Lionel 2315 Coal Loader Problem

Here is an extensive article with Lionel links on the 2315.  The article was inspired by a wiring question from someone with a cut controller wire.

Your difficulty may be mechanical instead of electrical.  The Exploded Diagram will help with that.  Take the roof off and see what's happening.

The links for the Lionel Exploded Diagram and Service tip is at the bottom.

Thanks Susan,

If you read my post...you realize I wired just as the pics of the literature you sent me.  I have the exact same material and I used it as a guide.  The only thing I didn't do was move the black wire and the jumper cable as described for the postwar coal cars. If it don't operate after I try that move, I'll take it to a lionel service center.  We have one of the best here in Buffalo.

Thanks again,

Larry Williams

Larry:

Inside the 2315 motor and gear box assembly is a drive belt, part number 600-2315-309. The 2315 is almost 30 years old, and with the symptoms you describe (everything wired properly and you hear the motor working, but nothing moves), I'd virtually guarantee this is the problem.

Replacing the belt is fairly straightforward, but requires disassembly of the motor unit in the upper red hopper and a little wrestling with the string attached to the moving tray. If you normally do your own repairs, it's no big deal, but if you're uncomfortable, your local service station will be able to handle it.

I hope this helps!

Todd

Thanks Todd,

This sounds like the problem.  Service station time!!!!

Thanks again.

Larry

Todd,

Took the unit apart as per your suggestions.  Wasn't too difficult!  The belt is FINE!!  The large plastic gear in the rear WILL NOT MOVE with finger pressure.  Nothing looked broken or out of place so I put it back together and tried it again.  Same thing happened.  Any other suggestions...or should I go to service center?  Thanks again,

Larry

Larry:

Sorry I missed your follow-up.

The only other thing I can think of (without physically inspecting the unit) is that the lubrication on that large gear may have have solidified. When this happens, it usually causes the belt to break which is why I mentioned that first.

As you saw, the mechanism is fairy simple, so a little cleaning and fiddling might be all you need to get things doing again.

Regards,

TRW

Hi Larry:

It is, in fact, a DC motor. There are 1N4001 Diodes in the controller that rectify the AC to make the motor move in either direction.

I'll be curious to know if a new motor will solve your problem. If not, I'm beginning to suspect either the diodes in the controller or the wiring.

Todd

Thanks Todd,

I will advise when the new motor is installed. 

Thanks again..

Larry

Hello Larry and all,

I would like to revive this thread as I have two 2315s and have exactly the same problem/symptoms with both. I pried open the motor cover a small amount on one of them and can say that the motor is turning. I cannot confirm that the belt is OK but it appears to be so. I am not confident in how to remove the motor for full inspection. I would appreciate any lessons learned.

Cheers

Denny

I repaired one of these a couple months ago.  No replacement parts were needed.  The grease had solidified and held everything together like glue.  Nothing would turn.  I removed all the old grease and relubed and all was fine. 

This old grease which turns into glue was used on several Lionel accessories.  The formulation certainly wasn't right for long term use.

I was hoping that was what was needed. But, I am not sure how to open the gearbox  so that I can get to the gears.

TO:  Denny Lyons

Denny, I gave up trying to fix the blessed piece.  I tried everything listed above from all the good advice given and just couldn't get the unit to function properly.  Finally took it to a service station.......he said "the motor wasn't pulling enough amps"??????   I supplied the motor and he charged me $25.00 to put it in.  The unit works perfectly now.

I don't know about solidified grease....the unit was new and although 20 some years old it didn't appear to have any grease that would solidify.  Good luck with your piece....

Hi Larry,

I look forward to attempting the repair. This wouldn't be the first piece I didn't get working. I enjoy the learning experience. 

Cheers

Denny

I finally figured out how to open the gear box. I removed all of the old grease, relubed it, reassembled and voila it works. Thanks for all of the good advice.

Cheers

Denny