Managed to fix my NES.

[SaturdayMorningRobots]

I'm feeling pretty good that I managed to swap out my NES 72 pin connector without snapping the motherboard like a twig. Was a bitch to get the new one back on. If anybody does this, it's not hard but be sure to clean your games even if you think they are clean. I'll say after the procedure it went from 5% reliability, to 90%. Not quite brand new but quite nice.

[DragonmasterDan]

I'm feeling pretty good that I managed to swap out my NES 72 pin connector without snapping the motherboard like a twig. Was a bitch to get the new one back on. If anybody does this, it's not hard but be sure to clean your games even if you think they are clean. I'll say after the procedure it went from 5% reliability, to 90%. Not quite brand new but quite nice.

Just a side note, that rate will drop a little bit as time goes on until you have to put in a new connector again. The BEST way to play NES games as far as reliability goes is to invest in the top loader.

[thesteve]

another side note.
be sure to clean the motherboard where the connector ataches when replacing

[csgx1]

another side note.
be sure to clean the motherboard where the connector ataches when replacing

+1

On my NES motherboard, some of the connector where the 72 pin attaches were very corroded.  Make sure that area is clean also. 

NES toasters are very reliable with a good 72pin connector.  I actually prefer the toaster over the top loader. 

[jperryss]

Another tip: There's no need to click the cart down. Just slide it in and hit Power.

[Black Tiger]

I'm feeling pretty good that I managed to swap out my NES 72 pin connector without snapping the motherboard like a twig. Was a bitch to get the new one back on. If anybody does this, it's not hard but be sure to clean your games even if you think they are clean. I'll say after the procedure it went from 5% reliability, to 90%. Not quite brand new but quite nice.

Just a side note, that rate will drop a little bit as time goes on until you have to put in a new connector again. The BEST way to play NES games as far as reliability goes is to invest in the top loader.

Except that the toploader doesn't do composite and it draws pixelly columns across the screen.

I have a refurbed NES and a toploader, but am considering trying an NES to Famicom convertor to use on my AV Famicom.

[TheClash603]

Another tip: There's no need to click the cart down. Just slide it in and hit Power.

The click never fails.  Believe it!

[jperryss]

Another tip: There's no need to click the cart down. Just slide it in and hit Power.

The click never fails.  Believe it!

The click was a gimmick to simulate a VCR, but puts unnecessary force on the 72pin connector as it does not pivot downwards with the cart slot. Believe it! 

[SNKNostalgia]

The original 72-pin connector is usually better than the replacement ones. Just clean and bend the pins back on the original one. While you're at it... cut the 10nes lockout chip. This prevents further connectivity problems with the red blinking screen. Here is a link on how you should bend the pins of the original 72-pin connector you took out.
http://classicgaming.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=256

After cleaning the hell out of both the motherboard connector, 72-pin connector with fixed pins, and all of my games; I have 99% success of a game working after one try. I really suggest getting the cleaning paste kit from the NintendoRepairShop website. This stuff safely removes corrosion like a charm from any PCB/cart connectors.

[SaturdayMorningRobots]

Didn't know about the not pushing it down gimmick. Will try that. Is the top loader really all that more reliable? I just got my first OG Famicom which is a simple top loading system, and it doesn't work every single time. to be fair though I haven't cleaned my 2 carts yet.

I really suggest getting the cleaning paste kit from the NintendoRepairShop website. This stuff safely removes corrosion like a charm from any PCB/cart connectors.

I may do that as I have a couple of stubborn games for which the typical alcohol solution and q-tip approach isn't cutting it.

[PunkicCyborg]

The model 2 top loader works as good as everyone says. It's just a shame they only gave us RF but you can upgrade that. Even the ugliest games always work