Rock-ola 429 in free play?

Hello all,
I have been testing this 429 starlet pretty regularly lately. Up until now I have not been concerned with the coin op part of the equation. When I got power to the device the select light was on and I was able to make seemingly unlimited selections without dropping a coin. I recently followed the directions to set the accumulator up to standard coin acceptance. I then noticed that the select light was off and a coin needed to be put in. This allows me to make selections and all but I noticed that the selections are not being removed, thus allowing me to essentially have free play again. I would like to have this as a pay machine. What should I look for in trying to resolve this issue?

Have someone "make a selection", while you are watching the pricing unit--you should be able to see how it should work--
Ron Rich

I see it working. The small spring loaded tab that should remove a selection from the master ratchet either isn't strong enough to operate the ratchet or it needs to be adjusted to make better contact. It touches it but basically slides off. I can manually operate it (slower and more deliberate of course) and it seems to remove the credits. I'm wondering if that tab has been altered not to effectively remove credits or if perhaps the ratchet is a little too stiff.

Hi Ed,
My memory of that unit is pretty vague, as I have never had any problems with them--but I think that there must be a "backstop dog" ,
that catches the gear after the relay pushes down on it--might check if it's working as it should ?? Seems to me this is covered in the Service Manual ?? Ron Rich

Hi
Thought i had replied earlier but it doesn't seem to have been posted, the reset pawl and spring have probably been adjusted by previous owner, may be try and get it back as was or get a replacement, its advised not to leave the older rockolas on free play as solonoid might burn out, could you post a photo
clones

Hey Clones,
Sorry it took so long to reply. But here is a picture of the pricing unit. Like I said i can manually operate it and the crdits get removed but when it happens during the cycle, it doesn't. Does everything look to be in order? My theory is that the small tab (pointed to) isn't "stiff" enough to operate the master ratchet when operated quickly.

Hi Ed,
Looking at your photo, and just guessing----it appears that the "arm" that contacts the teeth is bent down-ward, already ? This may cause that arm to "jam" on the teeth-??
I would check the dog that HOLDS the wheel in place when that relay is NOT energized. When that "arm" contacts the wheel, it should push it far enough so that the dog has fallen into the next gear, plus a SMALL amount, for "over-travel". If that's OK, check the operation of the dog--is it "sluggish"by chance--I expect it is not falling into the tooth quickly enough-- Ron Rich

I'm not sure by what you mean by dog. I know the system works when I move that arm by hand. Yes that tab is bent slightly. Perhaps too much causing it I slide off the gear?

The "dog" is what ever is holding that gear in the "credit position"--with out such an animal, the wheel would advance to full credit---
Yes--could be it's bent too much ?? Not sure-- Ron Rich

Looks like someone has backed way off the adjustment. (screw in upper right). Probably so far the solenoid won't pull in. Those pawls should be in contact with the cog. The part with the spring is made to catch a tooth on the way down but ride up and over on the way back up to ratchet the cog.

Adjusting that acre seemed to help. It still misses every now and then. I'll play with the tab to see if it better. Thanks everyone.

what pull the lever back up? Seems as though there should be a spring somewhere.

like this. Not supposed to be jacked up in the air like that...

eddie wrote:what pull the lever back up? Seems as though there should be a spring somewhere.

I see the spring now.