Medieval Madness left flipper weak and intermittent
My 1997 Medieval Madness has developed a weak left flipper that sometimes doesn't fire at all. When it does engage, it feels sluggish and can barely make it up the left ramp. The right flipper is perfectly fine.
I've noticed the problem is worse when the machine has been on for a while — the first few games after power-on seem okay, but after 20-30 minutes the left flipper starts dying. I can sometimes hear a faint buzz from the flipper area when I press the button and nothing happens.
I've owned this game for about three years and this started gradually over the last few months. I haven't done any flipper rebuilds since I got it. The EOS switch looks like it's making contact but I'm not 100% sure. Any ideas on what to check first?
yemons·3/21/2026★ 1 Answer
This is a classic flipper rebuild scenario on a WPC machine. The symptoms you're describing — weak and intermittent operation that worsens with heat — point to a worn flipper coil sleeve and/or a bad EOS (end-of-stroke) switch. When the EOS switch doesn't open properly, the high-power winding stays energized and overheats the coil, which causes it to weaken over time.
Start by doing a full flipper rebuild. You'll want a flipper rebuild kit that includes a new coil sleeve, plunger, link, and return spring. I'd recommend the Flipper Rebuild Kit from Marco Specialties — make sure you get the one specific to Williams WPC games. While you're in there, inspect the EOS switch leaf contacts. If they're pitted or blackened, replace them. Also check the flipper coil itself (part # FL-11630) — if the coil sleeve is cracked or the coil windings look discolored/burnt, replace the coil too. You can find replacement coils at Pinball Life.
Before reassembly, clean the flipper button contacts under the cabinet and check the wiring at the flipper opto board for any cold solder joints. On WPC machines, also verify the TIP36C transistor on the Fliptronics board — a failing transistor can cause exactly these intermittent symptoms. If the transistor tests weak, replace it and add a heatsink. After reassembly, set the EOS gap to about 1/16" when the flipper is in the up position.
yemons·3/21/2026