Difficulties Putting Nintendo (NES) Back Togehter

[Mr.Faxanadu]

Hello,

I've searched all over the net for an answer to this problem:

When I open and replace a 72 pin connector in an NES system, I can't for the life of me put the system back together 100% properly. The end result is always the same in that the lid doesn't seem to fit properly on the front part of the system. When I place the lid on, it fits nicely in the back but is slightly lifted (about 1 mm) on the front. If I screw the lid down tight, the lid will push on the metal which is over the game loading bay. This will cause the loading bay to not lock down properly. When you push the loading bay down, it won't lock. Conversely, if I screw the lid down when the loading bay is in the down position, it won't unlock. The only way I can fix this is by loosening the screws holding the front part of the lid in place. This causes the lid to raise a bit and not press down on the metal sheilding of the loading bay.

I've fixed up 10+ systems and the result is always the same.

When taking the system apart, I'm sure to keep the screws in order and I'm sure I'm placing everything in correctly.

I also know NOT to screw the 6 screws that hold the plastic loading bay TOO tight or the loading bay will bend a bit and won't lock properly.

Anyone have any ideas?

I'm guessing something is causing the internal pieces to be lifted a bit. I use a power drill to screw the system back together. I thought by screwing the metal loading bay lid too tight, it was bending it?

[b1aCkDeA7h]

I my experience, reassembling the NES is extremely finnicky if you overtighten screws.

Try loosening some of the screws for more leeway, you seem to already be on top of that. It might help but that's my slipshod but workable solution whenever I've worked on the good ol' toasters.

I would also not use a power drill on an old console.

[millerjm2]

There is a small black lip towards the front of the cart slot (the large black part with the springs). If it is not properly inserted underneath the motherboard then you will have the problem you have described. Watch the following video
at 2:10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXuPAy1-Kc

[Mr.Faxanadu]

There is a small black lip towards the front of the cart slot (the large black part with the springs). If it is not properly inserted underneath the motherboard then you will have the problem you have described. Watch the following video
at 2:10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXuPAy1-Kc

That sounds very promising! Looks like this might be the problem.

Man, that's pretty bad that 99% of the how to sites don't really mention this.

[aclbandit]

I my experience, reassembling the NES is extremely finnicky if you overtighten screws.

Try loosening some of the screws for more leeway, you seem to already be on top of that. It might help but that's my slipshod but workable solution whenever I've worked on the good ol' toasters.

I would also not use a power drill on an old console.

QFT!

Just loosen the screws. Tightening them all the way borks up the console's ability to close properly and/or press the springboard down.

EDIT: Er... that wasn't your problem. Um... whoops. Seems like you already have this particular fact down. My bad >_O;

[MASTERWEEDO]

I dont think I ever put em back together right, half of my tops were just set on, not cuz i couldnt get em to fit, but i have a habit of losing screws

[RASK1904]

Thats funny! I used to have all these problems, especialy the first few I opened. Good times. Driving me nuts! Now I only put back about half the screws and loosly tighten them.