zw transformer

[etmgo]

i have a problem with my transformer, i am not getting any power to the U D post, all other post have power.  wondering if anyone has an idea as to the problem.  thanks for any comments.  

[lionelsoni]

Look first for a broken wire inside the case.  It could also be a broken carbon roller.  Here is your transformer:  http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=671

[etmgo]

thanks bob, i will look tonight.  i have just started to acquire older trains in the last 3 years and love working on them.  i quess my childhood love for my first lionel back in the early 50's is comming back to me.  again thanks.  tom mroczko  

[cwburfle]

Postwar ZW transformers have four "U" posts, all tied together with a metal bar. Sometimes some of the posts detach from the bar. In some cases, the phyical connection can look OK, but actually be disconnected.
Try using a different "U" post with your "D" post.
If it works, you do not have to fix the bad "U" post.

[gunrunnerjohn]

I concur with the last statement, I've rebuilt half a dozen of these, and two of them had a couple of terminals detached from the common bar.

 

The good news is, there is a cheap fix that doesn't involve disassembling the transformer, which is somewhat of a PITA.  Many folks like www.ttender.com sell replacement posts that have a screw terminal.  You can remove the old terminal, drill out the common bar from the outside for the screw, and replace it. I bought a few of these for 75 cents each.

 

[Hudson#685]

Great tip, Thanks