Bally EM 1088 Middle Reel Index lever won't retract freely

[Slotace]

 Hi there, I got a Bally 1088 that has been sitting for ages, even found a real silver dollar behind the hopper from 1978! Everything on the reel mech (beside the actual reels) was stuck so got it all freely working except the middle reel index lever sticks when fully back.  Any ideas? I have worked on freeing it up for hours, still sticks.  I can move it back and forth manually, it indexes fine until about the last 3/4 back. It had a ton of old grease here and there, I had to disassemble the piston assembly to clean it all up, that works great. Even the clock was gummed up. I have never taken the entire reel mech assembly apart. that is something that may be a little beyond me,  Thanks for any help!

[DavidLee]

Compare the springs to the other two reels. One might be missing on the center reel mechanism.


Clean the wiper board as it can cause drag it it’s gummed up.


Most likely the trip lever mechanism that rides on the cross shaft is still gummed up.


Note, all reel mechanism bushings, spacers, levers and shafts should turn freely.
Thus allowing them to move side to side and rotate on the shafts.

[Slotace]

thank, David! I cleaned the wiper board and contacts this a.m., wen I first pulled the reel mech all 3 were stuck. A little oil and the other 2 worked great, just not the middle. The middle lever retracts until it is fully pulled back then is stuck thus doesn't index. I had this problem once on another machine and it sat for a bit after lubrication and all of a sudden worked- so I put it back and the machine and have been manually cycling the reels and will try it again tomorrow.  The piston mech was also gummed up and I took that all apart and cleaned it out, works great now. On the middle reel If I pull the index lever back only half way it works great. To take that shaft out and clean out the old junk,, lubricate, does the entire reel mech have to come apart? (all the sides etc)   thanks!

[DavidLee]

I wouldn’t take the mechanism apart.
Block up the right side of the reel mechanism.
Add cardboard and or newspaper underneath to soak up excess oil.
Then lubricate the shaft(s) area for the center reel.
Use penetrating oil for this procedure, apply a few times.
I usually apply a few times a day and let set overnight.


Also check the index arm and guide slot for metal burrs, sticky grease or it could be bent and jamming.