I have a PS2 locomotive in which one of the couplers has stopped functioning. Reading through the MTH manual it states to wipe the coupler with denatured alcohol in a situation where it won’t fire. What is wiping the coupler with denatured alcohol expected to accomplish, and is there an alternative to the denatured alcohol for this purpose?
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It’s a solvent that can loosen stuck dirt or grease, if that is the problem. 91% rubbing alcohol would do the same thing. So would acetone, which is a little stronger.
Considering it’s a nearly free first step, it’s worth a try, but keep it away from the paint on the model.
An alternative would be dry graphite (Lionel’s proposal to a stuck knuckle) which is a lubricant.
In either case, electrical failure or a broken wire must also be ruled out. If you push the coupler button on the remote while pulling the knuckle opens, this may be your problem. If nothing happens when the remote button is pushed, then it’s probably an issue with the electrical side solenoid itself.
Most couplers have a metal pivot pin, move-able part, to fixed part, of the coupler, and a spring. The pin can rust, and the spring weaken over time.
Thanks fellas, this is good information. I’m not feeling any action at all in the coupler when I push the button, makes me think it’s an electrical failure vs mechanical.
If the coupler is frozen solid from solidified gunk you would not feel anything when you push the button. The electrical test comes after you free it up mechanically...
Many of us use denatured alcohol for track cleaning. It's safe in the quantity we use, and yes, avoid the paint.
You can open the coupler with a dental pick by pushing the plunger in. Just go straight in the end. That should help you know if it operates correctly.
Whenever it was necessary to clean my tracks, I use alcohol that is not for rubbing, but for cleaning grease. Does a wonder, I'm having problems getting enough amperes to run a couple of Ps2 MTH engines running on one plateau has a 40in. to foot incline, the layout length size of 26 feet long 3.6 ft wide the other (table) layout is set up high to establish a scenery of community of dwells. I've been running a bus-line the perimeter of tables (life old tradition) found lost amps or someting else. my buddy who runs almost the same type of layout (no two levels) and has MTH checked my lines and found what says is a cross-over in amps of lines. this makes me nervous, because. I don't know what I can do. Looking some help.
If I understand your statement, a rise of 12 inches over 40 inches is a 30 % incline! I can imagine you face several challenges...
Jan
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