Flyer 322AC

[Mononflyer]

Hey All,

I've been having some troubles with my Flyer 322AC engine.  Sometimes when the e-unit cycles, it acts like it is very low on power, and if I rotate the drivers, it will take off and run.  I checked the e-unit and it looks good, so I am wondering if there is some troubles with the brushes or the armature.  The armature looks good and clean.  Also, when testing it, I noticed that sometimes the smoke unit seems to work better than other times, even though the voltage being applied is the same.  It usually does this when it is running in reverse (although not all the time), which then makes me wonder about some weird thing going on with the e-unit.

Any suggestions?

[TrainLarry]

The first thing that should be done is a complete overhaul of the engine and motor. Clean everything with naptha, regrease the gears, and oil the lower motor armature bearing. Clean the brushplate and brushes, replacing the brushes if necessary. Clean the copper commutator on the armature, reassemble the brushplate and oil the upper armature bearing. Oil the wheel axle bearings. The reverse unit may need to be serviced also. Spray some plastic compatible cleaner (tuner cleaner from Radio Shack is good) on the unit to clean it. Try the engine now for proper operation.

Larry

[Mononflyer]

Well, I overhauled the motor and cleaned the e unit. The engine runs a lot better now. I found that one of the brushes was sticking a bit. 

I did find a problem with the e unit. I am replacing it with another one I have and I'll rebuild the e unit a bit later. It needs new upper and lower fingers.

[TrainLarry]

Good to hear that your engine is running better now. A good overhaul works wonders on these old engines.

Larry

[Mononflyer]

Got the replacement e unit in and the engine runs great. Also put a led in for the headlight. The led was pre-wired, so all I had to do was hook it up.