BLI Steam engine problem

[jcgisel]

I have a BLI Hudson and I haven't run it for a while.  So I cleaned the wheels, oiled it, and put it on the track and it wasn't picking up power from all the wheels. Turns out that one of the feeder wires came unsoldered. This was the first time I took a steam engine apart, but I was able to resolder the wire. It was running fine for a while then it stopped like the wheels were binding. I can here the motor running and the sound goingwith the motor, and if I push it a little It starts going again. If I put to much weight behind it the same thing happens. What went wrong? I think that it must be gears or something. What do you think?

[Rick Bradley]

sounds like you need to call tech support at BLI, too many things can go wrong when come to these "new fangled techno gidgets" i too have a hudson but i have not had problems yet

[gmpullman]

 

You mentioned that you "oiled it"...  herein may contribute to your problem.

Many of the mechanical connections-- motor shaft to universal, axle gears to the axle, are just press fit. Even with "plastic compatible" oils they may make the press fit joints just loose enough to cause slippage between plastic gears and metal shafts. And once it slips a little, it only gets worse.

Be ever so SPARING on lubrication. Less is more! 

Check any of the components where you have a press fit universal, it may have split allowing the motor shaft to spin. You'll have to replace it. Even ACC won't repair the bond... for long.

Ed

[jcgisel]

Not sure how to check this engine to see if the gears are slipping. What is a press fit universal?

[cacole]

Before you do something that might cause major damage to the drive, I'd like to suggest that you telephone Broadway Limited customer service and ask for their help.

They'll probably ask you to return it to them for service.