Electro coupler issue on Postwar switcher

Couplers with slide shoes usually fire on switches. If the rivet touches the center rail it will open the coupler. If that's not the case here then the spring that holds the pin against the knuckle is the problem. You can replace the spring or just spread it slightly for more tension.

That means you must remove the knuckle, replace the spring and rivet. Jim

Jim,

Thanks for the reply. I had seen a youtube video of someone replacing that spring in a postwar electro coupler. I will give it a shot as right now, they both open just about anywhere on the layout regardless of switches.

Also, If I wanted to simply "disable" them altogether, would snipping the connecting wire keep them closed? Or does that have not impact the accidental openings?

Disabling the coupler wire would work if it's a "fire" problem. You could try that first, I would unsolder them so they could be reconnected at some later time. It will not help if it's the plunger spring.

Sometimes couplers will fire when engines with wide rollers bridge the center rail and  control rails of uncoupling tracks, energizing them.

CW,

Thanks but they are both firing on regular straight and curved sections of fastrack.

Mike

It sounds like a mechanical problem, not an electrical one. Disconnect the loco from the train. Hold it in one hand, and tap the bottom of each truck in turn with your other hand. If the couplers open, then stretch or replace the spring as needed. A quick and easy way to find couplers that do not stay closed.

Larry

Thanks Larry. I'll try that.