John gets an EM Pinball Machine! 1977 Gottlieb Bronco Pinball Repair - Part 1

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In this video we are going to pick up a 1977 Gottlieb Bronco Pinball machine! Yes, an electro mechanical game! When we get this game home, it is dead. We will attempt to fix it in this video and will try to adjust the AX and BX relays as well as test fuses, clean the cabinet with Mean Green, the playfield with cleaner wax, and try to figure out the steppers.
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[@AdamDIY]

I got a Williams Aztec 1976 EM pin and the best advice I got for getting it to work was that if the problem is not really obvious, don't waste time hunting for the problem and just file and gap EVERY contact. Because you will need to do that anyway. As far as EM's go you got a good one because it's a late EM. Not long after this they made them solid state. So John you have the zenith of EM Pin technology. The only hard part is that it is a 4 player. That means you have 4X the amount of parts to fix.

[@BiggestLittleArcadeReno]

Nice John! I have 70+ pinball machines and roughly 1/2 are EM's. I can tell you this: With an EM, you don't chase problems. You end up cleaning and adjusting every unit, switch, relay etc. anyway, so do it all from the begining. Remove the whole bottom panel from inside the game and put it on your work bench. Clean and adjust for 20+ hours. Switches either make or break. Make sure they "wipe" eachother, then move on. Take the playfield out and set it on your work bench, clean, adjust, etc for 20+ hours. Then, take the head off and put it on your work bench, clean, adjust etc for 20+ hours. THEN try to turn it on and diagnose. That's how I do it.

[@MagikGimp]

+Biggest Little Arcade So this is that mythical work thing I've heard so much about. Surely this is what it is to be a real man! ;)

[@johnwpowell1955]

+Biggest Little Arcade Thats the only way ive done EM's. I always used an ultrasonic cleaner to clean all stepper unit parts, etc. I flipped EM's to fund DMD titles I wanted and never got a call back using the shotgun repair method. Every EM I did got aleast 60+ hours of love and netted me a few hundred bucks profit. Did it more for the love of the game.

[@kenanderson6813]

since i have a 49 year old em machine I'm looking forward to watching you work on this machine.so i can learn some stuff myself

[@tombtoparty4059]

with my old em, the longer it's on the better it starts to work! nice pick up! love the old em pinballs!!

[@santuel]

There's something weirdly viscerally satisfying about the sounds of an EM machine that nothing else can replicate.

[@neojeets]

Nice pickup! A classy looking game.

[@AdamDIY]

That relay at 15:00 should just be disconnected. It's for when the game is off and someone puts in a coin it will return the coin. When it's on the relay is active and the coin is diverted. But for home use you don't want a relay constantly active. Just one more thing to make noise and burn out.

[@jupreindeer]

Oh, John. That machine is a thing of beauty. It just feels like a true piece of history. And, I can't relate to the A.D.D. comment. These are rare opportunities that just are happening too quickly. You've said that pins are always expensive. You saw a bargain and jumped. That's all there is to that. And, I do agree that this antique should not replace anything in your basement. Yet... yet, you should keep it. With something so old, I'm sure a fresh cleaning on the contacts and a bit of grease on the gears will go far. Just hope you never have to rewire. Ugh...as simple as the sliding gears are of a concept, that looks like a million miles of wire, in there. Congrats on the find. And, I swear, some day, some way, you and friends are going to co-invest in some place with low rent for a museum. Some place to hang out and game at while shooting the breeze. Public invite while not stand out, "I'm an arcade/Barcade" kind of place. But, more like that place that 'a friend of a friend talked about' kind of place. If nothing else but for the need of 'more space'. Maybe have a bar there. But, not the kind that would draw mean drunks that would be total strangers.

[@drunkeykong12]

Hi John, like Biggestlittlearcade said....Unplug the connectors from.the playfield wireing and remove it. Then work on the switches on your bench by turning it over.The entire bottom board in the cab can then lift out as well and you can adjust the relays on the bottom board. Some switches N/O and others N/C on the same relay switch bank. Then remove the head and work on the score reels. Clean them 1 at a time and lubricate themAnd check springs. For cleaning the contact rivits/points the easy way use CLR. Just use a small brush to "paint" it on the points. Let sit for 5 min. Wipe with a damp cloth. Or brush again with clean water. Let dry.Contacts will be good as new. I got my first EM a month ago Interflip Dragon.Had most of the same issues you are having. Did all the above. Now 100%They seem complicated and intimidating. But easier than solid state to troubleshoot. Once you get comfortable.

[@mattrichardson4351]

nice to see ya get some old skool pins

[@terrencelabroix5272]

Really cool to see this 40 year old machine- nice acquisition. Hope you have it up and running in the near term

[@RetroRoadshow]

I'm not telling you what to do with your money or anything, but if you ever get the inkling to restore one of those old EM shooting ranges... yeah.. i'd watch the shit out of that.

[@Stutch-he1he]

I want 1!!!! Used to work at Toshiba! Love fiddling with electronics!!! Cheers John!

[@icanswim70]

Man you fell off my subscriber list so i just went digging through youtube trying to find your channel, love your content and the EM restorations!!!

[@Johnsarcade]

Thanks. Glad you are back

[@stewartfullerton1965]

3:59 that truck is awesome!

[@newenglandwolf7158]

I LOVE WHEN YOU GET NEW GAMES ALL THE TIME! KEEP GOING!! :)

[@Andronicus87]

dayyyammm that mic can pick you up awesomely from across your driveway as if you are still standing right by it wow!

[@ArcadePlayersTV]

Arcade Never Die !!

[@guillaumerenou4188]

Wow !! such a quick fix!! Amazing to see how resilient is this old techno!!

[@DeadKoby]

Neat.... I'm dabbling in audio electronics now... but I'm never afraid to take anything apart. Fun stuff.

[@WastedPo]

These EM pinballs machines are what I would collect if I were to ever start "collecting." They're like real-life Steampunk gizmos.

[@petervachon6989]

Just saw your video on this EM pinball game. Looks cool. Nothing like those vintage games. Good luck with the project.

[@fitter108]

Love the video I am here to learn about all types of games not just a select few. Keep up the great videos Thanks so much

[@carlperkins1452]

I'm with Retroroadshow on the EM shooter idea! Good times!

[@bobbyjack8033]

EM bucket list....... I dont have a bucketlist but my fucketlist is full!

[@thomascampr]

LOL

[@bevrosity]

shakin' the hell outta that popcorn machine there, fella.

[@_GOV_]

Looks to be a very nice machine John. That playfield is gorgeous! EM's can be addicting. The more you play them, the more they grow on you. I ignored them for a long time and now I enjoy playing them as much as DMD's.

[@Johnsarcade]

+Brandon Pennington Thanks, Brandon! I kind of suspect that to be the case! Time will tell...

[@Gauntlet1985]

Favorite parts, when you first turn on game and it's somewhat working.... when ball was rolling down driveway. LOLGreat video John, I'm mainly into arcade games from the late 70's to early to mid 80's but to me these old EM pinball machines are classic in their own way even though I was playing Space Invaders at my local pizza place way back in the day. I really hope you not only get this game fully working but also that you keep it. What a cool looking game man, as for it playing slow, it's a nice change of pace sometimes.

[@ArcadeDude44]

Congrats John, I too wasn't really into EM (or any) pins...until I got one! I really like my old Williams Space Odyssey.:)

[@vintageclubjunkie]

If Black Knight only stuck around for a month I don't see alot of hope for this Bronco ;) Good luck with it though, once you fix an EM you are in aw of the circuitry and what they accomplished for the time. Very fun to have EMs with in with solid-state games, for sure.

[@robertbuilder8001]

Superb video and thank you very much for taking the time to post it on KZbin. These tutorials are so helpful to folks you wouldn't believe it (UK person looking to buy first couple of Pinball Machines)

[@Johnsarcade]

Thanks, Robert! I hope to revisit this topic soon.

[@CNKayutube]

congrats on trying out the em world. a couple large bolts remove jones plugs and the entire control board can be put on bench. do not use flex stone files. I don't care who says otherwise they suck and will cause problems. yeah a lot of your problems now will just be freeing up the old dried up factory grease. some games like bingo machines have leather washers and a lot more weird stuff. pick up a red or green 3m scrub pad to clean the jones plug male pins. take steppers and scoring completely apart lot of work but it has not seen love in over 30 years. the em(s) with short ball times are a great party game. enjoy!! pretty freaking nice one!! you did good.

[@rlenk702]

Nice pickup John. Thanks for video with regards to An EM pinball. LOL with the ball rolling down your driveway.

[@MakaveliTheDonKilluminati]

Great episode was thoroughly intrigued and can't wait for more

[@EdwardFielding]

So excited for you when the game came to life! Beautiful artwork on these classics.

[@slayer768]

Im exciting. You been talking about wanting an EM Pinball for a long time now

[@tonyurmate]

Hi John, great purchase :) beautiful machine. It's been a while since ive worked on a EM pinball machine, the last one I worked on was a Bally freedom. With those sticky coils I would start by replacing the plastic sleeves because as you probably know those things can warp with the heat, then you should replace the leaf switches or clean the contacts with brass cleaner. And I noticed with the plastics on the play field they can get really dirty underneath. Anyway love your videos and keep up the great work :)

[@eglsfly]

There is a loose screw (looks to be about 1" in length) just laying in the wiring harness above the stepper motor. Its right in the center of the back panel. You might want to remove it before it falls and shorts out something. You can see it at the 11:34 mark and also later in the video.

[@dealeronetime]

YES! I've been waiting for the day when you start putzing around on an EM game.

[@Frog_Puppet]

I saw a space-themed EM play-field with some pieces missing at an antique store a few months ago, wish I would've asked the price on it, it would've made some great wall art. But considering the guy had an iffy looking qbert for 700, it probably would've been way overpriced. Can't wait to see more from Atlanta!

[@markalmond8728]

I know this video is old but hey, it has to be one of the best pinball videos on youtube! Just loved the way you admit that EM Pinballs are not your thing, BUT you appreciate just how clever these mechanical machines are. The way you take us through your first purchase and "hit n miss" repair antics are great viewing. Thanks for making this video. btw whatever happened to it, did you keep it? And any more videos of you messing around inside it! lol

[@Johnsarcade]

I still have it. I'll be getting to this again and in the spring.

[@ClassicalRips]

+John's Arcade Game Reviews & Tech Please do! We can't wait to see you get it working!

[@arcademm9148]

Your video prompted me to buy EM Royal Flush. I had the same problem as you :). It is nice to watch your video. Im waitning for part 3 Bronco :) All best in 2018

[@dvv45]

I Have an early em pinball too,I agree its scary under there. Mine is called Royal guard. by same company as yours. mine only is a single score machine. look forward to more video's on the cleaning. need to do the same. I enjoy mine. there still a challenge to play. thanks for great video!!

[@AussieOutlaw]

Now that was exciting to watch

[@drizzt186]

John really awesome vid!! But then again i love all your vids. I have already worked on an EM pin before under supervision it was Gotlieb 1949 worlds fair it was an awesome project. Keep up the awesome vids and hope to see you 20000 subs very soon

[@tomhertz1614]

JOHN!! I wanna see that computer space in your game room before the apocalypse. What are you waiting for bud.

[@theorgandude]

i like! you are an arcade addict, always searching for the next fix. love the calculator watch btw.

[@allglorytogod12]

Loved the "audio card". Interesting to see how these EM pins worked. I think this may be interesting to learn how to work on the older machines but not for your personal arcade. Flip it.

[@DamianReloaded]

Pretty cool pinball! Congratulations on this acquisition. I sure think it's going to be fun and interesting watching you repairing it, it's almost working already! Cheers!

[@IMRROcom]

Bronco is a great game. Some things I have noticed with older EM's that the flipper gap is wider than newer machines and you do really need all 5 balls. I do think the older EMs are harder to play than some of the new machines. You speed up an EM it will kick your but ever time. Flipper gaps are wide and the out lanes seem to be set to suck the balls out every time.

[@anthonydavis3575]

Hey John, Try adding 3 more balls to the machine. Since it is an old EM I believe that it has switches that detect the number of balls in the game. As it kicks out the balls it then counts backwards and knows one is gone.

[@aserta]

John, very important. When handling the components inside this be aware of two things (you might already be, but better said than not): 1. plastic is fragile 2. the wire solder joints are fragile I've dabbed with stuff like this before and i'd thought i had fixed one issue, only to discover that when installing the thing, age, had gotten to it and the handling broke wires off their solder points. Now i'm not saying resolder each connection, but keep that in mind, to check them after you're done with them(individual parts).

[@daveparnin]

Welcome to the joys of EM ownership! Do clean all of the relay contact points and motors. With all of your unfinished projects, can we expect daily videos? ;)

[@Loggins1969]

This was VERY interesting. As a mechanic i concur.

[@jimEther]

I dug it. Thanks, John.

[@Riz2336]

That's awesome man, stoked to see you got an EM pin. For how old the game is man the playfield is in great shape it must have not got a lot of play from the original owners. Looking forward to more vids on it. Great vid as usual, keep up the good work.

[@johnwpowell1955]

+Riz2336 EM games didnt wear like SS games as the ball rolled very very slow. Regardless, the PF was nice !

[@retrodavide]

beautifull episode! go johnny go go

[@jodini5]

John...you probably already figured this out, but underneath the playing field you have a set of relay (relay bank) that is just hanging there. It needs to be pivoted up to the playing field with those thumb screws. Those are controlling your drop targets and such. Congrats BTW! You got a good one! Joe

[@Johnsarcade]

+Joe Cole Oh, really!!! I was wondering about that. THANKS!!!

[@jodini5]

Happy to help...especially since you helped me so much on my Revenge from Mars on the video amp upgrade!

[@MagikGimp]

I'm dead impressed with you tackling this John (and just as intimidated by the complexity!); this is not for the faint-hearted collector. That manual... I wonder if it has a troubleshooting section. ;) When you got it going so quickly I had a funny moment of joy. I think just how complex the thing is and its age is quite overwhelming. It does come down to tracing things through from start to finish as another (famous?) commenter has said at the end of the day -- such a huge task -- but when you can get lucky like that it's pretty exciting.

[@mathieup3765]

Hey John! Nice vid and SWEET WATCH!!! :D Keeping the retro alive!

[@rickgenslinger8744]

Great video John!

[@BuffaloPinball]

Nice pickup!

[@sparkyKestrel]

Wow, John spends yet more money on things to clutter up the garage with... you must a VERY understanding wife.

[@wildernessgames]

This is so crazy you tinkered for a little while and its coming back to life HAHA Very attractive game man, looks really cool, and a sweet addition to the collection. Yeah needs mad cleaning and oiling.

[@Johnsarcade]

Thanks, pal! :)

[@Devalis]

I only want ONE EM pinball machine, and that is a Bally Harvest. The only reason is I want to get one for my dad since he used to play one as a teenager in the 60's.

[@smellymelly011273]

If your RAM is flaking out on you in your Robotron it is probably the old 4116 type, there's a mod you can do for more reliable 4164 DRAM. Just did the mod in my Defender and it's rock solid now.

[@uhfnutbar1]

53:40 the red tent monitor looks like a could regulated voltage issue or a horizontal deflection failure , change the (HOT) Horizontal Output Transistor and the Voltage transistor, they are both in the same looking case :)

[@l3iohazard86]

Interesting pickup. I have same problem with my Centipede cab with it being kinda yellow. I used simple green and Mr clean sponge to try to bring it out and no luck. I'm torn because the sideart is all there but is a off white.

[@c3j3p3]

Congratulations on hitting 20k subs John

[@Johnsarcade]

+c3j3p3 Thank you, sir!

[@tempspace2145]

Sweet!

[@matthewrivera5923]

49:10 - A question about a Lethal Enforcers cabinet! LOL!

[@SwedishEmpire1700]

Maybe you shouldnt get the coindoor wet like that, those old EM machines IIRC have contacts on the inside that have like 120 volts directly from the powersupply (some sort of ground thing i believe) into the coindoor, might not be a great idea to spray something wet there that might run into cracks and stuff before plugging it in LOL

[@trotptkabasnbi6655]

I think that metal rod you found by the manual was the tilt device without the bell

[@fusium]

Is your wife mowing the grass while you get to play.......NICE,,,u the man

[@chuck12-82]

John, that Robotron has a classic Williams rug pattern Ram issue. you may have to replace all the ram chips on the CPU board.

[@stellarola]

Winter is coming, John... /insert evil laugh

[@trotptkabasnbi6655]

Very cool guy, you hit a fricken homer.Yippie Kai Ayy

[@FoxerTails]

Man, this video was a ride. I think I will stick to circuit operated machines. XD

[@BuxProduxshuns]

Congrats on the 20K subs!

[@m91nagant]

rebuilding flippers and new rubbers will make it play plenty fast!

[@jimmyclay920]

can i hang out in your garage? u wld be that kid everyone wants to hang out with in the 1980's haha

[@CS-rk6fu]

Nice one fella

[@TheCobraism]

23:00 "Looks like there's a little bit of mouse feces in here." Oh god a mouse in the game, that sounds like the best or worst round of pinball ever.

[@Sarahxxx666]

28:42 Luckily, John's microphone's a wireless model now :-) xD

[@joesmoe71]

For the heck of it you might want to try using a Magic Eraser to clean up the artwork, I've had good luck with those.

[@Johnsarcade]

Not a horrible idea.

[@MyMac]

+John's Arcade Game Reviews & Tech I've used a generic magic eraser as well. Works well. No soap, a little water. Also works fantastic to clean cords.

[@googleboughtmee]

You should sample those chimes for a song

[@Johnsarcade]

+googleboughtmee I totally thought of this. :) I think we will do it. :)

[@AIMANNY]

wow you di it. you got power.

[@eekeek433]

Sounds like a job for Ben Heck!!!!!

[@Zanderman376]

My dad says the old EM machines show the dial halfway for a two credit play

[@theSammyM333]

Really liked that Pinball. Really intrested to see if you get it working.

[@theSammyM333]

Why not? Those are real machines unlike some Street Fighters or Turtles :D

[@theSammyM333]

+thecouchtripper well no he didn't. there is much to do if he wants this to be totally playable. He got couple of things working barely it's like 25%

[@theSammyM333]

+thecouchtripper well almost everything needs to be cleaned and rebuilt. new coils, rubbers and bulbs. Only thing really he doesn't need to touch is that playingfield.

[@VGC-cc4xt]

you should look for a Atlantis,Abra Ca Dabra or El Dorado/Solar City/Target Alpha,best 70's EM

[@xaer0knight]

:) Good stuff! Congrats!

[@Bettie811]

John you should buy a haunted house em shooter game and restore it . that would be bad ass. the 8 track part might be harder but you kinda got the know how with the tape deck in your journey . check out this game on youtube i think you would dig it . Matt

[@tonyurmate]

Your Robotron looks like it has a power supply issue :)

[@10100rsn]

John, that robotron RAM error message should show what chip it has detected bad but it doesn't??? The errors look pretty random so it is likely a bad connection to a chip or a faulty chip on the data or address bus, the CPU or the power supply is just drooping too low. Check power supply voltages. ;)

[@charlesmorris2033]

john your robotron problem is your power supply , I had a Stargate doing the same thing . arcade shop has a switching power supply for it that will let you change it without hacking the wiring .

[@tspiderkeeper]

It being AC not DC like things today are run by is very dangerous.I would recommend seeing how you can convert it to use DC instead of leaving it original for accidents to occur.

[@darkinertia2]

haha that was awesome! cant believe you got it up and running so quick! why don't you ever say the prices you buy them for? it would be nice to at least get an idea on whats considered "cheap" that way we know

[@steve24822]

The chimes activate when the player scores so you didn't fix the chimes you fixed the scoring. Hope that makes sense.

[@trotptkabasnbi6655]

You may have more than three fuses in the Bronco, maybe a total of five

[@SuperNathan90]

are older pinballs very tedious meaning you have to play them a lot to keep them working ?