How To Temporarily Fix a weak Electrocoupler

JDADDY,

  I used Locktite Blue thread lock, on my electro couplers that won't stay closed.  You need to allow it to dry first usually overnite.  Works great!  I hope I can open them one day?

Maybe graphite would loosen up the mechanism so the coupler can open and close properly.

Yes: I agree - Loctite Blue / Removable works on this issue and other model train issues that require to lock threads on the model railroad. "Blue Removable" I always keep a tube in the shop.

Click on photo enlarge.

Ace posted:

Maybe graphite would loosen up the mechanism so the coupler can open and close properly.

I used the graphite first as suggested. Interesting after I worked it in on a few cycles it began to lock again. Then about 20 big laps around the layout 35' X 35' it began to open again. What?

So I noticed if I flipped the tender upside down and cycled it a few more times it would lock / couple again. 

Strange.

I did notice last night that I am not getting the buzz when I hit the un-couple button. What should I look for (other than to verify its plugged into the board) to see why its not getting power?

If the coupler is opening and closing on command I don't think it is a power issue. I don't think the mechanism requires constant power to lock up. It sounds to me as a totally mechanical issue. I know with the magnetic coupler a little light sanding on the slip pin tends to produce enough friction to stay the closed position without inhibiting the opening action, maybe you should look in that direction.

As for the graphite, I can see how that will help in a smooth opening but I fail to understand why it would aid in keeping the knuckle closed.  

gg1man posted:

If the coupler is opening and closing on command I don't think it is a power issue. I don't think the mechanism requires constant power to lock up. It sounds to me as a totally mechanical issue. I know with the magnetic coupler a little light sanding on the slip pin tends to produce enough friction to stay the closed position without inhibiting the opening action, maybe you should look in that direction.

As for the graphite, I can see how that will help in a smooth opening but I fail to understand why it would aid in keeping the knuckle closed.  

The coupler will not open on command, and I do not get a buzz like I hear from other Lionel locomotives. Can you point me in the direction of the slip pin and how do I get to it w/o removing the knuckle rivet?

Yes, I was reading some past threads and I do not have an exploded view of the coupler, but I think GRJohn or Mike Reagan, mentioned graphite will help in opening and closing of the coupler.

Looking at the blow up above I doubt if what I was thinking about would apply. In the mechanical, tab type the pin I was speaking about rides up through the knuckle, it comes off of the pull tab that opens the head. A little sand paper on that pin can keep it from slipping out under lode. The plastic they use  to make them can be a little too smooth.

Looking at the above my guess would be the plunger spring is a little weak, or maybe the knuckle spring.

But, after speaking to my friend at work we are wondering if the coil is fired by a ground then could you have an intermittent short to ground causing the coil to fire on it's own?

Well last night I gave up on the graphite. For some reason the coupler would not stay locked, it would for a small period of time, then it would just mechanically pull apart as a force was applied to it. So I will order a new part.

Plan B was to just use the lock-tite as suggested above, did that last night and will see when I get home if that will permanently close it until I get the new part.

Happy to report the Lock-tite works great and I am up and running until I order the new part from Lionel.

When is that 50% sale on Lionel parts again? I'm making my list.

I was going to recommend super gluing the bad one together and replacing it with a new one.  If memory serves, Boxcar Bill use to sell one for about six bucks.  Probably twice that these days, but better than wasting more time with a bad one.  

I super glued one that wouldnt stay closed until the new one arrived. 

I'm interested in how the "removable" Loctite works.  How is it "removable"?

Dennis 

Hi Dennis, I doubt if it's meant to be removed. In other words you may as well use Super Glue because the part is not worth playing with to fix it, just remove and replace!

Some good pointers from the guys.   The easy thing to do is just put in a new one and be done with the issue.  I just finished two couplers on a scale Lionel GG-1 and the job took only a few minutes.  Couplers are very cheap and that one you have is easy to do.

Lionel will state your coupler is unavailable.  Call and they will have one that will fit.