I have a gray Santa Fe 1666 that has smoke issues. The smoke unit smokes when held stationary but when it is on the move at the same voltage, the smoke seems to get sucked back in just as it starts to come out. Any ideas?
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I have a 1666 and the motor doesn't draw enough juice to really get the smoke unit going. A heavy consist helps but it doesn't pour it out like my 666s. No clue what the solution might be.
Jim McC.
Originally Posted by Tinplatetraincrazy:
I have a gray Santa Fe 1666 that has smoke issues. The smoke unit smokes when held stationary but when it is on the move at the same voltage, the smoke seems to get sucked back in just as it starts to come out. Any ideas?
Paul
Start with looking at the bottom and turn the drivers by hand. The side rods should be pushing a plate beck and forth, if this is as it should be, next look at the slot in the center of the plate. A black plastic tab should be sticking through it. As the plate goes back and forth, the plastic tab should be moving a flapper. The flapper is what pumps the air for the smoke.
Steve
Originally Posted by Ont Sou:
I have a 1666 and the motor doesn't draw enough juice to really get the smoke unit going. A heavy consist helps but it doesn't pour it out like my 666s. No clue what the solution might be.
Jim McC.
Jim
Sometimes the old fluid has dried up and caked around the element. Use a light smoke fluid like Mega Steam, MTH, Williams, but maybe avoid Lionel, there are those that claim it's thicker and gum up the works. Some good running may improve it after a while.
Steve
I continue to marvel at these 40 plus year old Marx locos (and other postwar locos) that were designed to run for a couple years at best, still work well and have all the working features designed in still functioning. That is why I like Marx, Flyer and Lionel postwar locos, take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.
Thanks for the tips. All parts are present and work correctly. I did notice that
I can't see any wick material inside, just a metal element. I have an older cast 1666 and it has wick material and smokes great. Could the lack of a wick be the problem? Could some be installed?
Thanks, Steve; I just happen to have a new bottle of Mega Steam and I'll give it a shot.
Jim McC.
i got it new and it don't have a wick and it smokes good
Originally Posted by Tinplatetraincrazy:
Thanks for the tips. All parts are present and work correctly. I did notice that
I can't see any wick material inside, just a metal element. I have an older cast 1666 and it has wick material and smokes great. Could the lack of a wick be the problem? Could some be installed?
I have not tried it myself, but others have added just a tiny bit of attic type insulation and say it helps. Caution has to be taken to not put in so much it blocks the air flow.
Steve
I added some insulation, and my 1666 smoked better for longer periods of time.
Thanks for all the help! I'll see if I can find some insulation and try it out.
Go to your attic or basement and rip off a piece that is roughly the size of a quarter. That's plenty.
What is the best way to get it in there? Should it be wrapped around the element?
