6403B Tender Won't Ring

[gottcent]

I recently picked up a 1656 postwar steam switcher with the "bell ringer" 6403B tender. It runs well, but the bell doesn't ring. I removed the tender shell and found a solenoid that seems designed to pull the bell clapper in and out but no such action happens. I can move the clapper by hand but it doesn't work electrically.There is what looks like the grounding switch on an e-unit that can connect or disconnect to its contact, and I've tried that in both positions to no avail. One other oddity: the tender's light blinks on and off (not a flicker, for it happens in neutral also).

I've not found any technical info on this tender in my repair manuals or on-line, and would appreciate any advice you can give.

John Gottcent

[cwburfle]

I recommended using a test of test leads to apply power directly to the terminals on the soleniod to see whether it pulls in the plunger. I think you need to check the condition of the coil.

[gottcent]

Thanks. Should the plunger work whenever power is applied to it? Does it need its tethers connected to the engine to work? I assume the switch I mentioned should be positioned as connected to its ground contact. I've also wondered whether I need to spray some contact cleaner into the solenoid well to loosen things up, but I'll try your suggestion first.

John

[cwburfle]

The position of the switch does not matter for the test that I suggested.

The bell mechanisms I've seen have a terminal plate attached to the side , with wires running from the solenoid to the two terminals on that plate. Touch a pair ot test leads with about 12 volts to the two terminals. If the plunger is free to move, and it does not pull in, then something is wrong with the coil. It it does not work, the problem could be as simple as a disconnected wire.

First things first. I wouldn't spray anything at this point.

[gunrunnerjohn]

If there is a tether to the locomotive, I'd think it certainly should be connected for the bell to ring.

[EIS2]

The tether is for operation of the front coupler and provides an additional ground.  The bell will operate without the engine connected to the tender.  There is a bi-metallic strip that controls the solenoid that lifts the gong for the bell.  The lever should be moved to the forward position to power the bell ringer circuit.  Additionally, the bell housing can be rotated to improve the bell sound.  The screw that mounts the bell is a little off center, so you can rotate the bell for the best sound.

Even with all things optimized, the bell sound is a little anemic.  You may not be hearing the bell because of other engine noises.  Put the tender on the track without the engine and power it up with the bell control lever in the forward position.

You may have the tender mis-wired if your backup light blinks instead of the bell.  See if the bell lever position controls your backup light blinking.  If so, you will need to rewire your tender.  The backup light should be on steady at all times, regardless of engine direction.

The 1656 switcher engine is one of my favorite engines.  It lacks pulling power due to wheel slippage.  I generally put just a short gondola and a caboose behind the engine and watch it march around the layout.  It makes an outstanding little train.

Good Luck...

Earl

[gottcent]

Thanks, guys. Does anyone know if there's a schematic diagram for this tender available anywhere?

John