Bought 6-18080 Rio Grande Steam engine new from estate sale. Engine had no evidence of operation, new in box. Put engine on track in TMCC/ Odyessy and after start, engine would labor slowly, then speed up repeating this cycle continuously. Suspected binding and with side rods removed all wheels were free. Lubricated every part and that made no difference.
Took engine to repair station and tech has a Lionel Test Board with a can motor and lights that allows boards to be tested. Tested boards and found DCDS board on tester would show can motor surging. Replaced board. Also, turned can motor flywheel before reassembling engine and there were no mechanical binds. After reassembly engine still has surging. Put engine into conventional and surges disappeared.
Tech called Lionel and they couldn't provide any guidance. Tech is stuck and recommends sending engine to Lionel for identification of problem.
Can anyone provide any troubleshooting steps that may be tried to identify cause of surges that disappear when in Conventional? I have an identical engine that runs flawlessly. Running engine in conventional should eliminate mechanical issues as problem, as it runs without surges in conventional.
Thanks. Mokemike
PS: New board was tested before installation in engine.
