2 position E unit

[RoyD]

If the E-unit is magnetized, put it on a vice and gently tap on its steel frame a few times with a small hammer.  

 

 

[cwburfle]

Now, I haven't tried this, so I don't have any experience which says it will work and not harm anything.

I try to limit my advice to tried and true techniques that I have actually used.
On occasion, I will quote the service tips from the original Lionel Service manual.

If you decide to try brake clean (I wouldn't), do it outside.

[servoguy]

I am going to suggest you use brake clean to clean it. It is a good degreaser. It is not likely that it is magnetized because the coil is energized with AC which would demagnetize it every time the coil is energized. Try to spray the brake clean up into the hole that the plunger is in. Now, I haven't tried this, so I don't have any experience which says it will work and not harm anything. Take the motor out of the shell so you don't get brake clean on the plastic or paint. I have used brake clean to clean commutators, so I am confident it will not harm the insulation on the coil. I would oil the mechanism on this unit to make it work more easily. Check the plunger to make sure it is what is hanging up. With the motor held level, take a paper clip and try to move the plunger up and down. If it will move in the slot that the tang goes into, it may be that something else is hanging up the plunger. Bruce Baker

[cwburfle]

Take a careful look and see if the piece that moves up and down is catching on something.
The little finger that sticks out of the v shaped slot might be hanging up on a wire. Or the E-unit mounting screw might be a tad bit long and catching the piece that moves.
I don't think I'd really worry about demagnetizing it, unless you are running your trains with a D.C. powerpack. 

 

[phillyreading]

If it is similar to the 235 scout engine it is a junker or shelf king! Keep it for parts or sell to somebody who needs some parts from it.

There is also a diesel engine by MPC that uses a two position e-unit, forward or reverse-no nuetral,  I had one that is a Santa Fe engine.

Lee F.

[ibrokeit]

It is a  'cheapie' Scout.  I have tried cleaner and a touch of wd-40. It continues to stick in the 'up' posituon.. Help!!

[ibrokeit]

It is a separate eunit.. It sticks in the 'up' position.. How in the worls do I 'demagnatize'?

[cwburfle]

IMHO, wet lubricants should never be put on any type of e-unit. They get gummy over time, and attract dirt.
The reversing unit on a scout style motor is integral. If your loco has one of these motors you can check the teeth on the brush holders and make certain there are no burrs. Also check the leaf springs to make certain there isn't excessive tension.
Before removing those brush holders, make certain to note how the copper segments are aligned. If the motor is re-assembled with them in the wrong postion, the engine will not run.
Doing anything more requires the wheels to be removed. Most folks won't touch these motors because they are a bit trickey to re-assemble

A number of diesles and steam engines use the seperate 2 position e-units. Other than making certain they are clean, there really isn't anything to service on them. No renewal parts, other than a complete e-unit, are available. Some do require more voltage than others to pull in the armature, and reverse the engine. If the armature is sticking in the pulled-in position, you could try demagnetizing it.

[servoguy]

Is this in a Scout engine or a diesel? There are at least 2 types of 2 position E units. I wouldn't think that contact cleaner would keep it from sticking. Try a little WD-40. That will leave a small amount of oil on everything and will not interfere with the electrical contacts. Bruce Baker

[ibrokeit]

How to service?  sticks despite using Radio Shack contact cleaner. If I must replace est cost from where?

  Cal