Sweep Problem

[Forumbowling]

Hello,

I'm having a problem with a sweep on a GS-98.

Randomly every few games, the sweep will drop when the bowler is supposed to be bowling. The machine doesn't stop, it keeps running, waiting for the bowler. The bowler then has to hit the reset button to which causes the machine to re-cycle.

This is mind-boggling because the sweep dropping with the machine in that state should actuate the G switch which should stop the machine. I replaced the switch just to be sure and it didn't change anything.

Ideas?

[Papa Smurf]

im not sure the differences between the gs98 and the gsx but had a lane that would do that. ended up being the cam with the magnet.

[davegargamel]

This is mind-boggling because the sweep dropping with the machine in that state should actuate the G switch which should stop the machine. I replaced the switch just to be sure and it didn't change anything.

I don't believe the electronics are querying the G switch until the ball detect gets tripped, or a reset button has been pressed. So it makes sense you wouldn't get any error codes related to the G switch.

Hello,

Randomly every few games, the sweep will drop when the bowler is supposed to be bowling. The machine doesn't stop, it keeps running, waiting for the bowler. The bowler then has to hit the reset button to which causes the machine to re-cycle.

If I'm reading this correctly it sounds like you are saying that a bowler steps up on the approach, and just as he is about to roll a ball the sweep randomly drops. The machine then never blacks out since there's no error code, and the bowler has to press the reset button. Is this correct? It can't be anything related to the ball detect because if that was randomly tripping then the machine would cycle on it's own. So throw that idea out. I suspect that there is either a bind somewhere causing the sweep wagon to come free from the sweep release assy, there could be a broken piece on the sweep release assy, OR we're chasing our tail here and what is ACTUALLY happening is the sweep wagon isn't getting picked up consistently when the machine performs a short cycle. I take it you've "caught it in the act" so to speak?

[davegargamel]

Another possibility--your sweep motor brake is starting to slip.

[Beerman]

Was a gutter ball thrown, or was there a 7 or a 10 pin only knocked down? If so, then check the sway on your sweep release assembly. It may not be latching on a short stroke.

[Troyza]

Sounds like your motor brake is failing, or the I/O PCB is faulty. I'd start by swapping over the motor onto another lane & see if the problem moves. if not, swap out the I/O (assuming you're running consolidated)

We had a sweep issue once - we'd approach the machine & the sweep would be down without black out. Turned out to be a worn clevis on the sweep tipper chain. When I actually witnessed the problem, the tipper just wasn't picking up the sweep correctly. By the sounds of it though, your sweep solenoid is randomly firing, or your sweep wagon is over travelling, but might be an idea to check your clevis too considering it takes 5 seconds.

[Forumbowling]

The problem turned out to be very simple. there was a small piece on the bottom of the sweep arm that I was worn and had sheered off. I didn't notice this before. It only was problematic on the short cycle because the motor runs the opposite direction causing the arm to come down more directly on the sweet. Because this part was broken, instead of sliding and latching onto the sweep, it would catch on the lever and just go back up without lifting the sweep.

Stupid problem and I could have saved the headache if I had been a bit more observant at the begininning. Lesson learned!

[Pom]

A bit late to the party, but one to keep in mind: Check your SM switch adjustment as well as wear on the part mentioned above. I've seen many lanes fail to "hold" the sweep up because of a slightly worn arm or slightly out of adjustment SM switch. If your ball detectors are mounted on the front of the kickback, the machine will cycle and pick up and the counter may never tell you.

[mardigras]

I would also check for a faulty ball detector