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.
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.
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!
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.
Some folks put a shim between the fiber plate and the e-unit frame.
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.
Bob Nelson
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
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month