When I pushed the button on the controller to make the logs dump into the log car the 2 prongs that hold the logs does not go all the way down to let the logs dump. They get stuck or something. I have it all wired up the right way. With enough power and all that. The flap that the logs sit on does come up all the way, but the 2 prongs do not go all the way down. When I try to move them down manually they wont budge. You have to push the orange button on the controller to make the 2 prongs do down to dump the logs into a car. I just have to keep on pushing the button every so often to make the logs roll back and forth then the momentum flips them over the prongs into the car below. This is a hassle and would like to know how to fix this?? Thanks.
I guess I am a little confused. I don't understand why you cannot push them down manually if they will come down when you push the orange button. The orange button just uses a solenoid to make the prongs go down.
Unloading two logs at a time is normal. If you look at the ramp that the logs roll off, you will see that it rotates slightly to prevent more then two logs coming off at a time.
One other thing. Make sure you have sufficient voltage to the loader to make the prongs go all the way down. If you don't have sufficient voltage, the prongs will only go part way down.
Good Luck...
Earl
lionel2,
If it still doesn't work after trying Earl's suggestions, remove the platform and move the solenoid plunger by hand to check for binding. In Toy Train Repair Made Easy, Ray said that binding of the stakes can be caused by loose fasteners that hold the stakes in place on the shaft. I'll have to dig my copy out to check for more solutions if that doesn't do it.
Still having problems with this log loader. I am going to work on it today and see if I can get it to dump the logs into a gondola. The solenoid must be stuck or binded up. Where is the solenoid located? The stakes do not go down all the way, even if I pushed them down manually. They seem to be stuck on something and I dont wanna break or bend the stakes. I am using a Z transformer that is 250 watts, I am sure I have enough power. Everything else on it works fine, both light bulbs light up and the chain belt works great, motor works great as well. Now, when I first got my 164 it could dump 3 or 4 logs at one time off the back into a gondola. Now, it struggles just to do one log. I don't even use the 164 that much, guess it is time for an overhaul of some sort. Thanks.
When you say the stakes do not go all the way down, I assume you mean the stakes do not go all the way horizontal. The stakes will not go all the way down to vertical. The 164 Log Loader is designed to only dispense two logs on every button cycle. What voltage are you using to activate the log dump function?
I am using 12 to 14 Volts to activate the log dump function. What voltage should I be using?? Yes, that is what I mean, the stakes will not go horizontal or all the way down to have the log roll into the gondola. I would have to push the button repeatedly and play with it to make the logs swing over the stakes. Its getting to be too much work doing it that way. I just want the logs to simply roll off the stakes into the gondola. So, I should only dump 2 logs at a time, correct? thanks.
Try increasing the voltage to see if the stakes will go horizontal. The 164 Log Loader is designed to just dump two logs at a time. Is the log loader level? You can also try putting some shims under the Log Loader to slighty tilt the loader to dump better. Good Luck...
I got it working right!!! I tried dumping 2 logs and at a higher voltage, around 15 volts. Works great now!! Thanks for the help.
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