Bally 831 went south :(

[littleJim]

Wow! what a great site and wealth of slot information. I had almost given up finding any help on the internet when I found your forum. Anyway, I recently purchased a 1968 bally 831 3 reel fruit slot machine. It worked fine for a few days but now all coins are rejected, go straight through and back out into the tray where the winnings are paid out.

I cannot get the coin switch inside the door to register coins either by opening the door and manually pushing it.

When I manually operate the handle release coil by pushing up on the armature causing the latch arm assembly to drop, I can then pull the handle, however, as soon as the reels stop spinning both the "winner paid" and "insert coin" lights immediately come on.

My sister lives next door to me, has had three brain surgeries, and is severely disabled, but is capable of and still loves to play slots (although she is unable to travel to a casino because of her health problems. Any help fixing this problem(s) would be greatly appreciated. 

[RiseLikeRa]

Welcome to the forum.  Jim I am NOT an expert but I have had the same problem some time ago.  I actually forgot what I did to fix it.  I believe the problem was related to contacts on the left side of the hopper.  I use a coin wrapper to pass between contacts to make sure they are clean.  Also I would check that contacts and the Beau plugs on the back of the hopper and reel mech to make sure they are clean and making a good connection.  I hope this help you.

T

[OldReno]

I guess my first post didn't make it so will try again.
Sounds like a dead coin in switch and no hopper reset.
Check behind your hopper and see if the 50V fuse has blown. It should be the middle fuse.

[littleJim]

Thanks to you both. I will take a look, see what I can find, and report back. And again, thank you so much.

[littleJim]

Welcome to the forum.  Jim I am NOT an expert but I have had the same problem some time ago.  I actually forgot what I did to fix it.  I believe the problem was related to contacts on the left side of the hopper.  I use a coin wrapper to pass between contacts to make sure they are clean.  Also I would check that contacts and the Beau plugs on the back of the hopper and reel mech to make sure they are clean and making a good connection.  I hope this help you.

T

I removed the reel mech and the hopper and used a coin wrapper to pass through the contacts as you said, then checked the Beau plug connections and they appear to be solid. No loose wires etc. but still experience the same problem. Would pics help at all?

[littleJim]

I guess my first post didn't make it so will try again.
Sounds like a dead coin in switch and no hopper reset.
Check behind your hopper and see if the 50V fuse has blown. It should be the middle fuse.

  Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. I checked and all my fuses are good. I was kind of bummed because that would have been an easy fix! I have a multi meter. How can i test the coin switch. It used to be that i could open the door and manually operate it. now, nothing.

[OldReno]

Pull your reels, on the left side, actuate that armature that operates the coin relay assembly coil. Trip the relay.
Plug back in, see if coin switch works and steps up the odds.

[OldReno]

Just what happens when you push and release the coin switch?  Do you hear anything?
Have you smacked it with the end of your screwdriver yet?  That's worked for me in the past at times, and saves having to replace it for a bit.

[littleJim]

I smacked the coin switch with a screwdriver like you said to, then pulled the reels and actuated the armature that operates the coin relay assembly coil, tripped the relay, plugged it in.......... and IT WORKS! Thank you guys so very much for your time and expertise. I think the fact that you are able to diagnose problems over the internet based on some pretty sketchy information (supplied by me) is a testament to just how much knowledge you have of these machines.

My sister was thrilled to play it this evening and is grateful as well. I will post a pic of her playing it soon. When you see it, you will have a much better idea of just how much happiness your efforts have brought her (and myself).

Thanks again.    

[RiseLikeRa]

Thats the kind of story I like to hear on this list.  Enjoy!

[littleJim]

Thanks again for each of you taking the time to help me fix the slot machine. Here is the picture of my sister that I said I would post. Because of her medical issues she is very limited in what she can do and where she can go. Playing the slot machine is a big deal for her.

I do not have any skills or knowledge to offer anybody in this forum related to slot machines. However, I do have 20 + years experience in design, fabrication, and welding of custom parts and assemblies for a wide variety of industries and applications, and would be happy to assist other members if they have any needs in that area.

Thank you,

Robert

[RiseLikeRa]

Robert:

Thank you for sharing the picture of your sister playing your machine with us.   I have a similar situation with my machines and my elderly family members.  They REALLY look forward to the fun they have playing these old machines.  They bring back memories I am sure.  Stay well and thanks for your generous offer to help in your field of expertise. 

Terrance