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I have a 1949 Mills Blue-Bell and the escalator goes through periods of jamming and not jamming. I feel sure it isn't the escalator itself that's causing the problem. It functions as intended. It seems as though when I pull the handle, the mechanism doesn't cycle fully. Sometimes the handle doesn't return to the full upright position. Other times it does. This somehow keeps the escalator from releasing. Furthermore, this all seems to come and go in cycles. What could be wrong?

I attached a picture of my dirty girl (my slot) for referrance. I've sent off for new reel strips and plan on cleaning up the mechanisms.

Update: From the "Mills Bell Machine Parts and Service Manual" I have determined that the Coin Adv. Bar Operating Lever (Photo 5, Part N) is not always advancing all the way up to trigger the escalator. Now I just have to figure out why. I might have to tare down some of the mech to figure this out. I wish one of you had an easy solution.

Clean the meck and then use 3 in one oil on the pivots . Check the long spring for good tension. All of this can be done with the escalator out of the machine.

Hello and adding to RadioRich comments I would check all the spring tension and the return movements on your escalator for starters, for the handle return issue check for excessive grease on the MOA roller and check the movement on the operating arm dog and air handle pump. Here are some pictorials to help you identify the parts of your high top and to hopefully solve your issues. Please post some pictures of your machine when you get a chance- Bill

Hi, I was having the same problem with my Horsehead Bonus, when I put the nickel in and pulled the handle down it would jam, I took escalator apart cleaned re oiled and it would work fine for a couple of pulls then do the same thing again and jam up. After several times this was happening, I took the bonnet off and did a cycle and watched the escalator, I noticed that the "coin advancing bar operating lever hook" was not over the "coin advancing bar lever" so when I pulled down on the handle it would not cycle. I took the pull-down lever off bent it more forward over the coin advance lever and I haven't had a problem since. It sounds like the same situation, but just my 2 cents, hope this helps.

Those repair manual pictures are very helpful. I need to order that book.

I am posting some pictures of the mech for reference. She's a dirty girl. She has been sitting up for decades and hasn't been cleaned and properly lubed since my father aquired it back in the 70's. I just ordered new reel strips and plan to remove and clean that section of the mech, along with the clock. I've already cleaned and lubed the escalator.

If you notice the arrows, you will see where it doesn't always fully cycle, and therefore doesn't release the escalator lock.

yes I would start be giving that mechanism a good cleaning and then cycle the mech outside the case to see if it's operating correctly. Here is the contact information for this great book that has taught me the Mills slot machine operation and repairs.

Liberty Belle Book Store
After 9am PST
E-Mail: mfey@LibertyBelleBooks.com
2925 East Moana Lane, Reno, NV 89509
Books shipped by Priority Mail