Gorgar (Williams, 1979): Troubleshooting and System 6 Replacement Boards
Is your Gorgar by Williams not booting, resetting, has a failing 40-pin connector, or is showing missing digits? These symptoms are typical of Williams System 6 pinball machines whose original boards (MPU, driver, power supply) are now over 40 years old. The good news: the WillFA7 replacement board, Plug & Play and battery-free, brings your machine back to life.
Gorgar (Williams, 1979): Overview
Released in 1979, Gorgar is the world's first talking pinball machine — a System 6 classic that remains highly sought after by collectors.
- Manufacturer: Williams
- Year: 1979
- Electronic system: Williams System 6
- Type: solid state, first talking pinball
- Theme: demonic creature
Common Issues (System 6)
On Williams System 3 to 7 pinball machines, recurring failures stem from aging: leaking NiCad battery on the MPU (corrosion — the #1 cause of dead boards), worn 40-pin MPU-to-driver connector (the single most common failure point), resets/reboots from 5V drops (power headers and connectors need re-soldering), tired power supply capacitors, displays with missing segments (connectors, display resistors), and solenoid fuse blowing (stuck slingshot or pop bumper).
Gorgar-Specific Issues (Forum Reports)
- Low DC voltages: check the 5V and 12V at the MPU connector; below 4.75V or 11V, malfunctions appear.
- 40-pin connector: if the female housing is yellowed/grimy rather than white, replace both male and female — this is THE weak point of System 3-7 machines.
- Offset switch matrix: after installing new boards, verify that the matrix connectors aren't shifted by one pin.
- Missing digits: failed resistors R1-R7 on the display board; replace with 1/2-watt resistors.
- NiCad battery on MPU: corrosion must be neutralized immediately.
Compatible Replacement Boards for Gorgar
- WillFA7 — 2-in-1 board (MPU + Driver) compatible with System 3 to 7, including System 7.
The WillFA7 replaces the original MPU and driver board (startup, logic resets, solenoid control, battery-free memory) and eliminates the fragile 40-pin ribbon cable. Purely power-supply issues (5V/12V, capacitors, power connectors) need to be addressed on the power supply side; our support team can guide you.
Installation is Plug & Play, battery-free, with tutorials and free support. Contact us.
FAQ — Gorgar Williams
My Gorgar won't boot or keeps resetting.
Check the 5V and 12V at the MPU. The WillFA7 replaces MPU and driver and stabilizes startup; the power supply still needs checking.
My 40-pin connector is yellowed.
It's worn. The WillFA7 combines MPU and driver and eliminates this ribbon cable — the #1 source of failures.
Missing display digits.
Check resistors R1-R7 on the display board. This is a display-side issue; the WillFA7 stabilizes the signal driving.
Do I need to keep the original battery?
No. The WillFA7 runs without a battery and eliminates the #1 cause of corrosion on System 6 machines.
How long does installation take?
Installation is Plug & Play: just a few minutes, no soldering required, with tutorials and free support.
Does a battery-free board retain settings and high scores?
Yes. Modern replacement boards use NVRAM: no battery, no corrosion, and settings are preserved when powered off.
Step-by-Step Diagnostics
- With power off, visual inspection: look for any signs of battery leakage or corrosion on the MPU of your Gorgar; remove the NiCad battery if still present.
- Power supply: check the 5V rail and fuses; re-solder power supply headers and MPU headers if voltage drops or the game resets.
- Connectors: re-pin oxidized Molex connectors, especially the MPU-to-driver connection.
- Solenoids: check solenoid fuses and switches (stuck slingshot) before powering back on.
- Displays: never connect or disconnect a display while powered on; test with a known good display.
- Final test: verify startup, credits, solenoids, and displays; remember the WillFA7 replaces MPU + driver. If needed, contact free support.
Useful Guides
- How much does pinball machine repair cost? A price guide
- How much is my pinball machine worth? Value and estimation
- Pinball machine leg sizes: the complete guide
- Which board for a Williams System 3 to 7?
See Also
- Flash (Williams, 1979)
- Stellar Wars (Williams, 1979)
- Tri Zone (Williams, 1979)
- Time Warp (Williams, 1979)
