Lionel 182 Operating Crane

[Anonymous]

I purchased a Lionel operating crane on Ebay. I completely restored it. I have one small problem - cluctch release.

The unit works by having a dual solenoid, which engages a clutch to drive either the boom rotation or the rope movement. The solenoid shafts and coil interiors have been cleaned, and there is no sticky residues and move freely. But when I rotate the boom, there is considerable load that results in the clutch not releasing unless I "jog" the direction via the controller, or manually pu***he crane in the opposite direction to allow release of load tension on the clutch.

I even tried stretching the conical spring that normally controlls the release of the shaft. I tried various lubes and light greases, and no lubrication on the clutches. Yet it fails to release. The boom has some drag on it as it rotates, and this drag results in stored friction that won't let the clutch release. Were there supposed to be some shim washers or something around that shaft, right now there is none.

Thanks
ThomasZ

If I rotate it in a direction by the controller, than manually pu***he crane a bit in the opposite direction, it will release.

Can anyone give me any tips?

I currently have no grease where boom rotates on the frame, as when I did earlier, that interferred with the ground connection required to pass through the assembly.