K-line Plymouth Switch voltage

It is most likely the e-unit:

 Test the motor by itself and see if you get good speed just with straight DC. 

I have 5 of these little buggers...(yea I'm addicted).

They do require a lot of voltage to get moving. I haven't measured the voltage of mine but I'm probably half way on the KW throttle before they move at any speed.

Bob

I'd suspect the motor first and then the E-Unit.  I've replaced enough motors in these and the Porter that I keep a spare in stock.

On this note, does anyone know why the plymouth switcher would light up, smoke, but does not run?

I would first check for a broken wire/connection inside.

It could be the motor, the reverse board, or wiring as Joe suggests.  If it was running and nothing was done to it, I'd suspect the motor or board.

FWIW, I just took one of mine out and plopped it on the track.  It'll run around at a leisurely pace with 12VAC, fairly quickly at 16V, and warp speed with 20V.  The smoke indeed gets "energetic" with 20 volts, but these little guys were always good smokers.

When I first got it, it ran like GRJ's one, now not so much.  If the board was bad should I expect to see a significate increase in the amp draw ?  It's barely above 0. 

 Any part number for the motor, I might order it and try that, if the board is bad, then it will sit on the shelf and look nice

TIA, guys

Here's the Lionel K-Line Plymouth Parts Page.

This is the motor for the K-Line Plymouth and Porter locomotives, they use the same motor.  $8.50 on the Lionel parts page.

In case you end up wanting the reverse board, it's $19.00.

Thanks John !!