Lionel ZW w/ Powerhouse Problem

Could be a mechanical issue with the potientiometer and throttle handle. Also you can do a zero calibration. Instructions are in the manual.

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...ents/72-2982-250.pdf

Thanks for the suggestion.  I should have mentioned that I tried a  zero calibration which did not work.  I tried it again just to be sure.  The problem still exists.

The throttle handle gears have known issues. I sent my unit back twice for that problem, and another time to replace the main board. I remember reading how to fix the gears either on this forum or in one of the magazines. Hopefully someone will chine in. After the last fix (2009), it has worked flawlessly. Hope you resolve the issue soon,

Bob

Joe Lyons posted:

I also sent an email to Lionel customer service but does anyone know how to get a hold of Mike Reagan directly?

Mike doesn't work at Lionel anymore, so he wouldn't really be of any help to you.

As for the handle, once you apply power, what happens are you move the handle?  Does the train speed up the whole handle movement?  Does it come to a stop when the handle is back to zero?

Great question.  I hadn't tried that.

When I advance the throttle the train slows down and stops.  The train comes to a stop and I can hear the reverse unit cycling - click, click, click...

Then when I bring the throttle back down to zero, the train speeds up again.

By the way, the train only moves in reverse with this problem.  It never moves forward on this handle.

If I control the train with the other handle it works properly.  It starts in neutral, goes forward when the direction switch  is cycled.

Sounds like the gears slipped on the throttle handle. One way to fix it is to take the unit apart and force the gear to slip back to its starting position with the handle down. It could slip again though. I think I wedge something in to keep it from slipping again. I have heard there are parts and brackets to fix this as well.

George

On the180 version of the transformer..The pot slipping issue was fixed. This does not mean that the pot bracket didn't crack. Another common problem. That part is no longer available. Did , it start this after a short on the track. Could be a shorted driver....on the circuit board.

I can't tell how to do that.  I do not see a difference between the gears on the left and the gears on the right.

Here is the good (left) side:

Here is the side I am having the problem with (right side):

I took a video of them moving but can't detect any difference.

Do you have a ohmmeter? I would measure the pots on both side with the unit off. If they are close. This should tell you the gear didn't slip and it is most likely the circuit board. If you remove the plastic pot bracket and it breaks at the screws. It's all over - that part is not available.

I've had this in storage for several years but now that you mention it I do think this happened after a short. 

I can bring an ohmmeter home tomorrow.   I'm not sure where to measure across to check the pot resistance.