Thank you that helps me a great deal, I grew up never knowing why that light was never on.
Kevin
Can't stop working on the railroad!
The light on the left is the overload light, so it's good it doesn't light up! Stick a screwdriver across one of the sets of outputs and the light will light.
Yes I did the rollers are in great shape. This transformer only got used once a year for 15 years and then went into storage where it sat for 30 years. This is how the power cord rotted. I did notice one thing though, the light on the left side of the transformer doesn't light up but does provide power to the track so I imagine a wire is just broken somewhere. These are great transformersand it's much better than my MTH one that needs a separate power brick. I had to add a bell button but that was easy and cheap. The AC -power is great and provides plenty of power for accessories.
Piece of cake, right? Did you check the rollers while you were in there?
Thanks all power cord is replaced easily.
I've only had to replace a couple of whistle rectifier, they're surprisingly robust. Lots of carbon rollers replaced, and a few power cords. The other problem spot for these transformers is the binding posts for connections, many of them required replacement posts. These are available from most of the parts suppliers, I buy my rollers and binding posts from The Train Tender.
You will need a heavy duty soldering gun to replace the power cord. The usual soldering irons for circuit board work do not put out enough heat. If the transformer has never been serviced, or has seen a lot of use, chances are the carbon rollers and whistle rectifier may need replacement also. Always check the circuit breaker for proper operation before returning any transformer to service. Here is a link to the service literature for the ZW: http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=671
Larry
Train-O gunrunnerjohn, I'm all thumbs! Ralph
gunrunnerjohn,
I'm all thumbs!
Ralph
There is no magic to putting a power cord into the ZW, the terminals are accessable without taking it all apart.
I've put new cords and rollers in at least a dozen Lionel transformers, KW's and ZW's, anyone with a little mechanical skill can do it properly.
Kevin,
Unless, you know what to do, I would suggest a Lionel Authorized Service and Repair Center.
The job is done correctly, safety is incorporated and it'll keep on working.
My ZW needed a power cord, cleaning and brushes.
RRaddict Hello, I am back with another question, Is there information anywhere how to properly change the power cord in this monster without having a bunch of extra parts left over and the thing not working. Please help out a fellow RRer. Kevin
Hello,
I am back with another question, Is there information anywhere how to properly change the power cord in this monster without having a bunch of extra parts left over and the thing not working. Please help out a fellow RRer.
If you don't have one.......I think you need to get a Greenburg's Repair and Operating Manual for Lionel Trains. Amazon has them among other places. It will save you a lot of time and effort.
Kev.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
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