Blinking issues with the Lionel No. 6-2154 Operating Highway Flasher

[jwilharm]

I have used a 154C contactor to affix the Flasher to the track.  When the Flasher is connected, the left hand light is fully uliminated at all times.  Once the train passes over the contactor, the right hand light flickers a little. 

This doesn't seem like the right way for this to work.  Does anyone know the Flasher well and know the right way for it to operate and flash? 

[ADCX Rob]

Check the insulating tape under the contact clamp that goes over the outside rail.  It sounds like it has been compromised on the one half.  Use your tape of choice(thin, though) to repair the torn/missing part.

If you are using relatively lightweight cars, the flashing will be more of a flicker than a flash.  Slow down the train a little bit too. 

Rob 

[jwilharm]

There is no insulating tape under the clamp at all - it's pure metal.

Also - now both lights are on at all times, but there is no flashing.  

One last thing - there is a metal wire below one of the clamps that is affixed to a black, rubbery circular piece.  That wire then connects to the # 2 wiring spot on the contactor.   Do you know if this same wire (and rubbery circular piece) is suppose to be on the other clamp as well?

[jakeoregano]

Hi, see my other post in your other thread.  There needs to be insulation on the bottom of the contactors, or else the lights will always be on.  As for the wire connected to the #2 terminal: this is correct.  That is the ground for the lights.  If the insulation is in place on the bottom of the blades, the lights are not grounded.  When the metal wheels contact the top of the blades on the clip, the circuit is grounded, and should cause the lights to flash as the wheels pass over the contactor.  It may be a flicker or irregular flash, since the wheels on the cars may not be spaced evenly. 

Hope this helps.

Jakeoregano (aka Dwayne)

[ADCX Rob]

And here is a picture for reference:

The insulation is visible - almost clear - on the underside of the "wings" on the right pic.

It can be restored with masking tape or electrical tape if it's worn off or missing.

Rob