My Lionel Scout locomotive (model 2034) suddenly stopped working properly in forward, although it runs full out in reverse. In forward it just hums or sort of stutters forward. I took it apart and looked for loose wires, and also cleaned the track, rollers and wheels, but it makes no difference. What should I be looking for
Two-position E-unit? It may be giving up the ghost or may need a good cleaning. Try some electrical contact cleaning spray on it and see what happens.
DId you clean the motor? The brushes, brush holders, and commutator? The brush springs should be checked for proper tension too.
The 2034 & 1130 locos are identical motors, and both have 3 position E units. Your symptoms can usually be boiled down to two problems. The E unit is dirty, and not making good contact, when the roller rotates to the forward position. There could also be a broken finger on the one position, and making miinimal contact for the forward running. The other problem could be worn brushes, and dirty armature face. Take the brush plate off, and clean the copper facing of the armature, so that it is shiny, without any grooves or pitting on the surface, and also use toothpick between the copper segments, to make sure nothing is stuck in there. Install new brushes, and then see if the problem goes away. It basically comes down to a good thorough cleaning, and some lubrication, and it will run like new.
Firmly grasp locomotive in one hand while holding over a trash can.
Release......
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