Lionel coal elevator

[Gillty]

Hi, I bought a coal elevator (6-32921... a remake of the old #97) about a year ago (probably just over a year!). Except for hooking it up for my son for a few minutes when we got it, it has sat in the box until now. I'm just now hooking up accessories on the layout. Unfortunately, after a couple minutes of use, the chain mechanism started making a clicking noise and the chain doesn't move (the tray does flip up as it should). If you leave it in the on position the chain will eventually move a inch or so but then stops again with the clicking noise. The unload function still works fine. Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks much,
Rich

[Big_Boy_4005]

My guess, based on your description, is that the drive sprocket is slipping over the chain, making that clicking sound. Is there something binding somewhere that is causing the chain to not move freely? If you have added coal to the unit, look to see if a piece or two of it isn't causing the problem.

[MartyE]

It might be that the chain is too tight. The clicking is a clutch relflex to keep from over taxing the motor. You can play with the links to give the chain a hair more slack. Also as Big Boy stated it could be coal jam as well. This would also cause the clutch mechanism to engage.

[prewardude]

Rich,

Try oiling the chain. I had the same problem with mine when I bought it a few years ago, and after messing with it, found that Lionel had put a clutch-type safety mechanism on the repros to (I assume) keep little ones from gettin' their fingers ripped off! If there is too much tension or friction on the chain, the aforementioned safety doo-hickey slips and causes the coal loader to stall. After I figured out what was going on, a little oil did the trick.

Hope this helps,
- Clint

[Gillty]

Thanks to all of you for replying. It looks like oiling the chain did the trick!

Thanks a lot!!!

-Rich

[MartyE]

Clint

Thanks for another great idea. I'll try it on mine next time it's out.

[prewardude]

Not a problem, guys! Glad I could help. [:)]

[Anonymous]

Can anyone offer an idea of how to oil the chain on a 97 Coaling elevator? I am wondering if I should put some Lionel locomotive engine oil on my fingers and just rub it onto the chain, or use some graphite or teflon powder, etc? I am having the same problem with my 97 coaling elevator that was described above. I had it out of the box for one year while getting some layout building done. Now, I have it hooked up, and the chain moves a few inches, then catches and bucks. Then it moves again, etc.

I am also wondering about making the belt move better on my 397 coal loader. I find that the red rubber belt slips a lot and the belt stops moving. If I reach over and touch it, or bump it a bit, it starts moving again and then stops. The directions actually say "To prevent sticking of the conveyor belt, dust it’s inside surface occasionally with cornstarch or talcum powder." I tried this, and it did not really help. I only have a very fine coating of talcum powder on there. Do I need to add more to make it "stick" less, or do I need to have less to prevent it from "slipping". I am so confused! Any help would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

bump

I need some help with this. Thanks for any ideas.

[Anonymous]

Trevor,
I'd try removing all traces of the talc so that the rubber conveyor belt has maximum grip around the powered lower roller. light dish detergent and water should do the trick. Stronger cleaners ( such as Spray Nine) could adversely affect the rubber, causing it to "stick" to the rollers as mentioned in your manual. Also, lightly oil the top roller axle and the bearings on either side of the coal tray.

Bruce Webster

[prewardude]

Trevor,

With regards to the 97, just put a few drops of oil here and there on the chain and let it spread the oil around itself. That should take care of the problem.

Regards,
Clint