Fixing Loose E-Unit Switch

[gottcent]

I've noticed that on many old postwar Lionel engines, the switch that connects/disconnects the E unit has worked loose, sometimes to the point that it will not hold electrical contact. Unfortunately, these switches pivot on a rivet, which makes them hard to tighten. Any thoughts on how to get around this problem?

John Gottcent

[lionelsoni]

Yes.  You can bend the short arm of the L-shaped handle toward the rivet that it is no longer contacting reliably.  Use heavy long-nosed pliers, grab the short arm with the pliers parallel to the long arm, and twist the pliers.

[cwburfle]

Some folks put a shim between the fiber plate and the e-unit frame.

[servoguy]

I have done what Bob Nelson suggests several times with success.  You will probably have to remove the E unit from its mounting but you should not need to remove any wires.  Rotate the lever until the short arm is in a position so you can bend it.  Put your thumb on the rivet that holds the lever when you bend it.

[butleryard]

I have  heard of guys using the horseshoe clips from postwar trucks. Place them behind the lever and the e-unit and squeeze tight. Tightens the lever right up!

[gottcent]

Thanks, guys. Sorry for the long delay in replying, but our Internet has been going in and out all week. I had trouble finding a position in which I was able to bend the lever, so  I actually tried something different--adding a bit of solder to the stationary contact to which the switch "connects." So far, so good. But I appreciate your suggestions in case this fix doesn't last.

[arkady]

Everyone here has suggested good workarounds -- or at least temporary fixes.  That e-unit lever is a common weak spot in postwar designs.  In my own case, I found a tiny self-tapping screw that I screwed into the hollow rivet.