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4 replies

MTH PS2 Premier #769 Berkshire (Item # 20-3291-1) smoke unit erratic behavior

I ironman1OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Hi,

Actually, the smoke unit functionality is not really erratic, it's consistent in it's behavior. I didn't want to add my smoke unit problem to the current smoke unit topic since, I believe my situation may be unique.

At idle the engine smokes perfect, and I can hear the fan motor slightly. Once underway the fan stops, smokes oozes out but does not puff. At slow speed the smoke unit fan seems to be off. Once up to speed, 10-15 SMPH the fan kicks in and it smokes perfectly until I slow down, then oozes out until full stop. At idle the smokes billows out very aggressively. Underway, same thing, etc, etc.

This is my first MTH engine with a tether less drawbar, purchased used. All other functions work as expected. Could the problem be, if by chance, the contacts are not inserted completely (properly)?

Thanks,

Joe

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JG Jon GOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Do you hear the chuff at low speed?  Smoke puffs and chuff should be synchronized.  If not, it could be a software, drawbar or tach issue.  Since this is a PS2 loco, the early wireless drawbars had some shielding issues.  Downloading and loading the latest software may correct it if their was an update.  You can call the tech line at MTH Tue-Thur after 12 noon EST to see if an update was issued from what was loaded at the factory and if your loco needs a revised drawbar.

Last edited by Jon G
I ironman1OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Hi Jon,

Thanks for the reply. I also reached out to George (Gcubed) who has done a couple of repairs for me. His thought was possibly a slipping impeller. I hope it's a simple mechanical fix. I'm not in a mad rush to do anything yet except to observe the symptoms before I remove the boiler. I don't use the smoke units all the time anyway, but it's a feature I really enjoy when the engine is creeping up to running speed.

When I first connected the drawbar I had some odd running issues then checked it and re-connected and all seemed well. I suspect that it could still not be totally pressed into place since it's a component I'm not used to. I'll disconnect then reconnect again.

I'll follow up when I have an update.

Thanks again,

Joe

I ironman1OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Well, didn't expect to have a verdict this quick. I disconnected and reconnected the drawbar and that fixed the problem! I guess I'll see with some run time if that's all it is. Can't image it's anything else since that fixed the problem instantly.

Like I said, this is my first MTH tether-less drawbar locomotive and probably was a little timid when connecting. So are they a little finicky in general?

Joe

I ironman1OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Well, further testing has proved the problem is not solved, although it could still be related to the drawbar since an adjustment solved the problem temporarily. Bummer. :-( 

Possibly bad soldering (or loose connector) in one of the connecting points, or one of Jon G's or George's suggestions.

It can't hurt to call MTH as suggested before I bring it to the work bench. It's always something!

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