Expert: Rodger Knutson - 3/9/2010

Question
I have a bally slot machine model 831 that the handle won't pull when I drop a coin in.  If I open the machine and pull down on the metal piece to the right side I can then pull the lever and the machine works fine.  How can I fix this?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Brent,

I could give you the answer that you might hear the most, "It could be many things" but here is what I find the most, with this problem, and I see it a lot. Most likely cause of this is the Beau-plugs, they are the plugs on the back of the hopper and the reel mechanism you see after you pull these Assembly's out of the machine, they have aluminum pins, that push into the mounted plugs when you shove your hopper or reel mechanism in. Being made of aluminum they corrode which causes poor contact, or they get damaged by slamming in the hopper or reel mechanism when the pins are not quite aligned right. This can drive the plug sockets right out of the mounted plugs. Assuming your plugs are in good shape, then you need to clean the corrosion off the pins. First try plugging your machine in, turn the power on, drop in a coin, if the handle does not pull down, or is not released when the coin is inserted, try hitting the hopper with the Palm of your hand and see at the same time if the handle release lock drops and releases the handle, if not, try doing the same thing with the reel mechanism. If hitting or wiggling the hopper or reel mechanism drops the handle lock so you can pull it. Then this is a 95 percent probability that these Blue plug pins are the problem and need cleaning or the problem is right there somewhere. I clean these with wire brushes that look like tooth brushes, and you can get these at auto parts stores. If you clean the pins right, this brush will be ready to pitch in the garbage when your done. It takes time to do this, but it may also clear up many other problems you could be having or will be having in the future. If you need a manual for this machine, there is a Very Good one at:

http://jackpot7.freeyellow.com/page21.html

Look for the manual: Bally Electro/Mechanical Manual Number 2400.

This is an excellent manual for anyone to learn there slot machines, this manual even has a drawing of just this handle release circuit, and explains just where each switch in this circuit is located, Supper good stuff. Please don't forget to leave me feedback here, that is my only reward for all this, and please come back and let me know how this worked for you, if you would be so kind.

Thank You

Sincerely
Rodger Knutson
http://www.coinslots.com