6220 coupler problem - overheating.

[magicman710]

I just picked up a Lionel 6220 today at the Savannah train show. It hesitated to run at first but after running it a bit it started working fine.

But theres a problem, the rear coupler is constantly being forced open, causing it and the coil to overheat. (The front coupler is also hot, but its not opening - I dont know if it is jammed or what)

What could be causing this problem?

[mdainsd]

Both coil couplers are wired to a single sliding shoe on the un-powered truck. It is also the truck that carries the roller pickups. The first couple of things i;d look at require removing the shell. If you are not familiar with this model they are so well thought out. On the bottom of the frame at both ends you will see a large flat screw. Each one gets turned about a 1.4 of a turn to the left ant the body should lift off. Anyrate. id look for a short between the wire going from the shoe to the roller pickup wire. Far less likely is that someone inadvertently (or otherwise) wired it like that.

[magicman710]

Thanks for the info Mark.

I was able to find the problem, the black wires from each coupler were soldered to a tab on the e-unit (the same one that powers the lights). Once I cut those wires, the couplers stopped.