Replaced plunger spring with one made from thicker wire that has the same compression distance. The machine launches balls now, but not quite properly , a slightly longer spring is needed.

Ordered a stronger spring from McMaster-Carr

Plunger spring needs to compress entirely into socket, which has about 3/4 inch of depth. I will look for stronger springs that conform to that

Old spring appears to be 23/64 inches in outer diameter. We need a thicker or maybe longer spring

Washer work

Washer solution failed. The compressed spring must fit INSIDE the plunger frame.

Attempted constructing a smaller washer by filing down and heating a plastic washer but it merely got stuck. We need to order real springs. I looked this up and will make parts requests for a couple possibilities

Screws were missing. Countersunk screws with wood screw threading are uncommon, I left 2 suggestions from our screw zoo in the plunger.

They are different lengths due to vertical asymmetry in the cabinet. The shorter screw is only a drywall screw, but should be OK with the new epoxy.

The plunger screw holes were a bit stripped. I added wood epoxy, for drilling and tapping Aug 27 or later.

Springs were all tangled up. Springs will wind together unless prevented from contact. I inserted washers between the springs, which should prevent that problem.

Note: I removed the playfield (but did not need to have done so it turns out). The playfield comes out by removing the 4 acres shown, and moving the metal strip shown out of the way.