OldReno's troubleshooting tips.

[OldReno]

I bump this occasionally to get it near the top of the list.  There's some fair reading here if you got time on how these machines work.
Bump.

I'm certainly glad to help anyone get their old Bally fixed as are others on this forum. 
However, you must first download the bally manual, here at:

 http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?action=downloads;cat=97

The Bally EM Manual is 33MB long, and it is how we can understand each other. It shows all parts, and gives a name and bally number.  This is our bible.
If you don't, I may not help you, because it'll probably become too frustrating for all concerned.
The manual is on my desktop, and should be on yours.

The rest of this thread is some Links to some troubleshooting posts
If you are brand new to the Bally EM, you may find something here to help.
Please don't fill this space up with comments, as it's just too hard to sort through otherwise.  thanks.
Most of this stuff is blah blah BS, but there are a couple of nice ones. Hopefully you can get something out of them. They are marked with asterisks ***

New 05/20/13 Bally color code.  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=24207.0
*How the coin lockout coil works  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=23517.0
How to fix/check part 1  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=19296.0  boring, missing links to photos, ignore this one.
**How to fix/check part 2   http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=19336.0  The handle, reel mech, wipers, etc.
*How to fix/check part 3   http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=19448.0   The hopper.
How to fix/check part 4  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=20169.0  Rebuilding coin reject lever and assy.  boring.
How to fix/check part 5   http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=20192.0   fixing drooping pan also handle replace hints.
***Checking your Bally EM for shorts.   http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=17559.0   What it says.... A probably should-read.
**How to tell if your fuses are good without opening the door.  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=17550.0
A favorite tool - the gluestick.    http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=20005.0
How to decipher coils and solenoids  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=19020.0
*How to easily trace your wiring.   http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=19319.0
How to test your hopper torsion spring.   http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=18872.0
*How to find wires without disassembling the harness.  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=19019.0
*How to accurately check closed switch contacts.  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=17603.0
How to ohm out hopper payboards.  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=18831.0
4 ways to reset your hopper  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=18776.0
Coils vs solenoids   http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=18749.0
*What the zero switch does (hopper) http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=18536.0
The hopper Arc switches  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=17704.0
*Helping diagnose handle release problems.  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=17705.0
How to get free plays on the bally EM's  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=17706.0
***Using Jumpers on your Bally EM  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=17558.0
Hopper high pays and the CO circuit.  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=17554.0

Added new link, on May 14. 
How to setup pays  http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=24135.0

If any of these are helpful, drop a line so I can expand them.  Thanks.

[mark the spark]

top stuff oldreno any chance they could make this a sticky

[OldReno]

I don't know how to approach that...and I'm not really sure what a sticky is.  I have only a vague idea.

[RiseLikeRa]

Reno:

Thank you so much for putting all of these in one post.

Ra

[OldReno]

And then there's this, which is the most important link of all.
Thanks CVS for finding and sharing....

http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?action=downloads;cat=97

A must read for all Bally EM fans.

[OldReno]

Bumped today.
Here is link to your Bally EM Manual.
This is our bible, all 33MB of it. Download it, put link on desktop.
http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?action=downloads;cat=97

[OldReno]

Bumping this because I don't know how to make this post stay near the top, so I have to re-find it and post again.
BTW, you did download your EM Manual, yes????
Anyone know how to make this sticky?  Or what that means?

[Thompy]

Just like to say many thanks for your posts on help, tip's etc on Bally Electro's it's really helped me thanks OldReno!!!

[OldReno]

Thompy, you are too kind.  It is a pleasure to help.  One day perhaps someone will compile all the great posts folks have put here in the EM section, and make a comprehensive trouble shooting manual...

[OldReno]

bump

[CavanB]

That's all great but how do you change the glass without talking 50,000 screws out?????

[CVslots]

You can't, unless its the top glass. It's the Beauty of the Beast. Convenience was not a consideration in the EM days.

[OldReno]

If it's the belly glass, it is held in by two screws.  Look at Page 76 of your downloaded Bally em manual, and you will see the unit.  The two screws are
1. Just below the lock cam, next to the fluorescent starter, and
2. on the other side, just behind your lower door plug.
Make sure you wrap the fingers of your left hand around the glass as you take the screws out, otherwise the glass may fall out and break.  After the 2 screws are out, the top pulls away, and the bottom lifts up.

If it's the reels glass, there are probably 4 or 5 of them on there.  Two in upper corners, and another 2 or 3 you'll have to look for.

[OldReno]

Bump