LionMaster Big Boy smoke unit repair problem

You could disconnect the fan motor leads and try a 1.5 volt battery on the contacts of the motor to see if it runs. If not, buy a motor only. The fan blades pull off and the motor is removed by the tiny screws. If it runs, then it's something on the circuit board...

I'd remove the top of the smoke unit/ fan housing, gently pull the impeller off of the shaft and put a drop of oil on the bushing at the base of the shaft.  

Replace the impeller and spin it with your finger several revoltutions to work in the oil.

If it still doesn't work then order a replacement from Lionel or one of the other parts vendors on the forum.

For some reason Lionel doesn't list the fan motor separately in the parts list for this loco. They should have one, most of them are the same from loco to loco.

Send Lionel an email with you request to the "Service/Repair Question" here: Contact Lionel.  Given that its the weekend, you should hear from them on Monday.

BTW I'd order new wicking and replace it while your in there.

I had the fan motor on my 2008 Legacy PM Berk stop dead a year after I bought it.

A couple of drops of oil on the bushing and its till works to this day.

There are only three components that run the fan if it's not the motor, and all together they don't cost $1.  It's pretty easy to fix this issue.

Thanks for this advice. The fan runs with the motor connected to a 1.5V battery. I was not able to pull the impeller off the shaft, but I think I was able to get some lubricant on the base of the motor shaft. The engine now smokes, but not continuously. (It will smoke awhile when first started up, but eventually stops smoking. The fan seems to be running intermittently.)

I would like to replace the fan motor with a new one. It looks like the motor can be unscrewed from the impeller fan housing, although the screws are truly tiny. Lionel does not list the fan motor separately, and a replacement smoke unit is unavailable. Does anyone have any recommendations for a replacement motor (specifications and source)?

The impeller pulls straight off the shaft.  It can be tight, but you grab it with a pair of needle-nose pliers and just pull it off.  You have to remove the impeller to replace the fan motor, you can't get the motor off without removing the impeller.

I use the MTH smoke motor in those, BE-0000041.

This is a Legacy unit with a AC Reg an it looks like a slightly different smoke unit than normal.  Some Lionel only run smoke fan when cherry switch is closed, the ACREG can also cause issues.  So this may be a little more complicated to figure out then the standard smoke unit.  Did you do a Reset on the engine?  G

Maybe we need a closer look at both sides of the smoke unit.  It states it's a 6 ohm analog, which would indicate it's a dumb unit.

Is installing a new fan motor still a good idea (realizing that the problem might  be in the electronics instead)?  I haven't ordered the new motor yet. Is the MTH BE-0000041 still a good replacement choice?

The fan motor may be an issue, without a bench test it's hard to say.  I test them with a bench supply and check the current draw.  The MTH part is still a good replacement if you choose to replace the motor.

hearncl posted:

Is installing a new fan motor still a good idea (realizing that the problem might  be in the electronics instead)?  I haven't ordered the new motor yet. Is the MTH BE-0000041 still a good replacement choice?

The motors have been intermittent and subject to even squeezing them to get them to work. The MTH motor as John says is good and will eliminate the motor as a source of question.

I will first see if I can get the impeller off the shaft without breaking it. If so, I'll order the new motor (looks like I have to purchase five). I'll try to report the results.

When in neutral the motor pulses, you really should do a reset first, followed by simple test to make sure you have heat.   THis is not like the legacy non modular where the smoke fan may shut down the board.  But your pocket book:-)  G

hearncl posted:

I will first see if I can get the impeller off the shaft without breaking it. If so, I'll order the new motor (looks like I have to purchase five). I'll try to report the results.

If you decide you want a motor, send me an email.  I can send you one a lot cheaper than five, and shipping is a lot cheaper as well.

To follow up, I did install a new fan motor (thanks, John), and smoke is now working.

Glad to hear it was a simple one.