S+ Handle Stuck down position

[JethroP]

The handle on my machine won't go back up.  I can see a cog/latch through a hole in the handle mechanism when looking inside with the door open.  I can push the cog with a screwdriver and the handle releases and goes back up, but when I pull the handle back down it catches and stays down again.  Could something inside the handle mechanism just need lube?  I'm not afraid to remove the handle and take it apart, but thought I'd ask advice before I do.  What could be the likely problem?

[Stayouttadabunker]

Remove bolt & washer under the handle with an Allen key (4.5mm)
Pull handle out & remove decorative cover.

Remove 2 wire tabs from switch on front of handle mechanism.
Remove small black Molex connector from handle solenoid.

Use extension on socket and remove four (11mm) nuts from handle mechanism unit.
Remove handle mechanism from inside the cabinet wall and round plate with four bolts on the outside wall.


Place handle mechanism on a bench and service it.
Carefully inspect all pieces for something bent and straighten it out.
Use a good pair of pliers or a shop vise.

Good luck!

[JethroP]

Removed the mechanism and oiled a gummed up bearing.  Reinstalled and all working now. 

[Stayouttadabunker]

But did you die?! 

You learn something new everyday...these things are old as dirt.
Nobody's serviced them for years.
Good job!

[Mr. Tibbs]

But did you die?! 

You learn something new everyday...these things are old as dirt.
Nobody's serviced them for years.
Good job!

Haha, same happened to me yesterday. I was worried I wouldn't be able to get it back together again, but It wasn't too bad, the springs are not super strong or anything. But of course I had the spindle in the wrong way round, so the handle would be upside down, so had to take it apart again and turn the spindle around 

[Stayouttadabunker]

... But of course I had the spindle in the wrong way round, so the handle would be upside down, so had to take it apart again and turn the spindle around 

You could turn the machine upside down? 


but yeah...the solenoid needs to be up on top in the back in there...lol

[Jim]

the problem you described usually is caused by the shock absorber  pad melting away, (orange goop running down the side of the machine), when the handle flies back up into position, there is nothing there to dampen the flyback so the handle will bounce and travel downward and lock in a stuck position. you have to fix that pad or it will continue.

Hope this helps

Jim

[Stayouttadabunker]

What's a good replacement fix for the shock absorb pad Jim?

[jay]

You could leave it like that in the down position.


Explain to your friends that this is a COVID bar that encourages social distancing. 

[Mr. Tibbs]

What's a good replacement fix for the shock absorb pad Jim?

I used a thick and firm foam pad like those you put under a table leg, to bring it up to the original size. No idea if it will hold out over time, but it works for now at least.

[Stayouttadabunker]

I used a thick and firm foam pad like those you put under a table leg, to bring it up to the original size. No idea if it will hold out over time, but it works for now at least.

  okay awesome mr.tibbs!