Lone Ranger engine smoking issues

Have you tried it with a CW transformer?

Yes, I am using the CW-80 transformer that came with the set.   Although the manual says the set is designed to operate at 7-15 volts, I was running it close to the maximum on the straight tracks hoping that I would not burn out the head lamp.

I am assuming the max on the transformer is 18 volts.

That is a General type engine and sadly none of them ever smoked very well.

Thanks Jim and Rob.

If I did clog up the smoke stack with too much fluid, how do I unclog it?

These newer general types(as well as many starter set locos) have the smoke units running off of one side of the e-unit DC motor output(and chassis ground) to prevent over heating in neutral. 

I modified my Great Western General to run off track power as originally designed, maintaining the smoke on-off switch function.  It is a respectable smoker now. 

Disassembling these engines is not for the faint of heart.  The routing of the wires through the chassis and the fit of all the parts can be tricky.

I've never had any clogging issues, but the strange part was that the Great Western had no batting whatsoever in the pot to hold fluid.  I put some fiberglass packing in without blocking any airflow, and I'm sure that helped too.

Rob:

Thanks for the heads up.

I am not handy at all but I did try to remove the smoke stack to see if there was any blockage.  I got as far as the two screws on the top of the stack and then could not figure how the top came of so I gave up before I caused any further damage lol.