Fixing an Aristocrat mechanical slot

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(I moved this topic here where people who need it in future will find it - Op-Bell)

Original post by bkbargins4u

Re: WTS - Aristocrat Quarter Mechanical Slot Machine - Located in IL

OK, I am going to try my best to explain what the machine is/isn't doing with pictures.  The first pictures shows where the quarter gets stuck when you put in the machine, just pulling the handle won't pull the quarter into the slot.  In the very middle of the second picture is a lever that when you push it down will allow the quarter to drop into the slot.  You can then pull the handle down but the wheels don't spin, it looks like the main cross bar didn't totally re-set from the previous pull.  The third picture shows the spring on the side which is suppose to pull the main cross bar all the way back to where it is supposed to be before each pull.  To me the spring isn't strong enough to pull it back all the way, either it is the wrong spring or it is worn out.       






The third picture shows the spring on the side which is suppose to pull the main cross bar all the way back to where it is supposed to be before each pull.  To me the spring isn't strong enough to pull it back all the way, either it is the wrong spring or it is worn out.

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In pic c001 below, there is a plate that moves in the curved slot (1) pivoting on the pin (2). If there's no coin in place, the plate pivots left and stops the handle releasing. If there is a coin, the coin blocks it so the mechanism releases, then as the coin is pushed down the plate pivots across to block any second coin from dropping down. This plate and the parts it attaches to can get sticky so the plate doesn't return to let the next coin drop. Shaking the handle will usually release it but it probably needs a good clean. It was sticking on my machine when I got it, but after pushing it a few times and cycling the machine it worked itself free without me having to do anything, and it doesn't stick any more. Behind the escalator it's attached to a vertical rod with plastic bushes on the ends (3, pic c002 below). That attaches to the small lever in your second pic just so the operator can cycle the machine without putting a coin in. (continued)

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The bar you say is not returning is item 4 in pic c002 above. This is the setting bar, or operating fork in Mills terminology. It's set (rotated clockwise) when the pawl 5 in pic c003 (below) lifts the pin 6 and it does two things that are not visible in these pics. Under the mechanism it lifts up the timing bar that withdraws all the stops and pins to let the reels spin, and under the reel disks it pushes forward a grab hook that engages with the teeth on the reel disks. When the lever is fully pulled, the pin falls off the cam and the setting bar comes back on its spring, pulling the grab hook back to spin the reels. Your third pic, top post, shows the other end of the setting bar, the return spring, and a shock absorber. There isn't an enormous amount of tension in the return spring, and I don't advise tightening it. The problem is more likely in the grab hook, which is behind the coin tube and rather difficult to see (7 in c004 below). The problem is most likely in the grab hook pivot (8, c004 below). The grab hook has a long bush, necessary to handle the stresses. When I first got my machine this bush was so gummed up with heavy grease that the hook wouldn't return, exactly the same problem you're having. Remove the bolt, slide the bush off the shaft and clean it, and I bet everything works afterward.

[bkbargins4u]

Thank you very much for the detailed instructions, I will try your suggestions and let you know what happens.  Thanks again!! 

[bkbargins4u]

You were absolutely correct, the bolt/bushing on the grab hook was preventing the setting bar from not returning, I had a heck of a time just getting the bolt out.  Now, what is the best way to get the bolt out of the bushing without screwing it up?  It is really hard to turn, and almost feels like it is press fitted in the bushing.     

[bkbargins4u]

OK, I got the bolt out.  I cleaned the bolt and the bushing, and now the bolt turns freely in the bushing.  I re-installed it to check to see if it works, and it doesn't.  The setting bar returns like it is suppose to, but the reels still don't spin.  The timer and locking fingers(?) appear to work correctly.  Any ideas?  Also, do I need to grease the grab hook bolt?  If so, will just regular grease work? Thanks again for all your help!     

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I assume that when the mech releases the reels are in fact free to spin. Is the hook catching the teeth on the reel disks? The top end of the hook assembly (7 above) swivels. It pushes down to pass over the teeth as the hook comes forward, and the spring visible in (7) pulls it up to catch the teeth on the return. That may be another bit needing cleaning. Actually the more you look, the more you'll find! I found another part on mine seized up with glue-grease just last night when I was taking pics for this thread. I don't know what they made that original stuff out of but I'm guessing it was gum from the gum trees mixed with ground-up kangaroo claws.

I would just use regular grease, yes. Don't put it back dry.

[bkbargins4u]

I think they accidentally used Gorilla glue instead of grease.

I can't really tell where the problem is.  The reels spin freely when both the locking fingers in the back and the reel locking pins are pulled out.  The plate at the top hook assembly pivots/swivels freely, however it is not catching and spinning the teeth on the reel disks.  I can't tell if the plate at the top of the hook assembly is worn out, or if the reel locking pins aren't pulling out all the way or long enough.  Also, is there supposed to be a spring on the side of the plate that pushes the reel locking pins out?  The plate isn't returning all the way down, and it looks like there's a hole for one.  I tried to take a picture of the plate at the top of the hook assembly, and of the plate that pushes the reel locking pins out but my camera battery went dead and is charging.  One thing I haven't mentioned yet which doesn't affect this (I don't think) is the spring is broken on the top coin slide, I think the guy I bought it from pulled it out manually to empty the coin tube.  Do you know where I can get a replacement spring?      
  


      

[bkbargins4u]

OK, I have added pictures of what I was talking about above.  The first picture is of the hook assembly, does the top look like it is supposed to.  The second picture is of the plate that pushes the reel locking pins out, is there supposed to be a spring in the small hole on the right hand side of the plate to pull it down.     

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The hook assembly looks ok, but make sure the top part swivels freely on its pivot and isn't stiff or stuck. There's no spring in that hole on the pusher plate.

[bkbargins4u]

I re-installed the hook assembly.  I then pulled out the reel locking pins, and pulled the handle.  The reels spun and stopped like they were supposed to.  I was looking at the pins and the push plate to see if I could see something that didn't look right, and all I came up with the bolt/pin with the spring on it (see attached picture, it is toward the bottom to the left of the reels).  Does that look right?  If not, any other ideas?  Also, where can I replacement springs for the coin slides?  Thanks    

[bkbargins4u]

Is anyone a vendor at the Chicagoland Antique Advertising, Jukebox, Slot Machine, Pinball Show‏ who is familair with these machines and would be willing to check out this machine for me?