Trains.com

Lionel KW Transformer stuck on GO!

1906 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2014
  • 41 posts
Posted by rivesm on Sunday, November 29, 2015 8:29 PM

Thanks to everyone.  Going to work on it this week....will let you know.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Hobart, In
  • 568 posts
Posted by jwse30 on Sunday, November 29, 2015 8:25 AM

I also had it where I turned the throttle up too far and it fell off the contact surface of the coil. In my case, the roller was also very worn, which I am sure helped it slide past easier (since it was smaller in diameter than it's supposed to be)

 

J White

 

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • 266 posts
Posted by rrlineman on Sunday, November 29, 2015 5:54 AM

it is possible the wiper arm has slipped off the contact surface of the coil. Had this a few times several years ago. make sure the molded stop on the top of the case (and the handle) is there and not broken off. If you turn the arm to fast, is can slip off the stack onto the brass end plate. just pop the handles    and the orange handle off ,remove the 4 screws (unplug of course) lift the case top off and look. the ones i had repaired was due to excited kids trying to do burnouts on the track to see how fast the engine would go.

  • Member since
    March 2013
  • 563 posts
Posted by BigAl 956 on Thursday, November 19, 2015 8:26 AM

The voltage adjust on a KW as with most Lionel transformers is a simple wiper arm connected to the lever/handle. So the handle is eather broken or jammed.

Can you turn the lever? If the lever turns but voltage remains up the lever is probably broken. Replacing a KW lever is a simple job and the part is easy to obtain.

If the lever is stuck it's probably jammed on the inside. You will have to take off the levers and open the transformer case to investigate further.

If you have to open the transformer this is a good time for some prevent maintenence. Inspect  the cord for cracked insulation and see if the rollers are not worn down. Servicing the inside of a KW is very doable for someone who can do intermediate repairs but not for a rookie. If your fortunate to live in an area with other Lionel collectors chances are you can scare up help with getting your KW rolling again in time for the holidays.

In either instance step 1 is always to unplug the transformer.

 

KRM
  • Member since
    January 2011
  • From: North Bluff above Marseilles IL
  • 6,506 posts
Posted by KRM on Thursday, November 19, 2015 7:55 AM

Check out this link to Olsens and see if it looks like something you can do.

http://olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=657   May help.

Joined 1-21-2011    TCA 13-68614

Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL. Whistling

 

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • 41 posts
Lionel KW Transformer stuck on GO!
Posted by rivesm on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 7:02 PM

The right side of my KW transformer has 'hung up' on full throttle.  Lever does nothing to control the voltage.  It is full steam. 

I am not of the level of expertise to repair or investigate the problem unless there are some simple things I might check.  Other wise I will have to 'take it in'.

Is this the type of problem that there are a couple of things I could check?

As always ....thanks so much.  

 

 

 

 

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month