2639W tender

[trainma1]

I have a 2689W prewar whistle tender with a 1666 engine
The whistle only works when the engine is in neutral or the tender is on the track alone. When running the whistle sometimes works for a moment and other times nothing. DC pickup voltage is 2v.
I have cleaned the motor, adjusted the whistle relay and even changed the relay and results are the same. I measured the whistle current at about 1.5 amps. I have used with a ZW with a diode rectifier, a ZW with the original rectifier and a 1033. all with the same results.
There is also sparking when the whistle is working and the tender moves around the track. I have even changed the pickup roller. Sam result.
Anyone got any ideas?

[1688torpedo]

Hello Trainma1 It almost sounds like the motor for your whistle is either weak or about to go on the fritz. The Armature or Field windings of the motor may have a open or it could be a loose solder joint on the commutator. This is one of those situations where it has to be looked at to find the problem. If you go to Dr.Tinker's Toy Train Website and explain to him what is happening he should be able to help you out. The other thing for you to do is to take a whistle tender that you know will work each and every time and try all three Transformers to make sure that their whistle Diodes are not going bad. See what happens then. Good Luck.

[lionelsoni]

It seems to me that it would be good to find out whether the problem is that the relay doesn't operate or that the relay operates but the motor doesn't turn.

[trainma1]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 1688torpedo

Hello Trainma1 It almost sounds like the motor for your whistle is either weak or about to go on the fritz. The Armature or Field windings of the motor may have a open or it could be a loose solder joint on the commutator. This is one of those situations where it has to be looked at to find the problem. If you go to Dr.Tinker's Toy Train Website and explain to him what is happening he should be able to help you out. The other thing for you to do is to take a whistle tender that you know will work each and every time and try all three Transformers to make sure that their whistle Diodes are not going bad. See what happens then. Good Luck.

[trainma1]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 1688torpedo

Hello Trainma1 It almost sounds like the motor for your whistle is either weak or about to go on the fritz. The Armature or Field windings of the motor may have a open or it could be a loose solder joint on the commutator. This is one of those situations where it has to be looked at to find the problem. If you go to Dr.Tinker's Toy Train Website and explain to him what is happening he should be able to help you out. The other thing for you to do is to take a whistle tender that you know will work each and every time and try all three Transformers to make sure that their whistle Diodes are not going bad. See what happens then. Good Luck.

I have tried a good tender on all xformers and the diodes are OK. Will check the armature and also go to DR tinker's web site as you suggested.