New F7 pulsates in slow speeds - FIXED!

Update. Reboot of control base might have helped.  I was also using the superbass B unit and I took that away.  And seem to help. Question... Do I have to use lash the superbass B unit? Thanks.

I just got the santa fe units in my super bass unit was dead on arrival went back to lionel I'm not sure if your comfortable but it sounds like on the assembly line one of the wires got pinched with a body screw it was the problem with one of my other legacy engine I received did the same thing your describing it was a pinched wire 

Thanks Miguel.  I was looking at the underside to see how many screws need to be taken out.  It still lurches this morning.  So I might call Lionel first thing Monday and see what they say first.

Make sure you are supplying a good voltage to the track. I use no less than 16 volts but typically 18.  Check to make sure no traction tires are rubbing brake shoes. I don't think you need to lashup the super base unit unless you want to mute the sounds in the A unit. I know the SF AA units can be given the same ID and they work properly, lighting and couplers.  

What is the power supply to the track?  Also make sure that the setup in the Cab2 is set for control type Legacy and Legacy Railsounds. 

Hey Martye,

I'll check traction tires. Everything else is correct.  I ran my F3 Texas Special with no problems. 

Martye. Three sets of axels move back and forth with ease..one doesn't. Looks like it's rubbing on traction tires. Here's a pick of rub.  Do I use a small screw driver to make space?

Most folks here will tell you to get an MTH traction tire and move on. I would be hesitant to pry it away too far for fear of breaking it off but you may get a little space as long as you don’t go too far. 

I'm one of the folks that recommends the MTH traction tires to fix this.  Those diecast truck frames are pretty brittle, and trying to bend that brake shoe is likely to have a bad result.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'm one of the folks that recommends the MTH traction tires to fix this.  Those diecast truck frames are pretty brittle, and trying to bend that brake shoe is likely to have a bad result.

I think that's  would be what I'd do as well. You don't want to break it. 

Pack it up !Send it back! The self repairs are part of the problem.

Thats because you take the risk of getting it back in worse shape than you sent it in. They can't build them right, I don't trust them to fix them right either.

shawn posted:

Pack it up !Send it back! The self repairs are part of the problem.

If the traction tires are the only problem, IMO this is a bad idea!  Now only do you have to pay shipping for the return, but as stated, frequently they come back worse than when they went!

What if I took off the traction tire and see if that's the problem? If it runs smooth with no hesitation in slow speeds then I could change out the traction tire?

Well, since you'll have to take it off anyway, might as well try it.

Robert W. posted:

UPDATE:  I took the advice of you experts... I removed the one traction tire that was rubbing and ran without it... perfect run!  As soon as I removed the tire the axle freed up immediately!! So I feel much better.  Many of you suggested MTH traction tires, so ... what size? Thanks again everyone!

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My T&P F7 just arrived... but in slow speeds it just pulsates.  Like it has a short in it... the top light also seems to have a short in it or gets dim and bright.  When in faster speeds it seems to run correctly.  I put my F3 on the same loop and runs correctly.  This is the first engine I have bought since they stop putting the modules inside the box so I just added the number and road name manually.  Any ideas?

DE-0000018 is the MTH number for an F unit.  Glad it was that simple.  MTH TT do seem more consistent in size.

For whatever reason, many Lionel tires are much thicker than the MTH tires.  This issue has come up for me with a number of diesels and steamers.

I think I'd just go ahead and replace them all so at least they are all consistent. 

MartyE posted:

I think I'd just go ahead and replace them all so at least they are all consistent. 

I agree Marty, that way the truck is flat rather than a wobbly table.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

shawn posted:

Pack it up !Send it back! The self repairs are part of the problem.

If the traction tires are the only problem, IMO this is a bad idea!  Now only do you have to pay shipping for the return, but as stated, frequently they come  back worse than when they went!

If we all spent the fifty and sent them back! We may not have this issue. Also one should check all their state laws concerning warranties....

shawn posted:

If we all spent the fifty and sent them back! We may not have this issue. Also one should check all their state laws concerning warranties....

You spend your $50 your way, and I'll spend mine my way.

What did you do to fix the problem?

Rod, I suspect he took our advice and used MTH diesel traction tires.