Lionel 182 Magnetic Crane Opperating Question

I have seen the problem you are talking about before. Now let's see if I can remember what it was about. It has a motor with a double wound field. Changing direction only requires changing which field is connected.  The solenoid operated gears select between rotation and cable up and down.  As I recall the problem I had was shifting between the geared function. Either the spring needed to be changed of the shaft needed to cleaned and relubricated. If you are having trouble with the motor changing directions I think you need to take a hard look at the controller. Make sure it is not trying to go both ways at the same time. There was also a warning tag that came with the crane. There are certain combinations of buttons that should not be pressed.  Until you find this warning, I would suggest you only press one button at a time. 

It's nice to be able to swing and hoist at the same time.
If you press two buttons together for A MOMENT either the motor will run or it will not.
If it runs, you found one combination. Press the other two buttons together, for the other combination.

Pressing the wrong two buttons together for a moment won't hurt anything.
The motor may hum or buzz.

I've checked the controller but do not believe that to be the issue as when I press a button I get a "Click" but the motor does not engage.  If I just tap the opposite direction then I can go in the direction I was wanting. For Example, if I want to go right, I have to tap left and then press right again and it works.  Same with Up/Down.  I took a look at the mechanism.  The solenoid springs look in pretty bad shape.  They work.. barely.  I tried replacing on with the spring from the Milk Car but that spring was too strong and the clutch would not engage.  I replaced the original after re-streching, coling it and it works a tad better.  I am on the lookout for the solenoid spring but cannot find the part number for it.  If anyone has that part number, I'd appreciate it or at worst I've ordered a copy of the service manual for the crane and it should be in there.   The crane works "ok" but I'd like to get it working a tad better.

thanks,

Kevin

The spring is 3652-25. I have purchased them in the past from Jeff Kane, The Train Tender. Did you check the brushes and brush springs and clean the commutator?  You might want to loosen the motor up and run it with no load. See if you have same problem. 

Thanks, will give Jeff a call tomorrow. JustTrains looks to have them as well if Jeff is out.

The problem you are describing has to do with the tension of the clutch springs.  Trying to adjust them by increasing or decreasing tension is extremely difficult.  Jeff should have them.  I take the mechanism apart and clean it thoroughly in a solvent.  after re-assembly, I apply light grease to the gears and light oil to the remainder of the mechanism.

Regards,  Phranzdan

Phranzdan posted:

The problem you are describing has to do with the tension of the clutch springs.  Trying to adjust them by increasing or decreasing tension is extremely difficult.  Jeff should have them.  I take the mechanism apart and clean it thoroughly in a solvent.  after re-assembly, I apply light grease to the gears and light oil to the remainder of the mechanism.

Regards,  Phranzdan

Thanks!  

Thought I’d follow up now theaters I have it working.  I got the solenoid springs from Jeff and they solved the initial problem I was having. Unfortunately it unmasked another, the crane now refused to turn left or right. Taking it apart, the clutch on that side was not engaging.  I checked the clutch and it was dripp9ng with oil.  I removed the cluch and cleaned it in mineral spirits and lightly oiled it. This helped but the clutch was still slipping moving to the right. I then used a pair of needle nose pliers to bend the clutch arm slightly to narrow the gap between the clutch and the gear. The crane now works pretty smooth left/right and up/down.  Thanks for all the great help.

Kevin