Trouble with 022 switch

[Anonymous]

I have some stubborn 022 automatic switches. The track switches to one side but it never makes it to the other side completely.
It misses one side enough to allow a wheel through.
Can anyone help me on this one?

Thanks
Angelo

[ben10ben]

I would suggest that you clean all the internal contacts, lubricate the mechanism, and maybe up the voltage going to the switch motor.

In an O22 switch, the power to the coil is cut off in the direction the switch is pointing at a certain point(usually about 3/4 of the way through). The switch needs to have enough momentum from this point to continue to close, so you need to increase the force and reduce the friction.

[Jim Duda]

What voltage is supplied to the switch?

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ben
I'm going to open 'em, the rails were very dirty and I cleaned them. I didn't think about cleaning the inside.

Jim,
I have used 9, 10, 15, 19 Volts on them. I have an old lionel RW that is only for scenery.
I has to be that they are dirty because with 9 or 19 volts they get to the same spot and stop.


Thanks Again,
Angelo

[rlplionel]

For lubrication of the internal parts of a switch, I stay away from using oil as it tends to attract dirt and muck up the operation of the mechanism. I prefer to use graphite on the surfaces where metal to metal contact is made. I've found a little graphite makes a big difference in switch operation.

[Anonymous]

Thanks RPL,

Took the first one apart last night, was too tired and quit after a while. Good thing too though, if i would have closed it I would have to open it up again. Hopefully tonight I will get to hit them with the graphite. I think the cleaning and the graphite will do the trick.

Angelo

[Back2Trains]

Been fighting with a few of these myself this week. My best results have been to get anything that moves as clean as possible and using only as much lubrication as absolutely necessary and only where necessary. I have had to remove the solenoid plungers from some of them in order to get them clean enough to function properly. The plungers can be removed by carefully bending the flat end of the rod up so it will clear the pin. Use medium size needle nose pliers and only bend it enough to spring it free. Clean the plunger and the inside of the tube (I use 91% alcohol from the drug store), let dry and reassemble. Check to make sure everything moves freely before bending the rod back into place. It takes very little drag to slow these down to where they don't work properly. I only pull the plungers after everything else is clean and they don't work.
14 volts is adaquate to operate these switches when they are in good shape.

[Anonymous]

I have four 022 switches on my layout that are operating fine at 12 volts

Tony

[Anonymous]

Thanks again guys,
back to trains.. I am a bit nervous about taking the plundger out.
I will try it if all elese fails though.
Goo info to know thanks again,
Angelo

[darsenau]

I have had very excellent results by cleaning and then lubricating them with the dry teflon lubricant or the stuff that leaves a teflon film on the mechanism. It does not seem to attract dust, and the mechanism works very freely.