New lionel sd70 ace

It probably needs to have the smoke unit checked out.

If the unit is fan-driven, there's a possibility that one of the leads from the blower motor has come loose or has a bad solder joint. I've had to re-solder a couple of MTH units. Both had symptoms youd describe.

you can hear the fan motor when you power up the engine

I suspect you'll have to open it up.  If it's getting any smoke at all, it may just be the wick isn't good or not positioned correctly.  Normally, the smoke regulator either works or doesn't work.

This may have no bearing on the engine, however is it Legacy? If so, did you do the normal start up features? If you run it with Cab 1, you may want to Re-Program your engine to a different number. If it's a new engine, I would take it to the dealer if at all

possible. Also, Lionel Service is great If you have to return it.

I had to replace the wick material in mine. It had burt too much and was charred. Easy fix though.

I have 3 of these engines and currently only the newest one works. I can tell you that in my experience that these are temperamental units. I have one back in the shop again for the voltage regulator since it had the same problem so you might want to either check it out yourself or have your tech check it out.

I guess I have been fortunate, I have had no issues with the SD70Ace engines, all Legacy, all 10 work great. I run lash ups all the time and do the same with the AC6000's.

So far So Fine. Happy Railroading....

I have one of these and they are a great smoker.  As mentioned above, the wick maybe charred. Open it up and take a look, wirh these new locos this has become a required skill,opening and inspecting the smoke units. It gets easier as you do more.

Fred

I see this often. Most of the time replace the wicking with more product.  I have seen a few where the heating element just barely touches the wicking.  I have some that smoke like a champ.  Wicking is the big one. 

What type of dispenser are you using to count the 20 drops. I found that using the fine point dropper from mega steam requires much more than 20 drops.  some dispensers produce bigger drops.  Just a thought.

For brand new dry smoke units, I've found that it takes at least a full dropper of smoke fluid (JT-Megasteam bottle) to initially prime them.  When I refill, I go for about 1/3 of a dropper and just shoot it in and then give it a little blow to remove any bubble.

I like the idea of the JB Megasteam fine point bottle, but you don't really know how much you're putting in with that as you can't see the drops with it inserted.

A new product idea is a calibrated dropper that has the long needle point that you can insert a measured amount of fluid and shoot it directly into the wick material and not just down the stack.  Maybe like a hypodermic needle, you could fill with the proper amount and just shoot it in.