Lionel Culvert loader 6-12982 Not working, looking for ideas

I am not familiar specifically with the culvert loader. However with other items, you may need to ensure the drive belts are ok. Does  the motor make a sound when turned on, with no movement? If so, then check any potential drive belts or gearing.  If no sound, then the motor or board or some wire may be the issue.

The motor does not make any sound, no movement at all

When i put my hand in front of the optical beam that is when the lights come on, so the beam must work.  The lights go off when i remove my hand.  I have the two switch post jumpered together temporarily, so it leads me to something else.

thanks

The earlier version of the culvert loader uses module electronics where as the later versions use just a single circuit board. Yours being the earlier version were more problem prone than the later single circuit board version. However, the problem is usually   the 103 module that reverses the motor is what I have found. I would say your chances are better than 50% that is where the problem is.

As a postscript, you can check the motor. Be sure it is disconnected from any electronics so current can't back feed through. Set your transformer at it's lowest setting and touch the motor lugs just briefly to see if the motor vibrates. If it does, the motor is good. It will not harm the motor if done quickly.

I verified the motor is good, put power directly to the motor and it spins.  So will probably order the 103 E unit.  If it is not that, i am out 21, not the end of the world.  Probably no way to test the E unit.

Oh well, got the new E Unit, no change, still does not work.  Lights blink when the beam is broken, but nothing else. Any other ideas.  Probably too expensive to fix or work on the board.

If you want Tony, for the cost of shipping I'll send you a couple of used motherboards you can play with.

Chuck, if they are for the loader, sure.  I will shoot you an email.

@Chuck Sartor posted:

If you want Tony, for the cost of shipping I'll send you a couple of used motherboards you can play with.

Chuck, just want to make sure you received my email.

Tony

Yes, all taken care of.