Bally EM - reels not stopping and other issues.

[Reno2015]

Here is my latest addition.  Any idea where to start with the reels not stopping Issue?

[Reno2015]

Can anyone give me some details as to what model this is, years they were made, etc?  Thanks

[shortrackskater]

It appears to be a Bally 742a. These were produced from 1963/4 starting with the "Money Honey." I'm not sure when production ended, 1968 perhaps. Is there any tag on the right side lower part?

[Reno2015]

Yes, with the numbers 742A - 29C, then under that 10129. 

[shortrackskater]

Can you take a picture of that tag and post?

[Reno2015]

Here you go.  Thanks for any input you can provide.

[Amechanic]

The date 4-6-67 is stamped in the black of the Bally tag. As for your reels not stopping, it sounds like the reels assembly needs to be cleaned and oiled. I’m sure all the cross shafts and pivot points are sticky or frozen. It is a very common problem with these machines if they have not had any maintenance in years. You have 4 cross shafts to check. One is connected to the clock. You have to make sure everything moves freely.

[Reno2015]

Thanks for the info!  I will get to work and let you know how it goes.  Do you know the value range of these models?

[Amechanic]

Thanks for the info!  I will get to work and let you know how it goes.  Do you know the value range of these models?

Value depends a lot on your location and current market prices. Best thing is to watch your local Craigslist or Facebook market place ads..

[RiseLikeRa]

Reno:


Amechanic is so right about the value of these older games.  When it comes to the 742 model Condition and Location are equally important.  You have some good things going for you.  The Topper seems to be intact although I am not sure that topper belongs with that game.  The chrome does not look terrible at all.  That's a good thing also.  The belly glass significantly detracts from the appearance of the game.  A basic Bally fruit belly glass for the 800 series cabinets are not too hard to find and are priced at under$50 usually.


I am in the NYC area and games are more scarce.  WORKING machines usually sell at an estimated 20% premium to South West deals.  The 1 coin 1 pull games are historic but not a lot of fun to play.


Regarding the repair...
Pull that reel bundle out, remove the reels so that you don't splash them with stugots,  and use a good lubricant on your contact points.  IF you are not handy then don't go crazy with disassembly.  My method is soak the first day.  Come back thereafter and soak AND work the mechanisms back and forth.  Be patient.  Also, don't forget to lubricate the wear points once the goop has been removed.


I hope that this is somewhat helpful
Ra

[Reno2015]

Thanks RA!  What is the best way to remove the reels?

[Amechanic]

Do you mean the 3 reels them self or the whole assembly?

[RiseLikeRa]

Reno I am sorry.  I cant believe that I, the guy with all thumbs relating to these EM games, am sounding all knowing and unclear.  I suggested that you first remove the reel mechanism, which includes the reels and all of the firing and indexing parts AND then remove the reel bundle from the mechanism in order to get a GOOD cleaning of the mech and protect the reels from the chemicals that may permanently stain the reels.


NOW is the time for a real expert like Gary to chime in with the pictures and the magic circles and arrows to show exactly where the release levers are to perform these tasks.  I am not tech savvy at all.  I still listed to 8 track tapes.  I guess that why I enjoy these older machines.


Ra

[Reno2015]

Actually I was able to undo the levers and get the reel mechanism/assembly out, I just wasn’t sure how to take off the reels themselves.

[RiseLikeRa]

That is excellent!


I am going to explain the best that I can...   No.  just PM me and I will give you my phone number to walk you through it.


Ra

[Amechanic]

That is excellent!
I am going to explain the best that I can...   No.  just PM me and I will give you my phone number to walk you through it.
Ra

Thanks for your help 👍. I haven’t felt the greatest this past week. My backs problems have kept me grounded. I have not worked on a repair or project in 10 days😵. 

[DavidLee]

Regarding reels not stopping.
Attached is a drawing of the reels mechanism.
Pointed out a part the is part of the process of stopping the reels.
If this part is frozen on the shaft the reels will not stop.
Rare that all three keep spinning as usually one or maybe two reels will be affected by this situation.
Check all three to see if they Move freely.


If the machine has been setting idle for a long time, the mechanism is probably really stiff.
I find the best way to free up the moving parts is too remove the reels, block up the right side about 2 inches.
Cover the beau plug wires, spray all the moving parts with a penetrating oil and let set over night.
Repeat process the next day and check for any improvement. Wipe clean then apply 3 in 1 oil on all moving parts. Repeat if necessary.

[Reno2015]

Thank you so much, I will give that a shot!

[Bally Bill]

Hello All, Yes David is correct, I had 2 reels doing the same thing when I purchased my 242 Money honey clone, Remove reels, soaked overnight and hand cycled all the levers numerus times to free up the gunk and also checking spring tension when its dissembled. You have to play these machines to keep them happy and working as intended. I play every night with M-in-law for  at least 30mins and keep a winners(big jackpots) log on calendar to see how close these wins hit year after year...3rd year now and its very interesting to see on how close the dates relate to wins

[off-track]

Thank you so much, I will give that a shot!

The video below shows where the latches are (not how) to release and remove the reel assembly at the 3:10 mark.  From my (limited) experience I'd guess that the wiper arms that pivot on the horizontal shaft just above the two beau plugs on the rear of the assembly shown in the previously attached diagram and at the 3:28 mark are your problem?
When I had this problem on my EM, it was because of old, solidified grease on the shaft..  I removed the reel assembly by moving the arms out of the locks and lifting the reels out.  Then, I used a couple of blasts of brake cleaner directed through a pinpoint straw onto the shaft and bushings.  You should be able to shift the arms slightly left and right on the shaft to get some solvent under the arm pivots.  Work the arms back and forth by hand until they move smoothly.  Re-install the reels and you should be good to go?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE-Jt84V2Rw