ZW Short

Check the wiring to the backside of output posts they can become loose. Photo does not show that side. Does the circuit breaker reset then pop when you plug it in? If not then breaker may be bad.

franktrain

Yes, I have checked the back side of all 4 posts. All nuts are tight. I believe I had to replace all of these with screws and nuts because the original riveted ones were broken.   

I do not hear the CB pop at all when I plug it in.  The red short light only comes on as I move a throttle up from 0.  At first only the green light is on.  

The red light is wired in parallel with the circuit breaker. If it is lighting up, the circuit breaker is open.
If the circuit breaker is always open, then it needs replacing.
If there is no load on the transformer, the red light should not come on whether the breaker is open or closed. If it does, then you have a bigger problem.

PENNSYDAVE,

   I know you guys like to mess around with these ZW Transformers, doing your own repairs, however my suggestion in this case is to let Jim Lawson who rebuilds them all the time, refurbish and upgrade your old ZW Transformer correctly, so you do not have any more problems.  I have 2 of his refurbished/upgraded Transformers they work better than brand spanking new.

PCRR/Dave  

CW:  the red light comes on when advancing a/any throttle that is wired up but there is no load on the transformer.  The red light is off when the ZW is plugged in and the throttles are at 0 with the green light on.  I did have to take out the coils to get to the place for soldering the new power cord.  But the machine worked fine initially and has just been sitting on a desk for the last few months.  

PCRR:  I don't really use this transformer but was 'saving' it for some future possibility.  It is not worth the cost of shipping to me to have it fixed.  

Thanks for the replies.  I may just pull out the coils again to check the cord and bottom part.  Looks like I may need a CB too.  

Two very important questions:

What does "wired up but there is no load on the transformer" mean?

What is it "wired up" to?

There are still a few things to check before tearing into it. First, bypass the breaker and check the power output.

I figured it out!  It was simple.  CW gave me the hint about the open CB.  It was(picture included) I just filed the points of the CB and bent them back together.  Problem solved!!  The CB had somehow opened and not reclosed. I guess I will have to keep watch on that but I had an engine running for several minutes with no issues.  Note the red light is out on right side of photo. 

The CB is above the connectors on the left and the metal frame/plate on the right with the black wire going to it.  The points can be seen together now just to the right of the black wire.  Sorry, I don't know how to highlight it.  

Even if this forum does not answer your question exactly it certainly gives you things to check and try. There are lots of great and knowledgeable people on this forum. Thanks again. 

Pennysdave, I would suggest you invest in a new cicuit breaker available from most parts guys. The postwar ones aren't nearly as good as the new ones and now that you bent the contact spring you may have changed the rating.

I just filed the points of the CB and bent them back together.  Problem solved!!

Your transformer is now working, but you've probably lost any calibration that the circuit breaker had. (as LennyJ wrote)

If the transformer was on my bench, I would replace the breaker.
By the way, as I have posted many times, I use and recommend external circuit breakers on each "Hot" post ("A", "B", "C", and "D") that is in use. I like to use Postwar Lionel #91 electromagnetic adjustable circuit breakers, but there are many other solutions. Folks running electronic trains should also add TVS devices for surge protection.

As to the red light being on with no load: If I had to guess: you probably had a load of some sort, like some switches. The lamps in the switches would be enough to light the red pilot light on the ZW.

CW:  Yes, I will have to update/replace the CB since I probably have compromised it.  The ZW is basically a shelf queen since I use a Z1000 for my modern stuff.   Do you have a part number for a fast acting CB for the ZW that fits in the same location?   Thanks for all your help.