225 has a mind of it's own

[Shoal Creek]

I think I've met my match on this one! I have a postwar 225 Chesapeak & Ohio that runs like the wind. EXCEPT.It likes to reverse direction at any given time ,at any speed anywhere on the track.Sometimes it will switch from forward to reverse and back several times like it's doing the Mocharina.I have tried various wiring changes,swapped out the E-unit and cleaned every feasible connection I could find.It does run a little smoother as it warms up.It's possessed but I keep her going.Any suggestions other than an excorsist?

[ADCX Rob]

How does it run when you lock it in forward?  Does it still stutter, and/or does the headlight flicker? 

If not, then you probably have a bad/weak ground to the e-unit. 

If so, then perhaps one(maybe both) of the rollers is bad or has a weak spring, or you have a weak chassis ground due to paint or grease.

Rob

[Shoal Creek]

Thanks for the quick reply.It does't seem to matter what position the switch is in.I will take your advice and check into the pick-up roller connections.There must be a temporary short somewhere that interupts power for just a split second to make it reverse.

[ADCX Rob]

If it doesn't matter what position the switch is in then you have compound problems.  With the switch "off", there should be no activation of the reverse unit.  This indicates now that you have a intermittent break to the reverse unit at times, and now an intermittent short of center rail power to the "switched off" e-unit.

Rob

[phillyreading]

Could be an intermitant open wire from the center rail to the e-unit power. Also have you tried cleaning the e-unit with contact spray? Keep an old rag around when doing this, also may want to do this outside because of fumes from the spray. After cleaning, use a couple drops of oil inside the e-unit's shaft area to keep it working freely.

Lee F.

[LL675]

Is there a certian spot on the track it does this? I've got a dip in my track, that the cow catcher on one of my steamers touches enough to cause symtems like yours. have you tried locking the e unit in forward?