E-unit voltage

[andregg1]

Hi to everybody
I fini***o restore a 736 lionel loco.
the test on track is not bad, but the e-unit work to 11 volts.. is this normal in this kind of locomotives?
somebody know how to fix for low voltage?
by the way the e-unit in all my postwar stuff work beetwen 5 and 7 volts so look rare.
thank in advance
Andre.

[wrmcclellan]

andgregg - the e-unit should hold for all voltages above 5-7 volts.

When you say it works to 11 volts, can you explain in more detail what you are experiencing with the unit?

Do you mean it stops working above 11 volts (i.e. it works from 5 volts to 11 volts) or do you mean it does not work until you apply at least 11 volts (i.e. the loco does not engage the e-unit until you go above 11 volts).

Does the loco run at its last setting (e.g. where in the forward -neutral-reverse sequence) and at what voltage does the loco run vs the voltages for the e-unit?

Sorry for all the leading questions, but hopefully we can figure out what is going on if you can provide additional information.

BTW - You can find the parts list and electrical schematics here:

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=112

Make sure the loco is wired correctly.

Regards,
Roy

[andregg1]

Sorry for my english.
the problem is when apply beetwen 5 to 7 volts the e-unit dont work
mean work but don't have enought power for engage till 11 volts, as you can understand that with 11 volts the motor run and run very fast
so in every direction change the engine run a few foot till the e-unit change the secuence.
do you understand what I try to say?
Andre. me

QUOTE: Originally posted by wrmcclellan

andgregg - the e-unit should hold for all voltages above 5-7 volts.

When you say it works to 11 volts, can you explain in more detail what you are experiencing with the unit?

Do you mean it stops working above 11 volts (i.e. it works from 5 volts to 11 volts) or do you mean it does not work until you apply at least 11 volts (i.e. the loco does not engage the e-unit until you go above 11 volts).

Does the loco run at its last setting (e.g. where in the forward -neutral-reverse sequence) and at what voltage does the loco run vs the voltages for the e-unit?

Sorry for all the leading questions, but hopefully we can figure out what is going on if you can provide additional information.

BTW - You can find the parts list and electrical schematics here:

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=112

Make sure the loco is wired correctly.

Regards,
Roy

[3railguy]

Even 3 or 4 volts will hold an e unit in good mechanical condition. They can be be cycled before the engine starts to move. My guess is your e unit has a loose or bent part that is hanging up or it needs to be cleaned and lubricated. Start by giving it a good shot of tuner cleaner while cycling it to clean and lubricate it and improve its electrical conductivity. Inspect it for loose or damaged parts. The rotating drum teeth sometimes get worn or broken and the copper contacts sometimes get bent causing the unit to hang up. These symptoms are most common and should be looked at first. There could be other problems such as the coil loosing it's strength somehow. Repairing e units can be frustrating and like a chineese puzzle they are tricky to assemble. An alternative is to replace it with a retro-fit electronic reverse unit. They are quiet, reliable, don't cycle on dirty track, and default to a forward position. You can get them for around $30 from companies like QSI.

[lionelsoni]

Andre, it is possible that you have some shorted turns in the coil. A few shorted turns have a great effect on AC operation but almost no effect on DC. If you have a source of DC voltage, you can check this by comparing the voltage that it operates on between the AC and DC cases, and compare that to a known good e-unit. If that is the problem, there is no real alternative to rewinding the coil.

[andregg1]

Hi to all
Thanks for the help any way.
I found the problem....the contact fingers was too tight.
I release little bit the contact finger and star to work fine.
ANdre.