165 magnetic crane

WD-40 is not your friend when it comes to trains.

If it was just your magnet that stopped working, I'd guess that the contact finger for the magnet slipped out of place (common problem) This contact presses against a conductor that runs down the center of the shaft that turns the spool to raise and lower the hook/magnet.

If the motor runs, but the clutches don't engage, the first question is: Why?

Are the solenoids pulling, but the clutches don't move far enough?
Or are the solenoids dead?

If they are pulling, then the problem is likely to be dirt and grime.
If they are both dead, then you probably have a bad ground.
If so, that could effect the magnet too.

These are just guesses, there is nothing like looking at the piece having a problem.

Thanks for the advise. I'm not to sure what I did but I got it to work a few times. I think I will take the four screws out later and remove the motor and solinoids and clean them with a proper cleaner. probably blow it out as well. I think the problem with the magnet was the contact like you mentioned. As long as I hold my finger on it, it works.   The selinoids seem to be functioning as intended but the up down left right movement is still sporadic.

Hi  C.W. Burfle

I ended up taking the whole thing apart including the motor brushes and cleaned them. The 165 now runs great except I need a new light bulb. Thank you for setting me straight with the WD40, it now is put away and not to be used on my trains. Thanks for taking the time to help.

Glad to have helped some.
Thank you for posting about how you made out.