Lionel 3461 log dump car

[Hotrod]

Recently some of my log dump cars are having trouble unloading logs even at full transformer power. I don't think it's my USC remote track since I have several as well as several coal and log unloaders, so I believe it's something with the car itself. The pin that projects up when activated, doesn't seem to have enough power to lift the load, or even without logs. I've oiled the pin and moving parts without luck. Any other tricks I should try? Thanks, Rod in CT

[TrainLarry]

Sounds like the coil is not receiving enough power. Clean the sliding shoes with a degreaser such as naphtha. Make sure the shoes are not worn, especially the metal rivet. Clean the remote track also. Make sure all the wiring is good and not broken or frayed, especially if the wiring is original. Lastly, connect the transformer wires directly to the coil wires and check for proper operation.

Larry

[Billy pwtad]

For one thing you should never oil that pin sticking out. That's the rod coming from the selinoid.Oil will make the selinoid stick. You should clean it with electrical contact cleaner. Spray it right down into the selinoid that will stop any sticking.

[Leverettrailfan]

Interesting. I have found that some stiff solenoids of mine have actually been freed up by a small quantity of oil. I dont make standard practice of it, but I have eased the operation of a few sticky reverse units (keep in mind, some were American Flyer, some Lionel, and at any rate, only a light portion), but I prefer not to use oil where contacts are nearby. I only just used some to smoothen the operation of a 3656 coral.

[cwburfle]

Could be the oil is softening old, sticky oil that someone put in your solenoid in the past. Or maybe flushing away dirt or mild corrosion.
I also beleive that wet lubricants should not be used on solenoids.

Some might be surprized by what people do with grease and oil. Many of the repairs I've had to do were rooted in over / improper lubrication.
The last piece on my bench had both the motor and e-unit heavily greased. It took hours with about half a box of Q-Tips and mineral spirits to clean it out.

[Leverettrailfan]

Yeah, that could be it. I'll see what I can do for my operation!

[BigAl 956]

It's not unusual for the wire attached to the sliding shoes to break. Check them and you may find one or both hanging by a literal thread.