How do you replace the collector on a lionel 2026 engine without a complete tear down?
The service manual shows how to remove the collector shoes. If you have collector rollers, the removal procedure is the same. They just snap in and out. If you need to replace the entire fiber shoe, the motor frame needs to be spread apart to accomplish that. A frame spreading tool, such as Hobby Horse Products HH-1073 is needed. I fabricated a tool similar to an e-unit spreader with an oval head slightly wider than the frames to accomplish the task.
Larry
What are you replacing? Just the pickup shoes or rollers, or the entire pickup assembly?
I have the same question as kenb99 had in 2013. I see he did not answer you when you asked exactly what he was replacing. He must have found the answer on his own! Anyway I want to replace the "collecter plate" complete with shoes on my #2026. I do not want to take the motor apart and I do not want to remove the drivers. Is there any way to do this without throwing the engne through the wall in total frustration? Appreciate any help you could offer me. Steve
To replace the entire collector shoe, the frame needs to be spread slightly. You need a frame spreading tool as seen on page 4 of this catalog, (part HH-1073)
To spread the frame, a wheel puller is used to pull the drive wheels slightly off their axles, but not all the way.
A small screwdriver is then used to gently pry the collector shoe out without breaking the locating tabs on the collector shoe.
If you're replacing the whole thing, then don't worry about breaking the old one. To reduce the amount of spreading that you have to do, you might consider trimmng the tabs on one side of the new one, which are probably longer than you absolutely need to hold it in place.
Also, notice that the rollers are off-center on the plate, so be careful to install it so that the rollers are on the centerline of the locomotive.
Bob Nelson
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