When I raise the orange handle on my CW-80, it's very noisy (fan?) for about 30-60 seconds. Then it quiets down. I don't think the transformer case is designed to be opened. Anyone have the same experience? What is the fix? Thanks
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I had the same issue with mine; and would like to get in there to clean out and lube the fan and motor... It's a continuous whine now.
it needs a triangle-shaped screwdriver. I've sesen them online and from Radio Shack, I believe.
Thanks,
- Mario
Harbor Freight Tools sells a set of security drill bits/screwdriver bits for under $10 that will easily get you into the CW80 case.
Originally Posted by POTRZBE:
Harbor Freight Tools sells a set of security drill bits/screwdriver bits for under $10 that will easily get you into the CW80 case.
Have you actually tried them? I haven't seen any long shank triangular drives at HF.
Garrett76,
The fix is the garbage can, do not waste your time trying to fix a introductory
type transformer. Pick up a Z-1000 at least, or an old KW.
Man I will catch it for this one.
PCRR/Dave
call Lionel cust service, they may surprise you.
586-949-4100, ext. 2
Lionel Customer Service Representatives (CSR’s) are available Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm EDT to answer general questions regarding products and services offered by Lionel.
I have a CW-80 with a noisy fan...can it be fixed?
Option#2 Buy a GW-180
I bought some triangle screwdrivers, but before that I ground one corner off a square one which works well too.
Gunrunnerjohn, I did in fact purchase a set and use it on an old CW80. It is important to buy the set with the long shank to get to the depth of the transformer case.
Unless they just got it, our local HF doesn't have any of those.
My LHS (Before they closed.) would service these. Open it up and oil the fan. He'd even swap the screws out to philips if you asked. I had a couple more I needed to get done, but didn't in time, but they have gotten quiet on their own.
Originally Posted by Pine Creek Railroad:
Garrett76,
The fix is the garbage can, do not waste your time trying to fix a introductory
type transformer. Pick up a Z-1000 at least, or an old KW.
Man I will catch it for this one.
Why? It's just your opinion, nothing more, nothing less. My opinion is that I have three fully functional CW-80s that work well for me. Either way, no worries. I also dig my LW. Go with God.
Pete
I had the smaller one CW-40 that was acting intermittent. I used a smaller hobby screwdriver that fit into the triangle and pressed hard as I turned the screws. Was able to open it up. My problem was that my CW-40 looked like it had been reconditioned. There were several burn marks on the board and tons of "Cold Solder" all over the place. The fan is small about the 1.2 or 2 inches like a computer fan.
My son (who works summers as a tech for MTH) who is an engineering major re-soldered the cold spots and the transformer works fine now. The board looked like it had a "Side" removed to make it a 40w from an 80w. not to throw away the boards.
Put regular philips heads in to close up.!
Ben
They're a liytle rough inside. And I noticed the noise varied as things were moved around inside. I don't think the regulation is terribly well done and can see lamp intensity vary (oscillate) when it's set to some intermediate voltage...on more than one CW80.
