Setting Fingers

[RGP]

I have six machines with old style carb link on the seven pin fingers. I go to adjust fingers and when I'm done they won't pick up pins. What am I doing wrong? 82-70's BTW.
First I adjust linkage to the fingers, curved arm snug against the cam follower. Next I adjust Fingers. I was taught on 7 pin carb links, this order. 4-2-1-8-5-3-9-6-10-7. Now I check for uniformity by cycling machine to pick pins. They grab, start to lift but drop them after one inch lift. What is my next step? What am I doing wrong?

[Steve Stafford (JBEES)]

Re: Setting Fingers

I would ask...why would you do the 7 last? Doesn't make sense. Even if it has a carb link, I think you would want to do it with the 1,2,4 and 7 row.

[Clutch Plate]

Re: Setting Fingers

When I had that style years ago, I would adjust 7 cell carb link to 6 7/16 then I would adjust the rest. I dont adjust them in any certain order.

[maister]

Re: Setting Fingers

7 link first. dont forget to adjust pawl gap and turn screw on swan neck up a couple of turns. Have you also checked that none of the finger cells are closing too tight. Remember one tight cell stops the others closing.The only other check required is the spring hanger hehind the respot arm.Is the hanger badly worn or the bolt worn as this will stop the cells closing to lock.
Hope this helps.It is all there and will solve the problem.
Good luck from Scotland. [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif[/img] [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif[/img]

[RGP]

Re: Setting Fingers

I'll amend that lesson. Trying new order now. [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/confused.gif[/img]

[RGP]

Re: Setting Fingers

OK- Swan neck snug against cam roller, Adjust cells in order 7-4-2-1-8-5-3-9-6-10. There don't appear to be any tight fingers, springs not worn (just replaced a bunch and these were one I beleive), still won't lift pins. Pawl within 1/8". [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/confused.gif[/img]

[Dutch]

Re: Setting Fingers

Rep,

I had the same problem the other day. I don't have a manual with me right now so I can't give you the exact measurements but if you look at your manual it will tell you the starting length of the main (bell crank) link & the #7 RSC link.

(Put the table at 180 in spot cycle to make these adjustments) This starting point will usually not open the cells far enough. Lengthen (or shorten if necessary) both of the links EQUALLY, a turn or 2 at a time until the #7 RSC is adj properly. Then adj all the others to match. The order in which they're adj doesn't matter.

Order long 1-2-4-7 wireways (070-006-669). It makes the adjustment much simpler... Adj the main link to get the #7 right & make all the others match.

[Dutch]

Re: Setting Fingers

I forgot something...

I had to replace 6 RSC's on the lane I had problems on. They were all sagging to the point that the underside of the yoke assy (070-002-626) was catching on the finger pivot post. 1 or 2 by themselves wont make much of a difference but 6 of them will keep the fingers from closing all the way. [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/mad.gif[/img]

[KountryLanes]

Re: Setting Fingers

All the links from the cells except the 7 should be removed. Adjust the 7 pin link to 6 7/16". Run the table down in spotting to 180. Then adjust the bell crank to the link frame to 3 1/16. Adjust the bell crank stop screw so that your 7 cell opens I think 1/4 from the stop. Now run your table up and back down to 180 in respot. Adjust the the shifter cam link stop screw so the respot cell closes full then lenghthen it 4 turns to make sure no force is applied to the respot cell. After the 7 pin cell is adjusted adjust each link to the correct length to open each cell 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the stop. If the cells are pretty good they will close enough to lock onto a rack of pins. Now run your table thru and pick up a set of pins and stop at top dead center and with the pins hanging adjust each cell to hold the pins at the same height. Use that little 1/4 in. adjusting screw to adjust the width of each cell. Make sure all the pins are hanging at the same height. The weight of the pins will take up any slack. This is how I do it. My machines are pretty old and it seems to work.

[2424pepsi]

Re: Setting Fingers

Roger this is Doug in Minn, (Classic Bowl). How are you doing at my old house. It needs a lot of work I heard. I was the Mech there in 80 and 81 (Harvest Valley Bowl) at that time. On those machines as old as they are--you probably have a bad respot cell!! None of the Off-spots switches worked in 1980 when I was working so the tables would come down--pin slips--jamming the fingers and bending the center post. To fix them I would disconnect 2 Carb linkages at a time in this order (1-2) (4-7) (3-6) (5-8) (9-10)-Each time you disconnect a pair remove the 2 bowling pins from a set of ten so you are picking up 8 pins. If the table doesn't pick the 8 pins up re connect the 1 and 2 linkage go to the 4 and 7 and so on and so on. When you have the table picking up 8 pins you got it too the 2 cells that are the problem. Now connect one at a time--Problem is back you know which respot to change. Do this a couple of times and you'll be able to find a problem in 5 minutes. Call me this weekend if you still have any problems I'd like to see my old machines 612-619-8824

[Coors]

Re: Setting Fingers

- look for loose or bent pivot post on a certain finger.
- shorten the main carb link, located by the 2 pin carb link, see if it helps to pick up.
- shorten the 7/16 head screw sticking throuch the end of the "sickle lookin cam"

[spinzilla]

Re: Setting Fingers

also check your 2inch finger adjustment
try setting up one pin at a time and see if cell pick up pin
also check spot respot springs (the green springs)

[Brunsamf]

Re: Setting Fingers

Roger; Adjust the respot rod so the pawl is 1/16 from batman cam. Then make sure you have clearance between the cam follower and the goose neck so you don't bend the thin rod (180 spotting with pin bottoms 1/4 inch from pin deck). Then lower table to bottom of stroke (feeling for pins) until cells close. Brace your foot against the machine (so you don't hurt your back) and pull respot out and the pawl will flip up and open cells. Do it again and the cells will close with spring tension only. You will be able to find where the binding is this way. I'll bet that one of the extruded alum wire ways are bent or binding. I'm sure you know all the other adjustments. Remember when we did this on Joe's machines?

[RGP]

Re: Setting Fingers

Sorry it took me so long to get back.
Well, We found one bent (slightly) finger stud and one questionable cell. Replaced both and everything fell into place. Thanx for all the help everybody.

2424 Pepsi: Things are starting to look up down here. Come on down anytime to visit.

Brunsamf: Thought I was doing everything right. Scott K found the stud and I replaced the cell. I worked Spectrum Sat and saw a repaired curtain for you. Working again Sun., I will grab it and drop it off if you like. I've got a couple of welding jobs for you anyway. Call me at Spectrum be4 3PM.

Thanx again everyone for the help. [img]/content/btubb/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/usflag.jpg[/img] BT forever