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Lionel Unit 6-18011 Won't Reverse

E edmundaOGR Forum Member

Lionel Chessie Steam Engine put back in service after 20 years in storage.  The unit did not operate properly.  Sounds came on, power came on, but would not move.  I made sure all wire were connected. Ran the transformer up to peak volts then down again several times. Moved the engine along the tracks for a short distance. Cleaned all drivers from the carbon built up. It started once forward then stopped, but moving the transformer voltage up and down it began to run again. Once it started I let it run for several minutes around my layout. The engine will not reverse nor go into neutral as it should. It will only run forward.  My guess is that the forward/reverse unit is not working and probably needs to be replaced.  Other possibilities?  If is it the forward/reverse unit, are spare parts available and what would it cost to buy the part and have it installed by a qualified technican?

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E edmundaOGR Forum Member

To provide a bit more detail, the E-unit is not locked in forward when it's running at all. To make the engine run forward, I did have to disconnect the cab wire that controls the forward/reverse unit. If I reconnect the wire it will not run at all. So, the only way to make the engine run is to disconnect the wire, which of course will only let the egine run in forward. I am trying to make a cost/benefit determination whether to repair.  What is a ballpark cost to repair? 

EISEISOGR Forum Member

After 20 years of storage, the brush holders are almost certainly gummed up.  Remove the brush plate and clean the brush holders with a q-tip dipped in alcohol.  Also clean the commutator plate. 

 

If the engine still fails to run properly, the electronic e-unit may have to be replaced.

 

Earl

D500D500OGR Forum Member

I'm not really a Pullmor/e-unit type - but I have a NYC L3 Mohawk from that era, and

so far as I know they are mechanically identical - AC open-frame motor, mechanical - not 

electronic - e-unit.

My Mohawk began to do odd e-unit things - drop into neutral, etc - then magically

healed itself. (A miracle!)

Your loco's 20 years of storage (where?) can gum up the works, especially

an old-fashioned e-unit. Try tuner cleaner - but if you get it running, remember that

the best way to keep a model loco running is to just RUN it. Especially these AC

dinosaurs. I must say, however, that my Mohawk is the best running AC loco that I've

ever seen; must have good gearing.

 

Open it up; fiddle with it; clean it; get to know it.

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