Help! Can not get AC motor to reverse!

2 position e unit doesn’t have a neutral. They are only forward & reverse. Retrace your steps, what you’re calling neutral should be reverse. …..3 position has forward, neutral, & reverse.

Pat

Pat,  Your are right!  I knew that, but I didn't think of that !

But, I can't figure out why is it not reversing.  It hums, but that darn armature doesn't rotate backwards!

Probably needs a Pittman !

The two pages on an Alco with 2 position E unit, and a page showing 2 position E unit.

There is a metal arm sticking up through top of shell that selects Forward-Neutral, or Reverse-Neutral (E unit used), mid position for direction lock.

Pages from Olsen CD.

You do realize that a 2-position E-Unit usually has a split field to work with, right?  They don't reverse the armature like the standard E-Unit.

@dennish posted:

...But, I can't figure out why is it not reversing.  It hums, but that darn armature doesn't rotate backwards!

This nylon washer is probably missing:

This is not a ground connection, but is a strain relief mounting point for one of the field wires and it will run in only one direction if this is shorted to the motor or chassis. Here is the part number:

Thanks, Rob!  I have some on order, waiting for them to come in.  I knew that was missing.  I guess I forgot and was testing the unit without the nylon washer.  Should be a few days and we will see.  Thanks for the help.

@dennish posted:

Thanks, Rob!  I have some on order, waiting for them to come in.  I knew that was missing...

Just remove the screw and let the solder lug hang free to test.

Rob, that was it!  Thanks for the help!