Have you hooked the diode back up, or are you running without it?
It really shouldn't have been laying at the bottom and worked "right".
It would have to be in series (inline) with the coil.
Coil gap should be about a 1/32.... hold on....
http://olsenstoy.com//cd/accs/acc362p1.pdf there you go.
Maybe it was modified or "repaired?
Spring too strong on some? Bent wrong? funny gap?(you want parallel closed).
Here is a thought. Unscrew the platform spring mounting, and check the springs are near parallel to the mounts when loose. The springs tensions fighting each other, might be hindering spring operation.
Is the ramp slick?
Try something sticky on a barrel. Something sugary would rinse off.
Or, if the barrels are sanded too smooth, alcohol, or a short soak in hot water should raise the wood grain, creating a fuzz.
