Skip to main content

Closed16 replies

Milwaukee Road S-3

JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member

I am once again having troubles with the Lionel smoke units in this engine. What am I doing wrong? It appears I have once again lost my smoke output, but not the sound, of steam escaping the cylinder cocks. I put the 10-20 drops in before I run it, and when I finish running it, the smoke is down to a lighter output, so I didn't think I was putting too much in. The main unit seems to be OK, yet. I have also noted a four flash sequence in the cab, which is not a valid code in the mannual. Help! I absoutley love this locomotive and almost wish I could get a second one (I have #265), but then these smoke issues pop up. But I'd still consider another if I found a dealer with one. It is an excellent model!!!

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

$oo Line$oo LineOGR Forum Member
This smoke unit is finicky on mine too.
Do you have the pipette that came with it? If you look at its tip go up about 3/4" you will see a line fill fluid to the line now do not just put fluid into smoke stack if you have a flashlight shine it inside stack to the left side you will see a small hole insert tip of pipette into that hole and dispense fluid into that hole.
So far with a blow of air after filling directed at that hole mine works all the time.
As to 4 flashes that's a new one as according to S-3 manual  4-5 blinks are unassigned so maybe someone from lionel will shed light here on this as they do read the forums and respond when needed.
$oo
JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member
Thanks for that good bit of information. I will try that. I did notice that something looked off center, now I know why and what it is. I do have the pipette, so will try using it, instead of the bottle itself. Now as to those flashes, with a four sequence flash, maybe I'll hear more feedback. Thanks, and I'll be trying your methods soon. Merry Christmas!
 
Jeff
 
Originally Posted by $oo Line:
This smoke unit is finicky on mine too.
Do you have the pipette that came with it? If you look at its tip go up about 3/4" you will see a line fill fluid to the line now do not just put fluid into smoke stack if you have a flashlight shine it inside stack to the left side you will see a small hole insert tip of pipette into that hole and dispense fluid into that hole.
So far with a blow of air after filling directed at that hole mine works all the time.
As to 4 flashes that's a new one as according to S-3 manual  4-5 blinks are unassigned so maybe someone from lionel will shed light here on this as they do read the forums and respond when needed.
$oo

 

Alex MAlex MOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Jeff,

 

I have this engine also and it's a beauty, being the engine has steam chest effect it will use a lot of smoke fluid. This is what I do with the S-3.First always put 10 drops of fluid after you shut your engines down. When you start the S-3 put another 10 to 15 drops in, then while in use and the smoke gets faint add 10 to 15 more.$oo is right about the fill hole in the stack it is offset so you must fit the pipette in the hole.

 

As for the lights flashing look in the manual and follow the steps to do a full factory reset, that should fix the problem. Don't reset the engine more than three times.

FOLLOW THE MANUAL EXACTLY.

 

Thanks, Alex

 

JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member
Thanks for the input Alex, will do!
 
Jeff
 
Originally Posted by Alex Malliae:

Jeff,

 

I have this engine also and it's a beauty, being the engine has steam chest effect it will use a lot of smoke fluid. This is what I do with the S-3.First always put 10 drops of fluid after you shut your engines down. When you start the S-3 put another 10 to 15 drops in, then while in use and the smoke gets faint add 10 to 15 more.$oo is right about the fill hole in the stack it is offset so you must fit the pipette in the hole.

 

As for the lights flashing look in the manual and follow the steps to do a full factory reset, that should fix the problem. Don't reset the engine more than three times.

FOLLOW THE MANUAL EXACTLY.

 

Thanks, Alex

 

 

JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member
To $oo Line  I looked at the S-3 today, and I saw what looked like a hole to the left, but if that is a hoile, it looks plugged! Or has some sort of wick or waste in the hole, but it is not an open hole! I noted the other hole and used the pipette in both locations, and I noted the concept of the round (open) hole and how the liquid spans it like a bubble blower for kids. Now I see why and why we puff down the stack to clear. BUT am I ready to ship the engine back to LIONEL? It looks like it! I also reset the engine, and when I did the flash sequence quit. But then no smoke, so I turned it back on according to the manual, and the four flash sequence resumed. After I turned off the cyclinder steam switch, the flashing continued, until I later shut down and powered up, THEN because the unit was shut off, the flashing stopped. It looks like I will have to send back to Lionel. Any further comments?? Thanks as usual!!
 
Jeff
And Merry Christmas....almost over for another year....goes quickly.
 
Originally Posted by Jeff B. Haertlein:
Thanks for that good bit of information. I will try that. I did notice that something looked off center, now I know why and what it is. I do have the pipette, so will try using it, instead of the bottle itself. Now as to those flashes, with a four sequence flash, maybe I'll hear more feedback. Thanks, and I'll be trying your methods soon. Merry Christmas!
 
Jeff
 
Originally Posted by $oo Line:
This smoke unit is finicky on mine too.
Do you have the pipette that came with it? If you look at its tip go up about 3/4" you will see a line fill fluid to the line now do not just put fluid into smoke stack if you have a flashlight shine it inside stack to the left side you will see a small hole insert tip of pipette into that hole and dispense fluid into that hole.
So far with a blow of air after filling directed at that hole mine works all the time.
As to 4 flashes that's a new one as according to S-3 manual  4-5 blinks are unassigned so maybe someone from lionel will shed light here on this as they do read the forums and respond when needed.
$oo

 

 

N.Q.D.Y.N.Q.D.Y.OGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

Although it may not be mentioned, I believe that 4 and 5 flashes are normally assigned to the second (or secondary) smoke unit functions. So, if this locomotive has multiple smoke units, 4 flashes would most likely indicate a problem with the element on that. Sometimes a bad, or loose, electrical connection to a smoke unit will give the faulty element code, and does not necessarily mean that the element itself is faulty.

JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member
That sure sounds logical, since I am having problems with the cylinder steam effect and the four flash sequence code. Thanks. Now to wait for Lionel to contact me with an RA number.
 
Jeff
Originally Posted by N.Q.D.Y.:

Although it may not be mentioned, I believe that 4 and 5 flashes are normally assigned to the second (or secondary) smoke unit functions. So, if this locomotive has multiple smoke units, 4 flashes would most likely indicate a problem with the element on that. Sometimes a bad, or loose, electrical connection to a smoke unit will give the faulty element code, and does not necessarily mean that the element itself is faulty.

 

JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member

I got a reply from LIONEL that I should try and shoot some air (from a can of air) down the stack. That did not seem to work at first. The 4 sequence flash was still occuring. I put in 10 drops of fluid, and shut the engine down...repowered it and the 4 flash sequence did not happen....I then had smoke coming out of the cylinders, and each time I pressed aux 1 and #6 I also got the smoke effect. Then I went down an hour later. Powered up the engine and got the 4 flash sequence all over again! I shut the engine down after running it about 30 feet. I then gave it a hefty blow down the stack using my wind, about like I was going to blow into a bottle, repowered the engine, no flashes, and some fairly good smoke effect from the cylinders, but not quite as much as the first revelation. So is this the real problem, getting that air pushed down the stack like that?

 

It was also mentioned there are two holes. Does that mean there is another hole inside the hole? I can see the smoke element in the one hole, but I can't seem to see a second hole inside the first hole? Please enlighten me...this is all driving me crazy!

 

Thanks for the help!

 

Jeff

$oo Line$oo LineOGR Forum Member
If you keep getting those 4 flashes return to lionel!
Now the reason I have had a smoke issue with light flashes on my 765 Berkshire end result the voltage regulator failed and sent 18 volts to the smoke unit totally destroyed it so hot it bubbled the metal casing holding the smoke heat elements and fan assembly and half of circuit board is totally black from the heat. So trust me pack it up with a full explanation of the problem enclosed inside the lionel box holding the locomotive as techs need all information you can give them to repair it the first time.
Me I had to pay $35.00 for a new smoke unit!! Lesson learned.

$oo
JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member
OK, I'll watch out for the flashes. I haven't much longer and my warranty runs out.
Now, about those holes and their locations......?
 
 
Originally Posted by $oo Line:
If you keep getting those 4 flashes return to lionel!
Now the reason I have had a smoke issue with light flashes on my 765 Berkshire end result the voltage regulator failed and sent 18 volts to the smoke unit totally destroyed it so hot it bubbled the metal casing holding the smoke heat elements and fan assembly and half of circuit board is totally black from the heat. So trust me pack it up with a full explanation of the problem enclosed inside the lionel box holding the locomotive as techs need all information you can give them to repair it the first time.
Me I had to pay $35.00 for a new smoke unit!! Lesson learned.

$oo

 

$oo Line$oo LineOGR Forum Member

If I understand your question the heating element hole is where the smoke comes out.

the second far left hole is where you fill smoke unit with smoke.

 

a third area unseen is where the fluid wicks to another heating element that feeds the steam cylinder effect.hope this answers your hole questions.

 

As to the can of air to each there own me I fired up my nail gun compressor and let it blow a nice slow steady stream of low volume air and haven't had an issue with those 4 holes 2 under each steam cylinder which allows smoke to come out of them.

 

$oo

JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member
Sounds like I have a problem. I still see only one hole, and down that hole is the element, which is where the smoke comes out of. No other holes. I took a few pictures, I'll post them in case they are good enough to show you what I see looking down the stack.
Thanks.
Jeff
 
Originally Posted by $oo Line:

If I understand your question the heating element hole is where the smoke comes out.

the second far left hole is where you fill smoke unit with smoke.

 

a third area unseen is where the fluid wicks to another heating element that feeds the steam cylinder effect.hope this answers your hole questions.

 

As to the can of air to each there own me I fired up my nail gun compressor and let it blow a nice slow steady stream of low volume air and haven't had an issue with those 4 holes 2 under each steam cylinder which allows smoke to come out of them.

 

$oo

 

S-3 stack

S-3 stack pix 2

S-3 stack pix 3

S-3 stack pix 4

Attachments

Hide
Images (4)
  • S-3 stack
  • S-3 stack pix 2
  • S-3 stack pix 3
  • S-3 stack pix 4
R rjconklinOGR Forum Member
mine has only one hole and i have had no smoke problems.
 
 
Originally Posted by Jeff B. Haertlein:
Sounds like I have a problem. I still see only one hole, and down that hole is the element, which is where the smoke comes out of. No other holes. I took a few pictures, I'll post them in case they are good enough to show you what I see looking down the stack.
Thanks.
Jeff
 
Originally Posted by $oo Line:

If I understand your question the heating element hole is where the smoke comes out.

the second far left hole is where you fill smoke unit with smoke.

 

a third area unseen is where the fluid wicks to another heating element that feeds the steam cylinder effect.hope this answers your hole questions.

 

As to the can of air to each there own me I fired up my nail gun compressor and let it blow a nice slow steady stream of low volume air and haven't had an issue with those 4 holes 2 under each steam cylinder which allows smoke to come out of them.

 

$oo

 

S-3 stack

S-3 stack pix 2

S-3 stack pix 3

S-3 stack pix 4

 

JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member
That is good to hear, but I seem to be having issues. Right now, I have powered up the engine three times today, and each time everything is cooperating...wish I knew for sure if I should send back....Lionel did give me an RA number. Thanks!  Jeff  Originally Posted by rjconklin:
mine has only one hole and i have had no smoke problems.
 
 
Originally Posted by Jeff B. Haertlein:
Sounds like I have a problem. I still see only one hole, and down that hole is the element, which is where the smoke comes out of. No other holes. I took a few pictures, I'll post them in case they are good enough to show you what I see looking down the stack.
Thanks.
Jeff
 
Originally Posted by $oo Line:

If I understand your question the heating element hole is where the smoke comes out.

the second far left hole is where you fill smoke unit with smoke.

 

a third area unseen is where the fluid wicks to another heating element that feeds the steam cylinder effect.hope this answers your hole questions.

 

As to the can of air to each there own me I fired up my nail gun compressor and let it blow a nice slow steady stream of low volume air and haven't had an issue with those 4 holes 2 under each steam cylinder which allows smoke to come out of them.

 

$oo

 

S-3 stack

S-3 stack pix 2

S-3 stack pix 3

S-3 stack pix 4

 

 

D&H 65D&H 65OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Having had mine apart last winter to re-connect a disconnected steam chest feed hose, I can tell you the "left" hole is the main fluid entry point into the smoke unit. There is a channel in the inner wall that lets fluid spill over into a separate chamber for the steam cylinder smoke. That is why you need to use a good 15 to 20 drops when you re-fill the unit. I like to wait a few minutes after shutdown before a refill to let it cool somewhat. I always finish with a puff of air down the stack. So afr, so good. I never encountered the four flash light code, so Lionel will have to answer that issue.

JB Jeff B. HaertleinOGR Forum Member
Thanks for those details. Here's hoping mine will behave.    Originally Posted by D&H 65:

Having had mine apart last winter to re-connect a disconnected steam chest feed hose, I can tell you the "left" hole is the main fluid entry point into the smoke unit. There is a channel in the inner wall that lets fluid spill over into a separate chamber for the steam cylinder smoke. That is why you need to use a good 15 to 20 drops when you re-fill the unit. I like to wait a few minutes after shutdown before a refill to let it cool somewhat. I always finish with a puff of air down the stack. So afr, so good. I never encountered the four flash light code, so Lionel will have to answer that issue.

 

Views: 2,591
Post

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership

OGR Forum Supporting Membership

Help support this forum with an OGR Forum Supporting Membership.
You will be able to watch the videos in the INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FORUM!
A one-year OGR Forum Supporting Membership is only $12 per year, so sign up now!


    OR     


Access the ALL the OGR VIDEO FORUMS AND  over 300 back issues of OGR
with a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!



$12.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×