any tricks for a sticky Lionel E-unit

[lionelsoni]

It is very unlikely that an e-unit run on AC would ever get magnetized at all. I have rectifiers in my locomotives and no trouble with magnetized e-units. Screwdrivers are very often deliberately magnetized to hold screws; so they are not so good for testing e-unit armatures.

As e-units wear, they develop notches in the crotches of the drum teeth, which tend to catch the pawl, keeping it from releasing. I suspect that, if you look very closely at the drum, you will see these notches. The vibration of AC-powered e-units tends to mitigate this, giving the impression that magnetization has something to do with it. However, a little whittling to straighten out the plastic teeth or replacing the drum every 40 years or so will also cure the crotch-notch problem.

[daan]

Demagnetizing is done by heating it 'till glowing red. Don't drop it and don't overdo the heating otherwise you shredded the piece..

[3railguy]

It could be what daan is saying or the pawl teeth are worn or the fingers are bent and hanging up or it needs cleaning and lubricating. The solenoid shaft could be gummed up and sticking. Judging from your description, a good cleaning and lubricating may be all it needs. Shoot it with plastic compatible tuner cleaner. This cleans and lubricates it. Shoot it, cycle it a few times while wet, and shoot it again to blow off any residue created. You can adjust the fingers with a small bent pick or replace them. If the pawl if it is worn, it must be replaced. There is a way to demagnetize it but I can't remember.

[daan]

Besides a lack of lubrication, the metal core of the e-unit could get magnetized because it's constantly in a magnetic field. You can test that with a small screwdriver, just see if it sticks on the core. I wouldn't lubricate it, or if, use graphite instead of a lubrication in a spray-can. may be there is some dirt or hairs on the axle of the collector which keeps it from moving.

[the nitro man]

I'm just now starting to get into the pre & post war Lionel steam engines. I have a Lionel pre war 1666E steamer that the E-unit sticks on occasion. Just a light tap, & she does good for a while. Then goes back to sticking. Does the E-unit get lubricated at all? If so, where at? Thanks for any suggestions.


Later,
Jerry