Williams Solved Star Pool (Williams, 1974) stuck in start sequence

[Ed Schmidt]

Hi, I just registered because I would like to repair my 1974 Star Pool. When I switch it on, the number wheels turn to zero. Then, the game initiates without pressing the start button for 4 players, and continuosly resets the drop down targets and kicks the ball to the ramp every two seconds. Any idea which contact might be checked? Thanks in advance, Ed

 

[pinballdaveh]

williams em star pool

when a machine starts by itself it usually means that the start button switch is stuck closed , so check that first. also i have seen that just under the start button switch and flipper switches is a staple holding the wires to the cabinet. over time this staple will dig into the insulation and short out the wires acting like the switch is always closed, so pull out those staples. also check coin door switches if the machine is set up for 1 coin per play or for multi- coin play. also check the jones plug that comes from the coin door to the mechanical board for installed and seated properly. the continous ball shoot out problem might be the outhole switch is always closed, check and adjust if needed. once the start/ reset issue is corrected the other issue might correct itself.

 

[Ed Schmidt]

Star Pool

Thank you very much for your help. In fact, the first coin door switch was shortened. I can start a game now, by opening the door and closing that contact (for every single ball, though).
Is there a way to disable the whole coin unit and set it to a continuous playing mode? Maybe this could bring the start button back to life(?) Also, the number wheels of the second and fourth player turn some extra rounds before they stop at 00000 - please do not hesitate to give some more suggestions, THANKS! :)

 

[Itchigo]

Is there any chance of getting some high res, glass off pictures of this one? I'd love to see it made. Please?

 

[Coil_Smoke]

"EdShmidt".
Once again pinballdaveH nails it.

Lucky he posts here at PN. Glad to hear your machine is starting. What happens for every ball? Does that mean playing ball 1, 2 then 3 or re-starting with ball 1 every time? Here is a link to some advice for setting to free play. http://www.pinrepair.com/em/index3.htm#free

Those score reels keep resetting until a contact at the zero position stops the reset. Has your "Star Pool" (Is This IT?)http://ipdb.org/search.pl?any=star+pool&search=Search+Database&searchtype=quick#2352been played much recently? Those silver contacts tend to clean themselves with continued use. A business card is recommended for cleaning the oxide between EM contacts. This EM repair guide has lots of info on what to and what not to do with your machine.http://www.pinrepair.com/em/index.htm

I think posting some nice glare free photos of your game(Glass Removed) can help those creating virtual pinball tables.....C_S

 

[faralos]

here is a link to your manual it is about 47 pages in pdf format
but also lists the operating docs and schematics
http://mirror2.ipdb.org/files/2352/Williams_1974_Star_Pool_Maunal_Supplement_Schematic_Diagrams.pdf