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Post by keithl on May 12, 2024 21:09:30 GMT
My Lionel MPC 8142 4-4-2 steam engine (from 1971) with a two-position electromechanical E-unit, smoke, and the Mighty Sound of Steam is sluggish in the forward direction, regardless of voltage input, for the first couple of minutes, after which it runs normally.
There is no issue in reverse; it runs normally in reverse from the first time power is applied.
The engine is lubricated and the wheels and drive gear move easily. I cleaned the E-unit with CRC contact cleaner, but there was no change. Also, locking the E-unit in the forward direction does not make any difference.
I'm mystified. Any ideas?
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Post by Adam on May 12, 2024 22:07:04 GMT
Does it have magnatraction and, if so, is the magnet still strong?
Thats all I can think of since you covered the basics.
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Post by atsda on May 13, 2024 1:53:23 GMT
Keith, It is good to hear from you. Could it be that there is some kind of (gear / shaft) wear/ alignment that causes the problem only when it is engaged in forward? That is a guess - you have done all of the basic maintenance. Alfred
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Post by keithl on May 13, 2024 2:03:54 GMT
No Magne-Traction . . . no mechanical issues . . . but thank you for trying to help me.
A gentleman with the handle of "ADCX Rob" on another forum told me to clean the commutator and slots. And it was as simple as that! The fellow is either clairvoyant or just really, really knows pre-digital Lionel trains.
The train community is great. We're all happy to share. If one of us doesn't have the answer to a problem, someone else does.
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Post by david1 on May 13, 2024 2:07:28 GMT
Having had a bunch of MPC locomotives in the past the motors in the engines are not very good. They would kind of jam up at low speed not from the gearing but the motor would just not turn until a certain voltage was reached.
I would try starting it at a higher voltage to get it going. The pulmore motors in the 70's on were not like the postwar motors that were much better not great but better.
Dave
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Post by Country Joe on May 13, 2024 15:11:56 GMT
No Magne-Traction . . . no mechanical issues . . . but thank you for trying to help me. A gentleman with the handle of "ADCX Rob" on another forum told me to clean the commutator and slots. And it was as simple as that! The fellow is either clairvoyant or just really, really knows pre-digital Lionel trains. The train community is great. We're all happy to share. If one of us doesn't have the answer to a problem, someone else does. I’m glad you were able to figure it out with a little help from ADCX Rob. I didn’t have any idea of what was causing the problem but I’ll try to remember that in case it ever comes up again.
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Post by keithl on May 13, 2024 17:34:17 GMT
No Magne-Traction . . . no mechanical issues . . . but thank you for trying to help me. A gentleman with the handle of "ADCX Rob" on another forum told me to clean the commutator and slots. And it was as simple as that! The fellow is either clairvoyant or just really, really knows pre-digital Lionel trains. The train community is great. We're all happy to share. If one of us doesn't have the answer to a problem, someone else does. I’m glad you were able to figure it out with a little help from ADCX Rob. I didn’t have any idea of what was causing the problem but I’ll try to remember that in case it ever comes up again. Yes, ADCX Rob honed right in on the issue, and it was a simple fix. The 53-year-old starter-set locomotive is back to running as good as new!
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Post by Adam on May 13, 2024 18:19:34 GMT
I'm usually sluggish as well until I have had some coffee.
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Post by keithl on May 13, 2024 18:44:04 GMT
I'm usually sluggish as well until I have had some coffee. I can't even pour my coffee until I've had some coffee!
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