My Lionel 1033 transformer gets hot and smells, I changed the rectifier disk and added a diode but the problem still persist.
Any one ever have this problem
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
What is the load (amps)? If it gets hot idling at no load, replace it. If you are running 5 amps continuously to generate the heat, you need a higher capacity transformer.
Just gets hot with out a load
If it gets hot without a load, it likely needs to be serviced.
I went there, just a schematic
I just re-read your initial message - you changed (replaced) the rectifier disc AND added a diode? That is unusual - usually the rectifier disc is replaced BY a diode.
Are you able to take a few pictures of the insides - that would help us to see if anything looks out of place or excessively worn.
Also, when you say it warms up under no load, is it still wired to things? What if no wires are attached at all?
You are right that is what I did, if I even leave it sit with it wired to the track it still heats up, checked the wiring everything seems to be good
That is an unusual repair - as stated before, pictures are worth thousands of words.
If the varnish that glues the transformer core wires together deteriorates, the wires will vibrate at 60 Hz and generate heat. Does yours hum (another symptom)? A short within the core wires will generate heat. What's the amperage draw on the AC input at idle?
Since you state it overheats at idle, I suspect that replacement is the bet solution.
The main coil is shorted and overheating. No economical repair other than replacing the actual transformer inside. Save the handles for parts and replace.
That is what I was afraid of I will try to get pictures later thanks
Chuck Sartor posted:The main coil is shorted and overheating. No economical repair other than replacing the actual transformer inside. Save the handles for parts and replace.
Definitely a possibility, but worth checking the wiring and unusual repair out before writing it off...
no humming very quiet
Problem Solved!!! It ended up that the 2ohm resistor wire was arcing against the housing , I put some heat shrink tubing around it to insulate it and it doesn't heat up even under a heavy load.
Glad you figured it out! The 1033 is a great little transformer!
