Need help with this Sharkeys 25 cent machine

[Thiatime]

I inherited this machine from my father. It is a Mills, I believe. When you put in a quarter, the handle pulls, but nothing spins it seems like it is all gunked up. I inherited a couple from him. The guys over in the Game King forum helped me get that one going, and I am working with the Bally electromechanical guys trying to get that one working. So this is the oldest and last one I need to get working. I am pretty good at figuring stuff out, but I would rather hear from the pros on what to do and not to do. So any help would be appreciated. What would this machine be worth when it is working? Thanks Thomas

[shortrackskater]

but nothing spins it seems like it is all gunked up.

That right there may be the problem. People like to oil and grease up machines way too much and eventually it causes the machine to simply STOP working. You may just need to get the mechanism out of the machine. There may be one or two locking bolts on the front or front sides. Remove those and the mechanism will slide out. Be careful at the top where the coin entry is. Look for obvious areas of gunk and, clean it out. I use WD40, then wipe. Be careful of getting any liquid on the reel strips.

Does the handle pull with resistance when you try? Or does it just freely pull down and return? You may have a broken spring in there or a disconnected one. When you pull the mech, look for missing/broken springs.
Do you have a diagram to show you were all the springs go? I think this is a Mills "M" or close to it.

[63mini]

Thiatime,

  If everything else seems to cycle except the reels I would look at the reel kicker as it could be worn, broken or simply gummed up with grease not allowing it to pivot and kick the reels.  As for price, location is kind of a factor.  With yours being a 4 reeler it would be more desirable.  I would say $400 at the low end and $650 a more likely figure.

[Thiatime]

Thanks for the advice, I will try the suggestions and let you guys know the outcome Tom