Power transformer question

[JohnJN]

Hi all - I’m being offered a Sega pin that looks to have a rusty power transformer (the housing and screws).

From the photos and video I’ve been sent the cabinet/game doesn’t look like it’s had water damage but I’m wondering if this is due to a game being set up in a damp environment or something along those lines, as well as if this is a red flag of some kind. There seems to be discolouration or oxidation on some of the metal components (nuts and things like that) but from what I can tell it seems to play ok and none of the other components seem to be as ‘rusty’ looking as the power transformer housing.

Anyone experience anything like this? Is this a game to avoid?

Thanks for the insight in advance.

 

[good_buddy83]

Transformers are easy to swap if the rust bothers you. I would check the voltages being put out by the transformer, if the voltages are fine I would not worry too much about it. This is common if a machine was stored in a non-climate controlled location (unheated garage, backyard shed, etc). Damp warm air hits the cold metal causing the condensation then oxidation. If the machine plays fine, chances are you are OK. Upload a picture of the transformer if you can, and we can give it a visual. If you see heat discolouration or scorch marks on the transformer, that would be a big red flag. Nothing that can't be fixed. Transformers can we swapped. I say buy the machine.

 

[JohnJN]

Thanks good buddy!

 

[websherpa]

I used to repair / restore pinballs as a business... show me one pinball transformer more than 20 years old that DOESN'T have oxidation rusting. The unit uses an iron core, it's not usually treated to prevent rusting, and pinball machines heat and cool and are often stored in humid conditions regardless. Long way of saying rust is normal. Transformers of that era are usually robust. I've restored machines that were underwater in New Orleans that worked fine after I cleaned the sewage and silt out of them.... YMMV

 

[JohnJN]

Thanks websherpa!