The e-unit on my 2055 is acting up. The train goes forward. reverse and neutral but isn't cycling properly. In order to change direction I have to manually move the lever on top of the engine. Any ideas on what might be happening or repair suggestions.
Two possibilities:
o The track voltage may not be going all the way to zero. Put the locomotive on an isolated track and see whether you can get the e-unit to cycle by physically disconnecting the track from the transformer.
Some modern "transformers" continue to put out a little current even when the voltage control is turned all the way down, but this is usually a problem only with ultra-sensitive modern e-units, not electromechanical ones.
o Can you get it to reverse by hitting the locomotive while the voltage is off? A worn electromechanical e-unit may stick in the operated position, due to notches worn into the bases of the rotor teeth. These can be shaved flat again with a small chisel, without even disassembling the e-unit if you're careful.
(You may be told that the reason the e-unit doesn't release is that the innards are magnetized. But the AC operated coil is an ideal demagnetizer; so any residual magnetism that existed would be erased the next time the coil is energized.)
Bob Nelson
The E-unit may need a good cleaning. One of mine was a little balky so I gave it a shot of aerosol contact cleaner. Works fine now.
PS: I'm a bit reluctant to try and disassemble the things! One day, maybe, probably when it can't be avoided.
I'm with you Firelock. I'm hoping not to disassemble the e-unit. The performance has been degrading slowly, that is the buzz started to disappear but the unit would still cycle. Now, with no buzz and by manually switching the lever back and forth, the train will cycle from forward to neutral to reverse. Will hit it some contact cleaner and see if it clears the problem.
You may just have a loose switch handle. If so, its not making good electrical contact. Does the handle have any front to back wiggle? Does it flop from side to side (on and off) easily? - then a loose handle could be the problem.
Srguy, there's always a last resort. I've got a post-war 244 2-6-2 who's E-unit died in a shower of sparks! Spectacular, but it shut down the whole engine.
I removed the dead E-unit and wired the motor direct from the pick-up to run in forward only. Not a big deal for me, I've got a small layout and almost never run in reverse.
Maybe I'll replace the E-unit if I can find one at a show.
By the way, I've got a 2055 Hudson myself. LOVE the thing! It's a clean-up and restore I got at Hennings Trains in Lansdale PA last year. They did a good job on it and the price was very reasonable as well.
One more thing: TM Books and Video has a very good DVD out called "Maintenance & Repair Guide For Lionel Electric Trains and Accessories." One of the procedures demontrated is the disassembly and repair of E-units. Not an impossible task the way they show it, but I'm still not quite ready to give it a try.
I had an E unit go bad and I replaced it with one(it was rebuilt) I bought on www.choochooauctions.com Look under Lionel listings and then search for E units for sale. The drum fell out of my E unit and I tried to re-install it but it fell out again so I just bought another E unit and replaced it. I think it was around $30.00 with shipping.
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