NH ABA 80003B DLR APPRECIATION SMOKE QUESTIONS

You don't list the MTH item number so no one can say with absolute certainty if both units smoke.

However, if it's PS2 and Premier, the answer is almost certainly "yes" and if it's RailKing the answer is almost certainly "no".

Premier 5V board.

Barry,

I did list the item number in my subject column. 80003B if it is a bad smoke unit please advise what I can do and approximate cost for a new unit. Are they difficult to install ? Also, please advise if there is any way I can check it out to see if it is bad?

Much thanks,Jerry

Jerry,

80003B

Unfortunately, that's not an MTH item number. An MTH item number for an engine takes the has the format XX-YYYY-Z, where typically XX is 20 for Premier and 30 for Rail King.

Assuming that Marty is correct (as I expect that he is), if the 2nd A has a smoke unit and it isn't working, it would have to either be repaired or replaced. Either choice is straightforward as long as that you have some understanding of how it's supposed to work.

If I recall correctly, a replacement smoke unit is $50 or so. However, it may only be the smoke motor, the resistors or the wicking that needs attention. If you aren't knowledgeable of the innards of an MTH smoke unit, I suggest that you contact someone who is.

I've never had an occasion where I had to replace an entire smoke unit, typically it's the motor, the resistor, or the wick.  Once in a while the heater runs away and cooks the PCB.

The first step is to obviously find out why it's not smoking, you're not ready to replace stuff yet.

Take the shell off and look at the unit.  Is it properly primed, does the fan turn,  is the harness connected to the slave board?  This can be anything from a broken wire controlling the slave board on the Lead A to the harness, to the trail slave board, to just basic maintenance on the smoke unit.   G

Thanks guys,

This is a brand new engine which I should have mentioned in the first place. Will check out your suggestions. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,Jerry 

Sometimes the wick is not pinched in the center of the elements.  Simple to move in position.  G