Intermittent PS3 Draw Bar Connection at the Engine

Make sure the connection is snapped together.  It can be very deceiving.

RJR posted:

Make sure the connection is snapped together.  It can be very deceiving.

I think that's part of the problem. When I press the plugs together, there is no indication that the connection is complete. It's not like the tender connection where you feel that "snap" that tells you it's connected all the way. I'll look to see if something is interfering on the engine plug.

Did you check the other connector that's inside the engine?  Sometimes that isn't seated and creates the same issue.  The drawbar has two connectors, one inside the locomotive and one connecting to the tender.

Take engine shell off and make sure the wires have enough relief to move with the swivel.  I have found many engines with a harder heat shrink that restricts movement of the engine harness.  I usually slit them and reposition to allow enough flexibility at the engine side.  Especially important on RK and small TP running tighter diameter curves.  G

GGG posted:

Take engine shell off and make sure the wires have enough relief to move with the swivel.  I have found many engines with a harder heat shrink that restricts movement of the engine harness.  I usually slit them and reposition to allow enough flexibility at the engine side.  Especially important on RK and small TP running tighter diameter curves.  G

Thanks G, I took your advice. I noticed myself that the heat shrink was very bulky and could see how that would bind on my tight curves. There was enough room to remove the lower 1/2 inch of the shrink. So far so good!