CW 80 transformer parts

How does the orange handle come off?  Mine is stuck on full 18 volts all the time.  Someone had CW parts on the bay.  But I missed the auction.  Supposedly the potentiometer is available somewhere.  Thought about trying to replace it.

 

If I don't get it fixed, maybe I'll part it out.  Or use it for full TMCC.

What does it look like.

Pictures?

Any writing on it?

 

I found a switch for the PH180 on eBay but I did some searching, etc.

The orange handle simply pulls off. Using a couple of thin levers makes removal easier.

Main question, how did you get the screws out?

Me too. Somebody posted the required screwdriver and where to get it but I lost the info. Hopefully Flash knows.

I found the bit at my local hardware store. It is a "TRI" something #1

 

It is a short bit, so another grandson welded an allen wrench to extend the reach. It is too narrow a space to get a driver in.

 

The screws came out with much difficulty. I had to press in with a lot of force as I turned. I'll use a different headed screw to reassemble.

 

There are no markings on the switches.

 

I used 2 paint can openers to pry the lever off

 

gptom

You need a triangle tip screwdriver. As far as I know, there is only one size tip.
I bought a small set from Harbor Freight for about $10. It came in a small yellow plastic case and had a whole assortment of specialty screwdriver tips. One of which was the triangle tip.
Check amazon. I'm sure you can find them there too.

There're more than one size. I bought a 3.0 and a 2.3, both Penggong brand somewhere and a number 1 from SilverhillTools.com. The Lionel screws are down in a hole, so they have to be a couple or three inches long.

You can also grind one corner off a square tipped screwdriver.

While we are on the subject, what sort of fuse does it take?

 

As for the buttons, my dad just cut new holes in the top of one, and attached all new buttons to it!

the buttons are ok, it is the switch on the circuit board

 

gptom

They make great door stops when they die! Then you move up in the world and buy a MTH Z-1000 transformer for the layout.

They make even better fixed voltage bricks when they die.
Just strip them down to their transformer core and you have a solid 7 amp transformer. Perfect for command control.

I think Dale M. measured 8 amps or more without significant heating.

Only I did that and the Z-1000 gave me more issues than the CW-80 ever did, so I got another CW-80 and have been happy since.

send it back, Lionel had many problems with this transformer.

email them, they said, cut the cord off, take the orange handle off,

send those parts in and they send you a new transformer.

You can take a Torx screwdriver that fits in the hole, thats the one with five fins, kind of like a sprocket washer. You file or grind off two of the fins; NOT TWO IN A ROW, and you should have the required tool.

Is this the current policy; because I thought that program was over.

I gave Lionel the Date Code on mine, they said it was too old.

I got my triangle screwdriver from Amazon.  Someone here on the forum posted about it & I decided to get 1.  Then someone on the bay, had an auction for CW parts.  Had a fuse, potentiometer, a fan, & I thought the screwdriver.  I missed the closing.  Wish I had those parts.  Labeled as the most parts that needed replacing in the CW.

 

I have 2 of the MTH Z-1000 transformers running conventional control to run my first and second lines and no issues with MTH or LIONEL locomotives and plan to get a third one for the third line. CW-80 will only be used for running K-Line trolley line & start/stop unit. Lionel 30 watt Powermax for accessories.

I have some CW-80 parts, email me what you need.

Thanks Chuck for your offer. I cannot figure out your email

 

I need PB-2, the center push switch. I assume that all three switches are the same

 

ogfhrr@gmail.com