KW Question

[alcofanschdy]

I recently got a rebuilt KW which works fine but the hum is a little too loud for me.  I don't want to spend more money to have this issue fixed but was wondering if spray coating a ruber coating on the inside of the case would reduce the noise to a reasonable level.  Would this cause an overheating problem or other problem? Does anyone have any other ideas or thoughts?  Thanks in advance

Bruce

[cwburfle]

Do you live in the Schenectady NY area?
If so, maybe you can bring your KW transformer to the train show that is going to be held at the Albany Polish Community Center on Washington Ave extension next saturday (3/19). It is right by Crossgates mall.
According to what I have read, there will be a "Train Doctor" there. Perhaps the doc could look it over and give you some advice.

[alcofanschdy]

Yes I do, was planning on going to the show, maybe I will bring it.  CW what do you think, would rubber coating be an inexpensive "fix" or a bad idea?

[cwburfle]

I wouldn't do it.
I doubt a thin coat would be effective.
I think I'd look for the source of the hum and address it.

[phillyreading]

I would not use a spray coating as it may not let the heat escape from the transfomer core and secondly you might over spray and kill the electrical contact area for the roller arms to pick up voltage.

First see if the mounting screws are tight enough or may need replacing.

[Coupee]

I have never  heard of a silent transformer all mine hum .

[rrlineman]

removed the cover. there should be 2 small wooden wedges opposite each other on the coil lamanations. tap these in gently until tight enough to stop the humming. there are also 4 tabs on the aluminum frames that hold the coil. these are angled. you can bend these in slightly also to help stop the humming.

Hope this helps.

[cwburfle]

I don't recall seeing any Lionel transformers with wooden wedges, not do I recall seeing any documentation indicating that they were used.

[rrlineman]

I have repaired several that had them. (ZW's also) Not all will have them. Also in the several LIONEL postwar repair manuels that I have, it is mentioned in the transformer section. the lamanations are not riveted together. the windings are supposed to be tightly wound around the fiber bobbin to keep the laminations tight so the 60~ dosn't make them vibrate or Hum. Over time some will work loose and make the noise. so Lionel recommended a small wedge be installed to tighten up the windings and reduce the noise. usually it's the primary winding that makes the most noise.