Lionel #671 steam engine

Have you moved the e-unit switch, or are you just using the direction control on the transformer?

If the e-unit is wired correctly, perhaps you need to spray some electric contact cleaner on some of its contacts.  I use CRC QD Electronic Cleaner, available on Amazon.

However, I'd simply replace the entire e-unit.  My attempt at a rebuild didn't go well which I believe was due to not having the special tool to insert the drum.  They whole units are relatively inexpensive.  I got mine from Jeff at ttenderdotcom, but they're available from a lot of places.  I believe Trainz has a lot.

I am in the process in restoring a 682 turbine and need a e-unit. The engine did not have one at all and usually I would have rebuilt if I did have one. So I found a fellow who rebuilds them completely including the lever board and rivets at a reasonable price. Received the e-unit and it literally looks brand new, installed in 682 and it now runs like a top. He even includes instructions how to wire it up. His e-mail is tbirdbob@polarcomm.com. or you can check him out on flea bay no-tbirdbob is his seller name. He may also rebuild one that you already have. I bought a complete e-unit from him and his work is excellent imho.

That has a horizontal reverse unit, correct?

@texgeekboy posted:

Have you moved the e-unit switch, or are you just using the direction control on the transformer?

No E-unit switch on this model.

@dan venet posted:

My only issue now is that the engine will only go forward. There now is no reverse or neutral.

The E-unit is not cycling, then.

You need to confirm that the plug is placed properly on the motor connector and the E-unit coil is energized while under power. If this is the case, the solenoid and/or drum may be binding. If the return spring is missing or failed in the E-unit plunger bore, you will not get any movement of the drum.

You can carefully advance the drum by 1/8 turns at a time manually(F-N-R-N-F-N-R-N) with the boiler removed and the chassis on the powered track. This can be used to confirm the E-unit wiring is done correctly on the motor side.

@texgeekboy posted:

Have you moved the e-unit switch, or are you just using the direction control on the transformer?

If the e-unit is wired correctly, perhaps you need to spray some electric contact cleaner on some of its contacts.  I use CRC QD Electronic Cleaner, available on Amazon.

However, I'd simply replace the entire e-unit.  My attempt at a rebuild didn't go well which I believe was due to not having the special tool to insert the drum.  They whole units are relatively inexpensive.  I got mine from Jeff at ttenderdotcom, but they're available from a lot of places.  I believe Trainz has a lot.

This particular 46' version of the Lionel#671 does not have the switch on the top of the engine to control forward/reverse etc. I assume the e-unit is wired correctly, although I will take a closer look. I just purchased the electrical contact cleaner you spoke about and will give it a try. Thanks for your advice, Dan

@Jsulli21 posted:

I am in the process in restoring a 682 turbine and need a e-unit. The engine did not have one at all and usually I would have rebuilt if I did have one. So I found a fellow who rebuilds them completely including the lever board and rivets at a reasonable price. Received the e-unit and it literally looks brand new, installed in 682 and it now runs like a top. He even includes instructions how to wire it up. His e-mail is tbirdbob@polarcomm.com. or you can check him out on flea bay no-tbirdbob is his seller name. He may also rebuild one that you already have. I bought a complete e-unit from him and his work is excellent imho.

Thanks. I will give the site a look. Dan

@ADCX Rob posted:

No E-unit switch on this model.

The E-unit is not cycling, then.

You need to confirm that the plug is placed properly on the motor connector and the E-unit coil is energized while under power. If this is the case, the solenoid and/or drum may be binding. If the return spring is missing or failed in the E-unit plunger bore, you will not get any movement of the drum.

You can carefully advance the drum by 1/8 turns at a time manually(F-N-R-N-F-N-R-N) with the boiler removed and the chassis on the powered track. This can be used to confirm the E-unit wiring is done correctly on the motor side.

Thanks Rob. Will take a look. Dan