Lionel 675 locomotive problem

Yes along with weak brush springs.  Best to install new brushes and springs.  G

how was the face of the commutator? was it smooth or worn?

Commutator has small concentric lines and seems smooth.  I used an eraser to clean it, but in spots, there are still some faint black stains.

Yeah, it's probably those brushes and springs. Change them.

Also, I would make sure that the bearings for the wheels are oiled. I have had several engines that run better after they get oil.

and make sure the side rods aren't binding. definatly change the brushes and springs.

Also make sure the brushes move up and down freely and they are not sticking.  I clean the brush holders out with a Q-Tip and denatured alcahol.

Ron

Thanks to all of you who replied--the consensus seems to be brushes and springs which is also what I concentrated on, and so I ordered a pair of brushes for replacement.  I do have to say that taking apart my old engine taught me some things that I didn't know before.  As time goes on, hopefully I'll learn more about this stuff other than merely running the train.  This forum is the best way to learn and share experiences among people with a commonality of interest...Thanks again!

Check the brushplate as well. These rarely wear out on an early 675/2025, but if the brushes and springs don't fix it, that would be my next guess.

The early 675/2025's are the best running steam engines of the postwar period in my experience. I've got 4 of them, and they're my most often run engines on the postwar layout. I'm in the process changing the 2055 motor to a 2025 motor. Should be done in the next 20 years if progress continues at the rate it's going now.

Here is a tip I picked up from a fellow poster: sometimes it helps to run a brass gun bore brush inside the brush tubes. Not positive of the size, I think I use a 22 gauge.

Update on this issue:  I did change the brushes and cleaned the engine again (amazing how much oily black dirt gets thrown up).  The engine seems to run smoothly like of-old.  However, when I put it on another loop,  it stop in the same spot as if the power went out until I reverse it and start it up again.  When it reaches that same spot, it stops again (one time it even reversed itself).  The other engine (diesel) works fine on that loop.  

Watch the engine carefully, it sounds like the engine is loosing power momentarily, look for the headlight making a quick blink.

If there is a blink in the headlight or if the engine is, in fact, losing power, what's the source of THAT problem?  

I'd check the track.

you didn't mention it, but did you oil the commutator shaft where it rides in the brushplate?  If that fellow is dry, you could get that type running, normal then slow then back.  If this is the cause, you might also hear a bit of a squeel or screetch sound when it slows down as well.

Agreed on the brushes, you would prefer them to be flat and not angled where they ride the commutator face.  Also, if they are worn too far, they may be able to rock a bit in the brush tube affecting contact etc.

Good luck, the 675 is a wonderful engine and should be easily put back in good condition, your almost there!

It sounds like maybe a short is causing the e-unit to cycle to neutral. Check the "cowcatcher" clearance. It may be hanging down and contacting the center rail at that spot. A spark there will stop the e-unit.

Roger

Try disengaging e-unit and see if engine stalls in same spot.

Check the pickup rollers to see if one is working and the other is not.