Lionel 140 Banjo Signal question

A shake of powered graphite in the drum will help. Do not use any oil on this accessory. The oil you put in the coil will only gum up and impede operation.

I thank both of you for the help.....will clean out the oil and buy the new washers. 

If you look in the drum where the pin is, at the bottom you can scribe a pattern into the bottom in the shape of a pie, helps little fingers get a grip. You can use a exacto knife.

Marty

I like to clean out the shaft hole that is in the center of the coil with a drill bit. Select a bit that just fits. Use your fingers or a pin vise to hold the bit and turn it in the hole to clean out any rust and gunk. You don't want to enlarge the hole, just clean out the junk. Often there will be grime and some rust.

I do this with other, similar mechanisms too.

IMHO, the mechanism getting noisy as you raise the voltage isn't unusual or a sign of a problem.

C W Burfle posted:

I like to clean out the shaft hole that is in the center of the coil with a drill bit. Select a bit that just fits. Use your fingers or a pin vise to hold the bit and turn it in the hole to clean out any rust and gunk. You don't want to enlarge the hole, just clean out the junk. Often there will be grime and some rust.

Good suggestion..will give it a try tonight.  Thank you!

Martin Derouin posted:

If you look in the drum where the pin is, at the bottom you can scribe a pattern into the bottom in the shape of a pie, helps little fingers get a grip. You can use a exacto knife.

Marty

Thank you!

Grampstrains posted:

playswithtrains posted:  Is my best bet to buy (if I can find one) a new washer with the three nubs? 

 

Yes.  The old one had hardened with age and the fingers/nubs are not working as well as the should.  Any good parts dealer will have them.

 

Got a few on order (in case one or more are not made well enough).  Thanks!

Chuck Sartor posted:

A shake of powered graphite in the drum will help. Do not use any oil on this accessory. The oil you put in the coil will only gum up and impede operation.

Cleaned out any oil/residue with an electronics cleaner (dries with no residue).  Ordered the new gasket and will put a little graphite in it when the gasket arrives. Thank you!

HI, I hope I am able to get a little help or it might be too late. Anyway I have a #140 and while taking it apart to clean the back plate came off and the wrapped cloth looking wire came out. My question is, how far does that wire need to be in for the signal to work?Thanks.

ed