Why are some E Units (postwar variety) more noisy than others despite equal maintenance and cleaning?
In the attached pic.....what would cause the burns to the coil wires?
Thanks in advance
Dave
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Dave; The only thing that makes sense when you see the coil wires overheated, is the coil was energized too long - likely by an over-enthusiastic operator holding the Direction button down too long.
Überstationmeister posted:...The likely cause is a short across the coil or that the shellac insulation wore through and created a short...
If the train, or just the E-unit, was run on DC for a long time at higher voltages, it could cause similar heating.
The e-unit you have there is a 100-15 e-unit typically used in smaller diesel locomotives such as the 2023, 2031, 2032 and 2033 Alcos.
The coil you have there is likely toast. You can rewind it yourself, or replace it relatively inexpensively: https://www.google.com/search?q=lionel+100-31+coil
In your pictures, the coil housing looks loose and somewhat separated from the base - the area circled in red should be flush. This may contribute to some of your noise. Additionally, it appears the mounting hole is egged out in shape indicating a loose fit, also a source for additional noise.
Some great e-unit videos (but I would avoid using abrasives):
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Thank You Gentlemen for all your replies.
At the time of this photo, I did have the unit partly disassembled to remove and clean the drum.
I cleaned and adjusted the fingers and oddly it still works.....but I suspect replacement may be the best choice? It indeed is from a 2023.
I also have noticed that the older units seem to be more quiet.
@Soo Line, If it works satisfactorily, then leave it be. I think it would be more economical to replace just the coil than the whole E-unit, but you can definitely replace the whole e-unit if you desire.
Earlier e units, maybe prior to 1950, had a wrap of paper between each layer of wire. These e units with the paper wrap are almost silent. Also the heavier cast frames will help dampen the viabration, where as the sheet metal frames can make the noise worse.
"The only thing that makes sense when you see the coil wires overheated, is the coil was energized too long - likely by an over-enthusiastic operator holding the Direction button down too long."
Please consider these facts:
The E-unit is energized at all times when there is power to the track.
The DIRECTION control opens the track power momentarily, so that when restored, the E-unit will step to the next position.
Holding down the DIRECTION control for a long period of time is not a symptom of over-enthusiastic operation. It will not result in any damage.
To prove the above assertions, place a voltmeter leads on one outside rail and the middle rail. Turn up track power. Watch the voltmeter needle go to zero when you operate the DIRECTION control.
Yes Arthur, your points are all valid for sure. This is an example of offering advice at 11:00PM and not thinking through the problem adequately before opening my mouth. A great example of a senior brain fart. After owning Postwar for over 50 years it should have been obvious that the coil is indeed energized continuously, otherwise the buzz that everyone detests wouldn't be there.....
