On my 726 the coupler keeps on opening up. It rarely does it but is there any way to fix it? Thanks everyone.
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Get some dry graphite lube like the stuff you get at auto part stores for door locks and sprinkle it on the coupler, cycle the coupler a few times to work it in. At this age, they are likely to hang up and need a lube. Only use dry lube. Liquid lube will only make things worse later. Also check the slide shoe. It could be worn and picking up juice when you go through switches.
How do I cycle the coupler. It doesn't have a magnet that is attached to the coupler pin so I could pull it down. It has a coil coupler.
Berk, If this is an electrocoupler do a search, if memory serves they are sometimes subject to some minor spikes that will cause them to open randomly. You mite even try modifying your subject line to include "Electroupler" to try to get more responses relating specifically to electrcouplers.
Good luck.
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Berk765 How do I cycle the coupler. It doesn't have a magnet that is attached to the coupler pin so I could pull it down. It has a coil coupler.
I know it has a coil coupler. That's why I asked to check the slide shoe for wear. The slide shoe is the plastic thingy hanging under the truck. Cycle the coil coupler by putting it on an uncoupler track or putting juice to the pin on the slide shoe and wheels.
3railguy Berk765 How do I cycle the coupler. It doesn't have a magnet that is attached to the coupler pin so I could pull it down. It has a coil coupler. I know it has a coil coupler. That's why I asked to check the slide shoe for wear. The slide shoe is the plastic thingy hanging under the truck. Cycle the coil coupler by putting it on an uncoupler track or putting juice to the pin on the slide shoe and wheels.
Oh, thanks, I had no idea of what that little shoe was for.
I have the same problem on my 2426W. Its only the berk tender that does it, i had the truck apart and checked everything to no avail. Perhaps they are more sensitive to design? If anything works let me know. It is irritating....
I have no switches, just a 45 degree crossover track. I wonder if I should just put a piece of tape over the slide shoe to prevent spikes of electricity.
You could do that to make sure thats what doing it and if it is theres your fix. The only thing is it won't uncouple at all then
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The problem with the old coil coupler in most cases is they don't close completley when they get old which is why a little graphite lube and a workout gets them closing completely again. Especially if they haven't been activated in years. When they don't fully close, they open easily. All it takes is a bump or an intermintent spike like dougagrump mentions for them to pop open when you least expect it. Probably the best graphite dry lube is the stuff made for HO and N Kadee couplers (we are not alone) such as P84 Graphite by Perfect. There are other ailments such as faulty slide shoes or wiring but this is most common.
If the couple is opening at random locations on the layout, I would remove the knuckle, clean all the parts, and re-assemble with a new plunger spring. (new knuckle rivet too)
cwburfle If the couple is opening at random locations on the layout, I would remove the knuckle, clean all the parts, and re-assemble with a new plunger spring. (new knuckle rivet too)
Absolutely....The next step if lubing it doesn't solve the problem.
The answer to all your coilcoupler problems and how to fix them will be found at this link
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=694
Check it out the fix is easy!
joej
Sounds like your internal plunger spring is weak or broken. It's part #TC-112 i think. The repair is pretty straight foward.
Jim
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