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Unplug decoder if 9pin or desolder wires from motor leads (orange and gray).  Place chasis on track.  Set multimeter to check continuity (I use one that beeps if there is a short).  Touch 1 probe to a motor lead and the other to first one rail then the other.  Repeat with other motor lead.  No beeps no problem.  I believe you will indicate a short if the decoder is plugged in because there is a path for current flow through the decoder.  We are concerened only with current bypassing the decoder which is what causes the non-smoking HO locomotives to smoke.  Also verify your decoder isnt touching the frame anywhere.  There is a lot of metal under the shell that your decoder may be touching.  I wrapped mine in Kapton tape, as many of the folks here in the forums reccommend.  I just did 2 of them in about 30min.  I used the provided board and harness to plug into a NCE D13SRJ.  Probably could have put in a smaller decoder or replaced the board, but it was all I had on hand and I didnt feel like ripping out the provided board.
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