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This is a new problem that seemed to coincide with my efforts to check the payout reset circuit including adjustment of the zero reset switch on the payout unit. Even a cherry on an unplayed line will either empty the hopper or time out, whichever comes first. The only way to stop the payout (other than unplugging the machine or disconnecting the hopper unit) is to insert another coin. The payout step-up works fine, so I have no idea how power is seemingly bypassing the payout counter spiral circuits. Makes no sense to me.

The original problem I was after still exists. The payout counter doesn't reset when the reels kickoff on the next spin following a win, so only the first payout following a manual reset of the payout unit works properly. The "Winner Paid" light is always on, even after reforming the blades on the zero reset switch to ensure that it would make on the first step up AND break on a (manual) reset.

I'm thinking that this sounds like a shorted circuit. I was checking the zero reset switch circuit and found continuity between the orange wire and the frame of the hopper. Aren't all of the circuits isolated from the metal components like the door/frame/hopper, etc?  It's not blowing any fuses, but I also noticed that someone removed the ground prong from the power plug. I assumed that was done so it could connect to an ungrounded outlet, but now I'm wondering if it was blowing fuses due to a short and this was someone's quick fix. I may inherit more problems but for safety's sake I think I'd like to replace the plug and make sure the unit is properly grounded.

Any help or ideas are appreciated.

bh

It sounds to me like you made a mistake wiring the molex connectors on in place of the beau, since all the hopper operations are controlled from the top unit.

The nearest machine to your 831 is the 5-line 873, which is in the Mead book. The general principles and most of the wire colors will be the same.

There should be only two switches which control the hopper reset coil -- the B switch (above the variator above the clock), and the Zero switch.  Meter them both to make sure they are contacting.
Is that a mechanical or electrical stepped hopper?
In a 'clean' machine, there should be no contact between the 70 wire (orange) and case.  You have a short somewhere.
Meter the 70 wire to case, (try unplugged and on ohms) and pull out each unit (hopper, reels, top) to see if and when it disappears.  When it goes away, then you have found your culprit.
Also, during pays, you should NOT be able to insert a coin to stop the pay.  Check your payout relays switches.