Help with J1a cylinder steam

Bad smoke motor should say that in the manual ..

The manual doesn't have a diagnostic 4, I think Lionel committed a BooBoo with the manual since this model has a dual smoke unit.

If it's like other locomotives with dual smoke, the code-4 indicates a smoke resistor issue for the secondary smoke.  Have you tightened the resistor screws for the cylinder steam cylinder?  Have you made sure the thermistor spacing is the same as the obviously working stack smoke?

John, 

The cab light definitely blinks 4 times, and as you indicate, the manual does not address that.  You ask about tightening resistor screws, maybe that's what my LHS is talking about (see above).  I don't know how to work on my engines, so I unfortunately can't  answer your questions.  

I'm puzzled why it will work great for awhile, and then quit again, and this cycle repeats.  More importantly, I'm looking for someone to fix it.  My LHS, while good, can't seem to fix this one.  

Thanks, 

Rob

Well, the fact that it works and then stops suggests the resistor is appearing open.  I think some people are reluctant to truly tighten the screws.  Of course, I'm sure some people strip them as well.

The biggest issiue with this engine is the gasket is no longer in stock at lionel .. I love making my own its so much fun(

MTH hasn't stocked the gaskets for the small smoke unit in ages, so whenever I need one of those, I have to manually hack one out, soooo much fun.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

MTH hasn't stocked the gaskets for the small smoke unit in ages, so whenever I need one of those, I have to manually hack one out, soooo much fun.

Yup its a blast! I just did one for this same engine i have a prototype to cut them out of now! I really am thinking about a 3d printer to make odd ball pieces...