About a year ago, the engine would not work and so I sent it out for repair which was diagnosed as an E-unit problem. A new E-unit was put in. The engine operated quite well for a year of intermittent use until today where it simply stops and I have to depress the direction control to get it running again. This happens periodically once the engine has been running briefly. I tried separate track lines and separate transformers and the phenomenon repeats itself. Any suggestions?
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There might be an intermittent open in the wire to the E unit, or from the pick up rollers to the E unit, causing the E unit to drop into neutral. Resolder the wire from the pickup to the side of the E unit, try it with the shell off.
Where are you in Penna? Would be happy to look at the loco, if you are near me. I live about 20 miles north of Reading.
Just curious... Mechanical E-unit right? Can you lock in a forward direction by moving the lever?. how does it run now?
For some reason, maybe weight, these lever-down E-units tend to have the lever loosen up on the pivot. In the above case, first check to see if the lever is in just the right position where it's about to shut off. Check to see it is firmly in the "on" position.
If it doesn't seat well in the "on" position, the rivet has loosened up and needs to be re-peened - a process that really isn't for the home repairman w/o the right anvil/tool.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I did lock up the lever underneath so that the engine only moved forward and have had no problems so far. I intend to keep it that way since I have no use for reversing direction on that line anyway.
Some people tighten a loose e-unit lever by slipping an open horseshoe washer or e-clip behind the lever or behind the contact plate. I have tried this technique and it does work.
Normally I do a complete overhaul.
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