Lionel O72 Tubular Switch has weak throw in one direction - Outcome

I would think that the internal contacts in the motor could be one source of such a problem. This is because they are the path that connects and disconnects the coil for a direction to prevent burning out the coils with a stuck trigger (example a car or axle parked in the anti-derailing sensing zone).

I would clean those bronze and sliding contact points on the PCBs

Thanks to @ADCX Rob for posting diagrams in this topic https://ogrforum.com/...9#172048746084942999

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...-Hand-Switch-6-65166

Also, while this is the older 022, the basic diagram is still valid. Those strap contacts that slide against the PCB are again, what connects the coil and disconnects the coil.

I had a couple of these LTI-era O72 switches, and they were very problematic.  Their issues pop up in Forum topics fairly often.  I don't know whether any design changes were made during the '90s because they all have the same 5166 part number.

To avoid trouble, I recommend buying RossPlate tubular O72 switches (same geometry), and retiring the Lionel ones permanently!!

I just had the same scenario with a PW 022 turnout and thought I would have to remove it to service it, however I tightened the three screws that secure it to the layout about a half turn or so and it now works properly. I expect I will have to remove it someday for service but maybe it will get me through the holidays!

Gentlemen, thank you for your assistance.  Here's the outcome:

As Vernon suspected, the problem had to do with the contacts in the switch machine. Cleaning them helped slightly with the weak direction (the out position). I'll see over time if the improvement is enough so that trains don't derail. If so, great.

The actual issue, though, wasn't dirt. It's that one of the brass strips on the base of the switch machine, on which a bronze contact slides, is partially worn away, compromising the electrical connection. Movement to the out position is associated with the worn brass strip. This results in the switch machine having less oomph in that direction. Here's a picture. It's the brass strip on the left.

If it turns out that the less-than-perfect throw to the out position is causing derailments, I'll either replace the switch machine, which seems to be available, or, as Ted suggested, I'll replace the switch with a Ross tubular O72 switch. I've already replaced a different Lionel O72 switch with the Ross switch, and it's outstanding.

I replaced three 711 O-72 switches with GarGraves O-72 ones, even though only one 711 was not throwing correctly. My life is better. I still have two manual Lionel O-72 switches in the layout. No issues there. Reliability is more important than having history built into the layout,.