Loose Flipper

[shredso]

First of all, if there is a better forum for repair ideas and tips, could someone let me know?  I'm down to the last few minor problems on my pin, and one keeps coming back.  My right flipper keeps coming loose.  There are 2 allen set screws holding it in place, and no matter how tight i make them, it loosens right up, during the first play.  Should I try some lock-tite, or do you think something is worn out?The machine is a Gottlieb Big Hurt.  Thanks.

[pinballwizard79]

You really have to crank those things in....or yeah something is worn.....NO LOCKTITE

[shredso]

I have an order ready to go through tomorrow, looks like I'll be adding a shaft, is there anything else it could be?  I did a flipper rebuild with their full kit a few months back.

[ChadTower]

If you did a full rebuild, either you got a defective part, stripped the part, or you didn't assemble it right.  That shouldn't be happening to a rebuilt flipper.

[shredso]

The rebuild didn't come with the shaft in the first place.  I guess I will need to totally disassemble it before I make any orders.

[ChadTower]

Then back up and tell us what it did come with.  A full rebuild usually includes that part in order to replace the linkage on it.

[shredso]

Complete Kit Includes:

2 Plungers & Links Assy
2 Spring Washers
2 Return Springs
2 Coil Stops
1 Lever Arm Assy-R
1 Lever Arm Assy-L
1 EOS Switch & Cap-R
1 EOS Switch & Cap-L
2 Flipper Bearings
2 Sleeves
6 Screws
6 Split Washers
2 Retaining Rings


Part#
KT-GFLIP05
$64.12

Wont have a chance to disassemble until later, too bad, I wanted to try and order parts today.

[ChadTower]

That has the shaft in it.  I'm talking about the part that gets pulled into the coil.  Not that part that is attached to the plastic flipper.



EDIT:  plunger... that's what I'm talking about.  I always see that as the shaft because I don't really visualize the flipper itself as part of the mech even though it is.

[shredso]

The rebuild kit didn't come with part 26497 flipper shaft assembly, it would make sense that has some wear, hopefully I can get this apart soon and verify so I can order my parts and beat this damn game!!

[shardian]

Mine came loose a time or two after I reassembled my playfield. I just cranked down hard on the set screws so they dug in. It hasn't come loose since.

[shredso]

I tried cranking them super hard, no luck.  I took it apart and it has multiple screw grooves, nothing to dig into.  A guy at Pinball Resource suggested I swap left and right shoe and shaft , so I took that one apart also, it doesn't look much better, but that one stays for some reason.  I just ordered 2 new ones.  I'd hate to have one fixed, then the other strips on my next flipper rebuild.

[ChadTower]

I've done a lot of flipper mechs and I've never seen one you couldn't dig into with the clamp.  That is either one really crappy shaft or you're just not tightening it enough.

[shredso]

I was seeing a difference, for awhile tightening would help for a couple weeks.  There are pretty deep grooves in multiple spots on the shaft, so it is probably slipping between grooves.  At some point someone mustve super tightened it in a weird position.  I tried taking a picture by my camera was out of focus for something so small.  After ordering I wondered if maybe I couldve filed the existing grooves off to give it a flat surface?  Anyway, parts are ordered, if for an extra $20 I can get a perfect play out of this thing I'll be happy.  Thanks for all the input.