My "A" circuit stops working intermittently on my old KW. The "B" circuit is fine. It just turns off now and then. I've looked for loose wires inside the transformer but do not see any. Then suddenly after being off the transformer will start working on its own and may run fine for some time. Any ideas as to what the problem may be?
Thanks fellows
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will do thanks!
well the posts seem to be in perfect shape!? So, could it be the circuit breaker?" No red light on. Darn it's also doing fine right now so I am really PUZZLED. Definitely no voltage on the "B" post when it stops working.
The circuit breaker would shut down both terminals and accessory power because if I am correct it is wired into the common or neutral side, like it's cousin the post war ZW.
Have you checked the rollers inside as it sounds more like a roller issue than anything else.
Lee Fritz
Visually speaking it looks Ok but I agree that it sure seems most likely, there is the usual grove in the windings for both rollers but the roller itself looks normal to me on both A and B sides
Check with the case open, with a meter or bulb, for continuity to the binding post while the failure is occurring. The failure Popi describes above is very common, and can't always be detected with a visual inspection.
There really isn't such a thing as "the usual grove in the windings for both rollers", this would be an indication that there was excessive roller wear in the past and the arms started digging in to the secondary.
Rob right on this one, several times I have liteally had to
take a screw driver and gently pry at the copper strip
only to find out that it had come away from the post,
but a visual inspection would not have shown that
If the terminals turn out to be OK, IMHO, the next area to check would be the whistle control /direction switch.
As an aside, I had to replace every single terminal on the last KW I serviced.
Gentlemen,
The Lionel KW is a good transformer, not an expensive one and there are many rebuilts available here in the Pitts, Pa area. IMO unless you want to hold on to a certain KW for some reason, most of the places like Aces here in Pittsburgh will give you a real good price on one they have already rebuilt, especially if you use the KW you are having problems with as a trade in. You get a rebuilt KW which is like brand new and they get another KW to rebuild and make more money on. Win Win situation because there are so many KW's still around. I have one of these rebuilt KW's myself, works like brand new. Something to think about if you do not want to due the repairs
yourself.
PCRR/Dave
o gauger,
Good job, well done sir!
PCRR/Dave
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