Tom,
I got my motor from Jonathon Beliese. 1-909-613-9154, JONEMW@VERIZON.NET , You might also check with Cliff at Accucraft, to see if he has any of the motor/gearboxes left.
Jim
Jim: Thanks for the feedback. I will check youtube to see if you give info on your new gearing source, but if you don't could you let me know who to turn to for this fix? I will check Greg E's website as well.
I get nervous about desassembling this engine but it looks like I have to for this fix and also rewiring for DCC. It is sad that such a beautiful looking loco has these operating issues.
Changing the gearing would likely also solve the problem of the train racing down the hill when it comes down from the 3% grade. I agree that the regulator is 5v. My limited typing probably hit the wrong key!
Tom
Greg E. and I have written extensively about the K4 on another forum. Some tests I did, revealed that just before the K4 stalls or starts wheel spin, it is drawing 4+amps. That regulator is a one amp unit. The real problem is that the K4 is geared wrong. It is geared for high speed and reduced pulling power, and has large drivers. It does fine on level track. Six heavyweights and a 3% grade are just beyond its capability. In fact, if you tried to cold start it on that grade with that load, you would be lucky if it would even start moving. If you take a look at youtube... search for "pimanjc" there are several diagnostic videos posted there.
Ultimately, Greg and I both replaced the motor/gearcase with units creating more pulling power and less speed. After replacing the 11:1 stock gearing with a 19.5:1 unit, I am very pleased with mine. Check out the video about the K4, taken at Marty Cozad's.
As to replacing the regulator: Are you sure the regulator isn't a 5v rather than a 6v unit? Its been more than a year since I looked at mine, but I think it was 5v. Radio Shack makes 5v , 12v, and a variable regulator. All are rated 1amp. You might check out All Electronics or some of the other online electronics to see if they have a 6v regulator. The regulator in the tender should be the same as the one under the engine.
Hope this helps,
JimC
My K-4 Pacific is a beauty but clearly thinks it is a "Diva" among the LGB and USA locos I have since it gives me all the problems. My latest issue is a "fried" 6 Volt voltage regulator (located on the chassis under the rear trailing truck) which I am told controls the loco LED lights. It must affect the motor also since a wire burned off of it and the motor stopped working as well.
I spoke with Cliff at Accucraft and he has no more electrical parts for K-4's and can only say that the voltage regulator can from China. Can anyone give me a current supplier and discription so that I can purchase a couple new ones? A more robust unit would be preferable. In fairness to the K-4, I was asking it to pull six Aristocraft heavy weights up a 3% grade on a 90 degree day and stalling the motor. I will not try that again!
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