Lionel 682 motor-runs 1 direction

If the wires to the e-unit have been disconnected, to get the motor to run in the opposite direction, the connections to both brushes need to be reversed. By reversing the wires to the brushes, you should get the motor to run in both directions. If it runs properly this way, and after hooking it back up to the e-unit it only runs in one direction, then there is a problem with the e-unit. Get the motor to run properly independently of the e-unit first.

Larry

I have taken the E unit off. I have noticed that the wheels are very magnetic...they attract all metal pieces??? I see the barrel magnet where the smoke lever goes into the bottom frame but should everything else be magnetic?

The drive wheels should be magnetic. That is the whole purpose of the magnet.

To add to C.W.’s response: and ONLY the drive wheels should be magnetic.  Perhaps a better term would be magnetized.   

I happen to have my very similar 681 apart so I checked it to make sure that only the magnet and the drive wheels are magnetized.  Nothing else is magnetized and nothing else will attract a small metal screw.  BTW the amount of magnetism varies among the wheels as it declines the further away a wheel is from the magnet.  For example the wheels on the 1^st driver axle from the front are very highly magnetized while the wheels on the 4^th driver axle have very little magnetism and would not even support the weight of that small screw.

I don’t see any reason why the 682 would be different so just to be sure I took down by 682 from the shelf and without taking it apart the wheels exhibit about the same amount of magnetism as on the 681.

HTH,

Bill

Ok, I am learning something all the time. I swapped the brushes from one side to the other but the motor still only runs in one direction. I applied power to the e-unit and ground to the side of the motor??? Was that correct? Any ideas on how to attack the E-unit if it requires maintenance?

That's pretty common - check the wiring - are all the wires attached?  If they're all attached properly, the next step is to make sure the lever for the E-unit is in the correct place so the reverse unit cycles - the E-unit can be locked out so the engine only runs in one direction.  Is the engine running forward only, and you don't hear the E-unit cycling (or trying to cycle)?  Slide the lever to the opposite side and see if the reverse unit begins cycling.  Is the engine going through the forward-neutral-(reverse)-neutral-forward-neutral cycle?

If moving the lever for the E-unit doesn't pan out, there's a strong likelihood that the problem is one of the following: the E-unit fingers are gummed up, the fingers aren't all making proper contact on the reverse unit's drum, the drum isn't rotating properly, or there's a problem with the drum itself (track voltage left on high, and the plastic distorts or melts a bit from the fingers getting too hot).

First suggestion would be to spray some plastic compatible contact cleaner on the drum and finger assemblies.  CRC QD Electrical Grade contact cleaner works well - Home Depot carries it in their electronic supply section, and it's also available online from a number of vendors.  Make sure you get the cleaner that's plastic compatible - the E-unit drum can become damaged if you use a contact cleaner that's meant for metal items only.  Spray the fingers and drum, let it dry (doesn't take too long) and hopefully that works for you.  If not, try one more spray of the contact cleaner and cross your fingers.

If those don't do the trick, you're probably going to have to disassemble the reverse unit and replace the fingers and/or the drum.  If you're uncomfortable doing that, PM me - I've been repairing trains for about 25 years and have made E-unit repairs a number of times.

I need to take you up on doing the repairs. My fingers just won't cooperate in getting the e-unit back together. How can I contact you?

Old 682 is running great now. Thanks for all the help. I have tried Bull Frog Snot one time and I couldn't get it on correctly. Will Try again. But with the engine rebuilt and all the cars trucks cleaned and oiled properly, it is pulling a nice long train and doing well.