K-line Steam Engine Problem

Sounds like a bad o-ring in the plunger unit. Try removing the o-ring from the plunger unit and it should solve the problem since the o-ring is swelling up from age and jamming the piston in the smoke unit. I had the same thing happen on a pacific steam unit and all is good now.

You need to lightly sand down the plastic smoke plunger with fine sandpaper. They are a bit too tight and stick when the unit heats up. Don't use oil, some graphite might help though.

The stalling sounds like overheating of the motor driver board. Make sure its heatsink is firmly attach to the frame and transferring heat. If it still stalls out you may need to replace the board. They are readily available but I would put a ERR Cruise "M" board in instead and get cruise too.

Neil

This should solve your problems with the running search the bay for K-Line  Hudson/Mikado Cruise Control Upgrade Kit Version K3603-900 Version 4.0 There is one listed now. They usually go for between $40 -50. This gives you a new motor and motor driver board plus you will now have cruise control. Simple install most is plug and play just follow the instructions that come with the kit.

Neil

Thanks for your response.  The smoke plunger does stick inside the smoke unit.  I have tried sanding it in the past which has helped but it still gets stuck.  However I might try some graphite this time.  The wicking is brown and little bit charred.  Where can I find a replacement for the wicking?

I will need to check the heatsink.  I am interested in Cruise M board to get the speed control.  I have never messed much with boards before..so I don't know much about the electronics.  Is this something I can possibly do myself by using instruction manual or should I look for someone else to do it for me?

Ken

Many recommend Lionel's wicking or 'Tiki Torch' wicking from a garden supply or hardware store for the smoke unit.

The ERR unit should be a fairly easy install as most will attest to. The K-Line cruise kit with the new motor sounds like a good idea as well;

If the budget permits, the PS2 conversion would be very good. It will give you more features as adjustable chuff rate, sounds, and scale miles per hour readout. Adding a MTH smoke unit vastly increases the smoke output and also give you adjustable smoke volume.

You need to sand a little more. I had to do mine twice before it stopped sticking. I would recommend the ERR board over the K-line cruise for reliability although with the K-line you can wire it for 4 chuffs and by pass the 2 chuff cam switch. I do find the K-line cruise boards get hot with extended operation and many have had them burn out.

Neil