Inside a Dirty Pinball Machine
The difference between the feel of two individual pinball machines can be chalked up to a number of factors. One of these factors is the degree to which each machine has been maintained. A machine that hasn’t been cleaned recently — or ever — may not provide you with a satisfying playing experience. In addition, the value of the machine will decline as the paint wears off the playfield and as ramps and other features break. A dirty pinball machine is often a machine that’s been neglected. But how do you know when a pinball machine is starting to get dirty?
What Makes a Pinball Machine Dirty?
The following problems contribute to dirty pinball machines. Just one of these issues can negatively impact your play:
- Coil dust build-up
- Scratched playfield
- Lack of polish on chrome ramps
- Wear-and-tear on gears and spinners
- Use of dirty balls
Coil Dust
Dirty pinball machines develop a layer of blackish dust called coil dust. This dust comes from coils that power flippers and pop bumpers. Each time the ball hits a flipper or bumper, a bit of this carbon dust is released. Coil dust can gradually build into a grimy layer over the playfield, slowing down the ball during play.
Scratched Playfield
Heavily played pinball machines placed in popular arcades are likely to suffer from scratched playfields. As the ball passes over the playfield — especially a playfield with a layer of coil dust — tiny scratches form on the playfield’s clear coat. Not only will these microscopic scratches damage the paint, but they will also gather dust and slow your ball.
Lack of Chrome Polish
Chrome ramps and other shiny metal features are more than just eye-catching attractions. When chrome ramps are well maintained and polished, they will increase the speed of the ball while it’s in play. If the game includes chrome ramps, then it was purposely designed for an increase in speed at that location on the playfield. If metal parts on the playfield are not shiny with polish, then it’s likely the game will not play as intended.
Worn-Out Gears and Spinners
Any part of a pinball machine that spins or moves can become corroded or jammed with grungy build-up. Failure to keep spinning or other moving game parts clean will lead to disruptions in play as the spinners move more slowly or don’t work at all.
Use of Dirty Balls
Dirty or dented balls can contribute to the amount of dirt and dust inside the machine. Pinballs develop their own buildup over time. As they roll through different parts of the playfield, they pick up coil dust and other microscopic debris, subsequently spreading it to all corners of the playfield. Minuscule dents in pinballs can pick up even more of this debris. Simply replacing old balls with shiny new ones regularly can reduce grime inside a pinball machine.
Saving Dirty Pinball Machines
Once you know the signs of a dirty pinball machine, you’re likely to see at least a few dirty machines in arcades, bars, or other public places with heavy machine use. If a dirty machine’s owner left a business card in the game’s apron, give them a call and report the problem. And if a pinball machine you own looks a bit dingy these days, check it for each of the five points listed above.
Of course, nothing takes the place of a complete pinball machine cleaning, including a thorough waxing of the playfield. After the cleaning is over, however, maintaining the machine will help increase the time between cleanings and preserve the quality of the machine for years to come.
