Lionel 671 Locomotive E-Unit

[Bobby B]

I've got a 1947 vintage 671 Locomotive with a cantankerous E-Unit.  It sticks in a position and does not respond to current interruption.  That is, it continues in the same direction.  I have cleaned contacts as best I can.  The service manual at Olsens web site refers to a specific section for the E-unit (LOC-E), which I cannot find.   Is it a bad move to put a little lubricant on the center post of the solenoid?

[ADCX Rob]

LOC-E is buried in the site, but it is HERE.  It is generally a bad move to try to lubricate the mechanism at all... it has to be clean and dry.

[lionelsoni]

With age, the pawl digs notches into the crotch between the e-unit's teeth, which then may catch the pawl and prevent it from falling.  With care and a small knife or chisel, it is possible to reshape the teeth, even while the drum is still in the e-unit.

[Bobby B]

Thanks for the feedback and the reference for LOC-E.

[Bobby B]

Thanks for the suggestion.  I will give it a try.