up on the unit.
All contacts on the bonus unit appear clean and properly adjusted.
The ratchet is not gummed-up on the unit and moves freely.
The bonus step down coil is activated Is that "B" Bonus Score Relay?

Now the whole ratchet does appear to engaging the teeth. Could this be the problem?

Thanks again.

Heres the photo Courtesy CFH@provide.net

It appears that your 'Pivot often binds' is your issue,
that ratchet part for the bonus step down does not seem
to engage the teeth ?  (I cannot see the pic very clearly).

The attached spring should make the small L-shaped ratchet
always touching the teeth.  If not, then it is gummed-up,
and you will need to clean then lubricate that part so that
it moves freely.
(Also check that the screw for that pivot is not overtight perhaps)

Good luck !

Cheers,
- Sylvain.

I think I broke it Sylvain. I'll try to take my own photos later.

I moved the bakulite wheel 1/16 turn to check to see if the mech was frozen. It sprung back into place but now I think the machine is stuck in the bonus cycle. I can reset by engaging the ball return contact .

Ha, I only now realize that the pics were not from your machine, sorry.
Must be Friday and not enough coffee yet!

Nothing should be broken (unless the unit was forced, bent,
or one teeth broken).

Check the zero position switch on the bonus count unit.
Machine should stop the count once at zero.

Too bad we are so far apart, I otherwise would have made a
quick home service call to your place... Unless one day
you decide to bring the machine to me up here in Ottawa,
if not fixed by then !

Cheers,
- Sylvain.

Thanks for the kind offer Sylvain but I'm not ready to give up yet.


Where do I find the zero position switch on the bonus count unit? Is it on the pictured side or the other side?


I'll post actual photos later in week!



mfl

Quoted from mfl

Where do I find the zero position switch on the bonus count unit? Is it on the pictured side or the other side?

On the two pics you posted above,
it is the very visible large contact stack in the front
(top, slightly to the left of the pic).

One set of contacts is the zero position switch,
you will see these contacts being pushed when the pin
or screw on the sproket is manually reset its zero position.
The other set of switches on the same stack
is to tell the machine that the bonus is at its max. position,
and not to add any further bonus.

Again, this is very visual and mechanical,
you do not need power on to identify these,
nor to get the solenoid movement to ratchet
the bonus count unit up or down.

I am not sure I will be able to help you further
remotely here, sorry...

Good luck!

Cheers,
- Sylvain.

Thanks Sylvain.

It looks like the ratchet isn't engaged - see area circled in photo below (click to enlarge).

You've been a great help.