K-Line Passenger Car Coupler Problem

[x2000]

I have a set of the K-Line 15" Empire State Express cars. Recently, the coupler on one end of the combine has refused to stay closed. Examining the truck, it appears that the release plate on the bottom no longer has spring tension. I cannot tell from looking at the other truck where or how the spring is inserted and retained in the assembly. There is no obviously appearing way to take the truck apart. The instruction sheet is of course useless for this problem. Before doing anything else, I thought that perhaps there is an expert out there who can explain how this can be repaired, or whether it's best just to send the whole car back to K-Line.
Thanks,x2000

[spankybird]

Is this the type of coupler and release plate that you have



if so, K-line has had some problems with these. I would return it for them to replace it.

[dougdagrump]

[#ditto] to what Tom said. These "new couplers" are almost impossible to repair. Call K-Line and let them know of the problem, they should repair or replace the truck.
[oops] Had to go back and correct some spelling. [:I]

[x2000]

The truck and coupler assemblies are more like the ones under aluminum Lionel passenger cars. There is an extended shank with the coupler head on the front and a sort of pivoting flat plate at the rear. The plate is drawn down by the magnet on an uncoupling track, releasing the coupler head to open. That plate will no longer stay closed, thus causing the coupler to stay open.

[ChiefEagles]

A small rubber band over the coupler that will hold the part closed and yet it uncouple. The ones like an orthodontist gives someone with a retainer. My oldest daughter had braces. When she went to a retainer, I had some Lionel couplers that could not stand the strain of a long train. Used the tiny rubber bands and they worked but still allowed the coupler to open.

[lionelsoni]

X, does this look anything like your truck:

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/mistrk/mistrk10.pdf

This is a Lionel truck, of course. If it is similar to this one, the trick that Frank mentioned probably won't help. Unfortunately, I can't say what will help.