Overpay of 1 Coin on all Wins

[CVslots]

Working on an 831-ZT (new style hopper) and machine is playing flawlessly, EXCEPT for a constant overpay of 1 coin on every win (regardless of win amount). Here's a list of things that have been checked, adjusted, and/or replaced:

-Replaced the Zero stop
-Adjusted the Allen screw
-Cleaned wiper board
-Checked continuity and Ohmed Wiper contacts
-Replaced springs on Reset Coil

Here is a pic of the Payout wiper on a 3 coin win. As you can see, it advances to the '5' payout upon completing the pay (of 4 coins). Manually, the wiper stops where it should on 3rd coin, but when in the machine, it advances to the '5' with the 4th/extra coin pay.

What am I missing here? I'm just missing something here!

[The Fatman]

If it is a fruit machine, does it overpay for the oranges, plums and bells? Have you looked at the condition of the 100 tooth gear? Might have a bad tooth. Also the linkage that advances it possibly is hanging up a bit or the solenoid doesnt make a full stroke to advance the gear correctly.
Dave F

[Jon]

You  said New style hopper does the hopper have a break on the motor is the brake clean I've seen them hang up on my dime machine and over pay a coin every time

[CVslots]

Thanks for the responses! Brake is clean!

Looking at replacing the gear and the solenoid now. Gear has some very slightly worn teeth (like 3-4). Will report back ASAP!

Thanks again guys!

[OldReno]

The main reason I can think of is that the wiper spiral and assembly is resetting too far back when it resets.  This is adjusted by your zero stop.  If the tab on the end of the spiral is worn, then it will reset too far.  You can view this by winding the spiral up to about 15 or 20 coins, and then inspect it as it comes into view.
It is always good to adjust the zero stop first, and THEN you adjust your zero switch afterwards.  A lot of folks try to adjust to the zero switch, but that does not always work and is inaccurate.
You can also drop down the board, and press the reset coil, and the after it zeros push down on the step up arm (or solenoid, whichever), and you should see your two engaging teeth hit cleanly on the steps of your 100 tooth plastic gear.  Another way to adjust is loosen the two tiny bolts which hold the PC board onto the mount, and then tweak it one way or another.  You will see as you do that, that it changes the configuration of where the spiral teeth hit.
I hope this helps, and have not been here for a few days, but will certainly help to get you running with the machine as best I can.
Read my troubleshooting post (I think part 2) where it shows the 2 ways to reset the hopper board.
Are you resetting it via the reset coil, or just pushing on the reset pawl?
Any time you have consisten hopper overpays, you should look at exactly where the wiper fingers end up when reset.
Anyway, keep us posted, we'll get you going....
Oh, how many turns on your spiral spring on the white 100 tooth gear?  Too few turns (not enought tension) will cause a double step on the first step which gives also a 1 coin overpay all the time....
2 and 1/2 turns is a good start, depending on your maximum payout.
Is this a mechanical step up or solenoid step up hopper?

[CVslots]

All right, all right, all right! Replaced the 100 tooth gear and have it an extra 1/2 turn for a little more tension and machine is paying correctly now!

Thanks for everyone's awesome suggestions! 

And here's a little eye candy for ya...

[OldReno]

I forgot to tell you, but when you adjust the torsion spring on the 100 tooth gear, it is important to rotate the spiral cam 2 full turns to be certain that it does not lock up before the highest pay, and run away.  It starts to lockup around 250 coins or so, and the spring gets so tight it cannot keep stepping the board.  Just so you know, always check highest pay after doing hopper work.
But then, we're not in casinos, I guess....

[rokgpsman]

And here's a little eye candy for ya...

wasn't what I expected when I read that,
but still, it is a nice looking machine.             




Is it your personal one or part of the inventory?

[The Fatman]

Glad its working ... and OldReno ... great info. 
 I was not aware of that check but it sure makes sense.
Dave F