Accessing coin mech

[rockhopper]

Hi all,
I don't use the forum very often as I only have a few machines, hopefully you'll forgive me for that and offer me some advice.
I've managed to change a few coin carriers on my towers, but I'm having problems with getting to the lever that releases the coin mech on others, I think they are Clenport, but am not sure (some of them are green!). I've shone a torch in but can't see the lever, it looks as though it's behind a plastic strip which is preventing me from reaching it.....maybe my fingers are too short! Any advice would be appreciated. If I do get the coin mechs off how do I get them back on?
Many thanks,
Gus

[Style]

Ive never seen Green ones. I would suggest a photo of a tower so we can confirm its Clenport. I had some really old ones made by Laiv that I had to take the base to bits in order to access the coin mechs. (I still have 2 of them sited, they will be going in a skip on the 28th March) Assuming yours are Clenport it is just a case of feeling around and getting the "knack". I never have a problem and generally get them of in a couple of seconds but ive done it thousands of times. I know others have differing methods, ie use of spoon etc. But I just use the middle finger of my right hand.

Andy

[OscarHarris]

Hi Gus,

I also have a green clenport machine with the same issue. I have 100's of towers and have various methods for releasing the leaver on the "trickier" machines. Like most operators I really don't have an issue doing this in the main and would consider myself reasonably experienced. However, I have to say, this single green clenport I have, has me beat trying to release the mech in the usual manor. I've tried all my usual tricks and then some, still no joy

The only way I can think around the situation is to dismantle the tower from the top down and remove the mech that way. I know its not much help, I guess what I'm saying is I don't think you're doing anything wrong and there many not be a quick fix in this instance

Unless anyone else has also come across this and has found an easier solution, then I'd be interested too Until then I'll just leave it in the corner of my unit and pretend it doesn't exisit

[rockhopper]

Thanks for the advice, I'll have another poke about. A couple of my red towers are also causing me the same problem. Might try a bent metal coat hanger. If that doesn't work I might be in the market for a few second hand towers.
Cheers, Gus

[PGBrew]

Some of the very oldest Clenport machines (20th century models!) don't have a lever and the only way to access the mech is to take the machine completely apart. Some models are held in place by a retaining screw. To access the mechs on these ones turn the machine on its head and you will see two holes on the base plate towards the front near the shoot, use a long slotted screw driver to unscrew retaining screw to release mech.

Pete

[rockhopper]

Thanks Pete, will try that.
Cheers, Gus

[Vendition Ltd]

I'm also having trouble with the very ancient clean port towers

What tool does everyone find the best if you cant get to the lever with your middle finger?

Regards

Ross

[choice vending]

IF we are talking about the same machines ????

Get a file in the back of the machine and file upwards and reduce the plastic bit that covers the mech leaver. Use a long handled file with plenty of leverage on it. Insistently the snack a can chinese machine once the mech is off i cut the plastic bit out from the front using a hacksaw blade. This makes it much easier to change the mech in the future.

Its a bad design fault i must say

Regards Brian

[PGBrew]

I use a small condiment spoon with a nice curve at the end. Insert and hook the lever and pull down, catch with your finger and push to open position. I've been doing this for 10 years without many problems. Will give Brian's method a try though!

Pete

[Ade]

i dislocate my finger then reset it lol

Ade