Question about the '3 blinks' syndrome

So what's the question?

Just venting - Thanks guys.  I'll shut it off at the switch until later...

Alex M had mentioned that forcing air down the stack can sometimes dislodge the fan if stuck and perhaps get it functioning again?

10-4 C.sam. 

Good vent.  Last year [2014], bought a NS diesel new in the box from one of our fine dealers up north.  Came, no headlight and no smoke.  Called the dealer, "You need to take to local Lionel repair station."  I did as they are my buddies.  Opened up the shell.  Engine had been worked on and repaired wrong.  Replaced board and smoke unit.  To this day, head light off and on.  Smokes good.  Run it as second in lashup.  OH, try a "wisp" of canned air.  Keep the smoke fluid out of the eyes or off of the glasses.

The blinking is caused by a bad fan motor.  The only options are:

1) blink and notify you have a bad fan motor (switch off the smoke unit switch, and the blinking stops).

2) burn up the electronics once the fan motor fails.

In case #1, it costs a few dollars for the motor.

In case #2, it costs north or $120 for the electronics and motor.

What do you  prefer?

I have a LEGACY C&O GP35 that had the blinking cab lights signifying a bad fan motor. I'd shut off the engine and start it up and the smoke unit worked until I stopped the engine - more blinking cab lights.

This happened about 3 or 4 times. I removed the shell and secured a few connections in and around the smoke unit and it works fine now - no blinking cab lights and the locomotive runs fine.

Exactly catnap..... although the 3 blinking lights is a sign for the smoke unit/fan motor, it's NOT always a bad fan motor. I had the same experience with a Legacy Northern... just some bad connections with the smoke unit.

unfortunately not everyone is talented enough to pull the shell of these locos.