My El Dorado pinball machine had a difficult time flipping to the top targets. I knew that this needed fixed immediately to truly enjoy this game. I decided to order a rebuild kit from Pinball Resource. The kit is simple to install and wanted to share a couple pointers along the way.
The first thing that I did was remove the two EOS switches. I just de-soldered the two wires going to the switches and unscrewed the bracket from the playfield.
The second step that I did was to remove the coil stop, flipper, and the pawl/link/plunger. You will need to unwind the spring that holds the flipper and loosen the two screws that hold the flipper to the pawl.
The roll pin I reused and installed with the new link/plunger. I put the pawl on my work vise and hammered out the roll pin. A nail set (or even a small nail) can punch out the roll pin out of the pawl/plunger. Hammer the roll pin into place. (A Vise Grip helps to get the roll pin in position.
Removing the roll pin Roll pin released New link and plunger installed
The next step that I did was to replace the bushing on the playfield (don’t forget the spring). Then proceed to removing the coil stop bracket and switching out the coil stops with new ones. I used a towel around the coil stop to get it on and off so I would damage it.
To reassembly the flipper assembly, just follow the steps in reverse order. When the flippers are reinstalled, check the EOS switch. There should be about 1/8″ gap as the flipper extends to its fullest position.
The next item to check is the return flipper spring. Mine was set too tight and needed to be loosened. It should be strong enough to just return the flipper to the normal position when the playfield is upright. This was about 3/4 of a turn on my machine, and I had to move the spring to a different screw hole on the bushing.
Game now plays great and can hit the top targets!
