1666 e unit drum

[servoguy]

There are those that say you should not oil an E unit. I disagree.  A small drop of oil on the drum shafts will prevent wear and failure of the drum.

Use motor oil as it does not dry out.  Don't use 3 in 1 oil, Lionel Lube, WD-40, lithium grease or any other grease.

I use motor oil exclusively to lube my stuff.  I even oil the commutators on the motors.  Some guys tell me I shouldn't do that, but it works just fine, and the motor friction is lower with oil on the commutators.  I may put oil on the E unit drum to prevent wear on the fingers.  

I have been running Lionel trains since 1950, and have repaired only 2 E units.  One was not my loco, and I did the repair when I was about 13.  The other was a loco I had just purchased and the E unit had been hot.  This repair was done about 5 years ago.

[oddmatt]

Thanks! Got it to work on a bench test...however still no dice (sticks in neutral) once reassembled....Ordered new drum as I had attempted a repair on the original bc the spindle tabs had worn off where it sits in the housing...hopefully new drum is the answer

[rrswede]

Welcome to the forum, Oddmatt. I have attached a youtube link that shows how to install the plunger, 4 finger contactor and drum. The installer used a special spreader tool to assist in the installation but normal tools can be used. Good luck. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA6AdfzXo3g Swede

[oddmatt]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. Basically the e unitDrum was not sitting in housing correctly and had turned sideways...all the leads and contact fingers look fine just making sure that when I reinstall it I have it the correct way...I'm thinking the plunger should be grabbing the" gears" on the drum...is that correct?