Lionel VisionLine GENSET Servicing question

If my memory serves me correctly, screws you point out in your video are correct for shell removal. I had repaired one of these about 3 months ago.

Alex

Joe I have the Santa Fe non Visionline Genset switcher and the 6 screws that you pointed to.  2 front 2 rear and 2 middle are the screws you need to remove. You also need to take the 4 screws that hold the snow plows on also. You can easily replace the battery by removing the hood on the front of the engine rather then taking the shell off. To replace the traction tires just remove the 1 screw holding on the SideFrame from each side of the truck to make it easy to install the traction tires. Hope this helps you.

Gary

Joe, I've been inside the VL Gensets a few times, like you to replace batting in each of the 3 smoke units.  The screws (10) you point out are correct for removal.  Then lift the body off the frame but this can be tricky.  This loco is chock full of boards and wiring.  If memory serves me well, lift more on the nose some and slightly pull body towards rear during removal to clear the motor.  You must take care at the inside rear where each antenna wires meets the handrail.  This is soldered but with some high heat and tough to redo.

Once separated you will need to disconnect the antenna wire (wire nut).  Also a harness jumps from the motherboard to the smoke unit board tucked up high in the body.  This harness has little excess to give.

The smoke units seem buried below top of the body.  Each one mounted slightly different and each with it's own harness.

Smoke units are sealed/gasketed with black RTV so lots of cleaning up the old before reassembly.

Take lots of pics along the way to get things routed back right.   

Good luck.  Ask if you get stuck. 

I’m glad you started this thread as there’s a lot of knowledgeable folks that can be of good help concerning these beautiful diesels. I have a Question, does anyone have extra windows for these Genset VL diesels? Please email me (larrylevin71@yahoo.com) I know this is not the correct place to ask this question, but someone reading this thread may have what I need. Thank you very much.

@leapinlarry posted:

I’m glad you started this thread as there’s a lot of knowledgeable folks that can be of good help concerning these beautiful diesels. I have a Question, does anyone have extra windows for these Genset VL diesels? Please email me (larrylevin71@yahoo.com) I know this is not the correct place to ask this question, but someone reading this thread may have what I need. Thank you very much.

Looks like all the windows are available at Lionel.  Just click on the Shell Breakdown for UP2701 (6-28314) and you can see each one.  Fill up your cart Larry. 

I used this great thread (below) from 2014 to help me get in and out of some VL Gensets. 

These units are considered by most a PITA to work on (even GRJ). 

VL Genset Rebuild

Yep, too many delicate parts on that chassis, and don't get me started on the smoke units!

I am working on one now that the smoke units are not working. What problems did you have GR? (not trying to hijack.)

@Steims posted:

Joe, I've been inside the VL Gensets a few times, like you to replace batting in each of the 3 smoke units.  The screws (10) you point out are correct for removal.  Then lift the body off the frame but this can be tricky.  This loco is chock full of boards and wiring.  If memory serves me well, lift more on the nose some and slightly pull body towards rear during removal to clear the motor.  You must take care at the inside rear where each antenna wires meets the handrail.  This is soldered but with some high heat and tough to redo.

Once separated you will need to disconnect the antenna wire (wire nut).  Also a harness jumps from the motherboard to the smoke unit board tucked up high in the body.  This harness has little excess to give.

The smoke units seem buried below top of the body.  Each one mounted slightly different and each with it's own harness.

Smoke units are sealed/gasketed with black RTV so lots of cleaning up the old before reassembly.

Take lots of pics along the way to get things routed back right.   

Good luck.  Ask if you get stuck.

Thank you.    This was the insight I was looking for.   There are always the unknowns when you take something apart for the first time.    I appreciate you sharing your experience.

@Steims posted:

I used this great thread (below) from 2014 to help me get in and out of some VL Gensets.

These units are considered by most a PITA to work on (even GRJ).

VL Genset Rebuild

Super Thread on the rebuild.    Thanks again.  

@Chuck Sartor posted:

I am working on one now that the smoke units are not working. What problems did you have GR? (not trying to hijack.)

If all the smoke units are not working, I'd be looking at the smoke controller.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

If all the smoke units are not working, I'd be looking at the smoke controller.

Everything works,  just thinking it was time for servicing, but after reading the threads, changing the batting on the smoke units might exceed my skill level.    

I find the biggest challenge is after removing and repairing the smoke units is the harness routing.  There is minimal margin for error for getting the body back on if the wires aren’t laying perfect.   Things can get smashed and pinched easily because it is so full wiring and electronics.    

Yep, the VL Genset is really packed, and all the fragile detail doesn't help either.  I had to glue a bunch of windows back in mine.

Steims, Thank you very much for letting me know that Lionel has the windows in stock, I ordered them a few minutes ago and Yes, they had them and they will arrive soon. My Genset is old but next to new, and I really think it’s a jewel. Good luck Alabama Joe in repairing your smoke units and starting this thread. Happy Railroading Everyone.

I took one of these VL's apart to fix a minor annoyance. After putting it back together, then once on the track there was a sharp noise and puff of smoke; and I then returned it to Lionel  for servicing.

MORAL FOR ME; unless I know what I'm doing. I don't open up a VL engine.

I’m afraid I would have the same experience.    lol

@leapinlarry  I have had to replace the windows in my VL Genset as well.  You can order them from Lionel for $2.50 a piece (Item number 6208314022). Order extras.  Hope this helps.

There's actually a bunch of different windows for the Genset, the slider is only one of them.