Vendo 81B - Stuck on Free Vend

[66GTO]

My Vendo 81B dispenses each time the crank is pushed, regardless if coins are deposited.  Is there a simple fix to this? I'm a noob, so go easy on me with the terminology.  I've posted a couple of pics of the coin mech, but I'm not even sure if it's a vending or coin mech issue.  Thanks in advance!

[collecture]

To the right of the crank handle, you will see an oval cutout in the backing plate (painted piece). You will see two screw holes through this cutout.
Looks like you have a 10 cent mech, which has one lock lever (or dog). You probably have a screw in the rear screw hole, which lifts the lock lever.
Simple way to set the machine to free vend.

[66GTO]

Yes it is a 10 cent mech as far as I know.  I was told it was original (and restored).  I will check this when I get home and let you know what I find.  I was hoping this would be a simple fix.  Assuming there are two screws, do I remove the back screw, or back it out partially out as it shows in your pic?  Thank you!!!

[collecture]

More than likely, you will not have a screw in the front hole.
Simply back it out a bit until you see the lock lever lay down on the shaft.
Screw it in when you want FV and unscrew it for coin operation.
If this isn't the issue, don't worry! Nothing is too difficult on these machines!

[66GTO]

Collecture - you are good.  Everything was as you predicted.  No screw in the front hole, and a screw in the back hole.  Once I backed the screw out, it worked! Thank you!

Now, it worked with a dime, but not with nickels.  The first nickel get hung up in the top of the mech, the second one kicks out the coin return.  Could it be my mech is for dimes only? 

[collecture]

Rejector probably just needs adjustment - you have a nickel/dime rejector.

With a single lock lever, you most likely have a two nickel or one dime mech....unless the mech has a 15 cent shaft in it.

Need more pics to tell for sure!

[66GTO]

Here are some more pics.  I wasn't sure what you needed to look at, so tell me which part to photograph if these don't work. Thank you!

[collecture]

You have a 10 cent (two nickel or one dime) mech.
Make sure there is nothing blocking the nickel path. Confirm that the scavenger plate lays flat. Reem the cradle post hole with a pipe cleaner & a drop of Brasso polish - wrap around the post too and clean it. Make sure the nickel anvil screws are tight.

[MaineT]

You have a 10 cent (two nickel or one dime) mech.
Make sure there is nothing blocking the nickel path. Confirm that the scavenger plate lays flat. Reem the cradle post hole with a pipe cleaner & a drop of Brasso polish - wrap around the post too and clean it. Make sure the nickel anvil screws are tight.

Good luck cause I'm lost!! Job security for the pro's from me!!  Don't forget the flux capacitor!

[66GTO]

OK - I think I have it narrowed down to the piece in the picture "mech 4".  It's the large brass colored piece, guessing it's called the cradle.  Anyways, it does feel like it binds somewhat, when I manually turn it clockwise, the nickel continues on down correctly the rest of the way. 

Is it missing a spring?  There's a small hole to the left, that I thought a spring would go into.  Assuming I need to clean it as described, do I remove the e-clip on the post first?

Thanks!

[collecture]

Yes - the cradle has to spin freely. No spring attached - remove the clip, clean the post and reem the post hole with a cleaner. I use Brasso.

[66GTO]

Collecture- I removed the cradle and cleaned it, put back together, and it works!  Thank you again for your help.  Hopefully I can return the favor some day.