Crank lever return on VMC 81. Need help.

[Marvin]

Hey guys,

I need help from some one who may have had my problem before.  I am putting a VMC 81 together for a friend of mine.  He had all the body work done and I just get to reassemble.  I had the coin mech restored and it works like I think it should.  He had the actuator linkage powdercoated. 
My problem is that without the linkage connected the mech lets the crank handle return normally.  The linkage moves freely when not connected.  When the linkage is connected to the shaft on the mech it will not return and gets stiff to vend.  I have adjusted it many ways, lubed lots of stuff and still have the same problem. 

Any ideas what I may be doing wrong?

Thanks,
Marvin

[collecture]

Are you sure you have the linkage positioned correctly on the mech shaft?
The linkage part that connects to the mech shaft should point away from the stack when it is connected.
After the linkage is connected, you then adjust the T-pin actuator.

[MoonDawg]

       If you are having this problem with the door open I can't help
you anymore than what Tom said.
       If the door is in the closed position and won't return, use a
stronger return spring on the cup that the T-pin engages at the
bottom of the bottle stack.

[Marvin]

Tom, yes the linkage is connected correctly.  The mech / linkage is not wanting to return when the linkage is connected.  What has me stumped is the fact that when not together both pieces move freely.
I want to get this working correctly, but if it comes down to it I will put a spring from the mech arm to the t-post so it will pull it back.
 
Marvin 

[collecture]

Like Moondawg asked, is it still stiff with the main door open?
Does the T-pin line up to the cup correctly?
Can you manually turn the actuator cup so that the bottle stack gates open?

There are only two springs affecting the return of the crank:
One is in the mech (see pic) - one arrow points to the spring as it is wrapped around the shaft and the other arrow points to where one end is attached to the body.
The only other spring is the one Glen referred to on the actuator cup.
Can't think of anything else that could be wrong!

[Marvin]

I am assuming that that handle / linkage should return to normal when the door is open.  I have never had an 81 together to test. 

Tom, as far as the spring in the mech it is one you restored for me.  Is it possible it needs some more tension put on it?

Thanks again,
Marvin

[collecture]

Yes, the linkage and crank should be in the ready to vend position with the door open.
Tell us what happens on these three tests:
1. With the mech installed, but the linkage not connected - does the mech operate correctly?
2. Can you manually rotate the vend cam and release the bottle gates?
3. With the main door open and the linkage attached to the mech shaft, can you crank the mech freely
If the mech operates correctly when solo, then I would safely say that it is not the problem.
If you can manually rotate the vend cam and release the bottle gates, then I would safely say the stack is not the problem.
If those two test show positive, I would say your problem lies within the linkage.

If you do find that the mech I did is faulty, then I will repair it free of charge and even pay for the postage. No out of pocket charge to you or your friend.
You cannot tighten the spring any more than I have it.

[Marvin]

The mech works correctly without the linkage attached.  The vend cam moves freely.  The linkage moves freely when not connected.  I also think the problem is with the linkage, but it moves really easy so I can't seem to pinpoint the problem.

Marvin

[collecture]

Here is a pic of the linkage when attached.
1. Attach the linkage as shown.
2. Adjust the vertical position of the T-pin to the center of the actuator cup.
3. Adjust the length of the linkage so that the T-pin is positioned in the slots of the actuator cup.

[collecture]

Any luck Marvin?