312 Engine only smokes at full speed

Also, my brother has the large 336 engine, and same problem.

Try replacing the wicking and element. Also, make sure the wicking isn't blocking the chimney hole. Make sure the small hole in smoke cylinder is not plugged with dirt.

Jim has the right idea, sounds as though you will have to rebuild these smoke units, not a hard job. you can get the kits from Portlines Hobbies.

Ray

Yup, it sounds like the wicking has hardened and not soaking up the fluid...Replace is your only option.  When done it will smoke up a storm for you...

Marty

OK, will replace the wicking (I guess the ni-chrome wire also?)  I hear that some smoke fluid gums up the wick quicker than others.  What brand do you recommend?

Thanks.

Portlines has the compete smoke unit kit for $5.  You don't want to choose the one where you have to wrap the wire around the wick yourself.  He also sells A Normal 1 smoke fluid.  I like it because it is thinner and seems to act as a solvent in a little used smoke unit to disolve the sludge in the wick. 

Drummer3,

Sometimes a smoke unit can be brought back to life if the wicking material is gummed up and/or burnt.

Try some WD40 down the smoke unit and let it soak for a while then try adding more fluid and running it.

I had this help on one of my 312's.  Others may add their experience with this method.

Aflyer

I agree with Aflyer before rebuilding the smoke unit which is not as easy as some would think I would try loosening up the wicking.I prefer a good electronic contact cleaner.Just spray it down the smoke tube and let it soak a bit.It generally wakes up the smoke unit and this is my gi to any time I can't get a unit to perform.You can spray more if it doesn't work the first time.I really thing you will have good results with this method and it will not hurt the unit in any way.....

I read this thread this AM and decided to try CRC contact cleaner to a non-functioning smoke unit in a very nice Lionel 736 I have. Gave it a good dose, let it soak for awhile and started running it. Shazam !!  It is smoking good now so thank you and a couple more weak smokers will get the treatment.

Jim,

Glad to hear that resolved your problem!!

Rus D,

I have never tried the contact cleaner, but I will sometime very soon and report back how it worked.

Aflyer

I have a 681 whose smoker has petered out so I gave it a shot but haven't run it yet. Getting low on solvent. I use it to kill my dog's fleas !!  Works great.

I am sold !!  My 681 is smoking great again. CRC Lectra-Motive  electric parts cleaner does the trick plus kills fleas !!

Yes CRC is the brand I use but I heard that Radio Shack used to sell a product that is very similiar.I fix and restore PW Flyer and it is great for sticky reverse units and it is a good all around parts cleaner.Also works great on armatures and commutors.Good stuff...