New MTH RS3 Smoke Problems

I've never had great success with smoke units, be it Lionel or MTH, seems to be a regular topic of trouble on this forum. Just wondering if you like this engine besides the smoke unit not working properly. I was thinking of getting the CP version. Looks like a beautiful little engine.

In similar situations I get a short piece of heat-shrink tubing (say 1/2" long or so) that is the right diameter to fit over the bigger of the two items (the stack or the extension).  Then heat-shrink the tubing.  The idea is to make a tighter connection (less leakage) but still be able to separate the two halves.  I'm not familiar with the mechanical design of your RS3 so this may not apply to your configuration.

I plan on getting one myself because I run a certain road name it comes in. 

I too don't care much for smoke, but have hardley ever had smoke problems with MTH locomotives, in fact just about all have been very good trouble free smokers. Most MTH locomotives can put out fantastic amounts of smoke.

The owner of the one we took apart though loves to have his engines smoke and this is the second new MTH locomotive in a row with problems right out of the box which is a bit disapponiting.

The smoke unit frame being bent was the main problem, but the poor fit is causing smoke fluid leakage.

Like I said watch how much smoke fluid you put in if you get one of these new RS3s and check to see if it leaks into the body and onto the electronics.

That would never fit in this case, because of the design.

Can you post some pictures of this.  MTH diesels have very good funnel to body connections, and are considered great smokers.  What I have seen is folks who take the shell off not take the time to remount it correctly and ensure the funnel seats properly.  Some times this leads to bent parts, or when they screw the shell back on without it being flush it breaks a shell post.

If this is truely a design issue I would send the picturers to MTH Service so they can address it.   G

I have a lionel S4 switcher engine. It has the simliar problem leaks oil so on im going to have mine removed so it don't ruin it. 

MTH always has certain products containing design or Quality issues.

I have to repair, re-build or re-design just about everything I buy from them.

From the disastrous R-40’s to today, issues continue.

Sounds like a sloppy gasket assembly in production. The gasket photo shows how it was when I opened the diesel.

VO-1000 –

The fluid has a long route in order to get to the smoke unit. The long gasket was not installed properly allowing fluid to leak everywhere. We’ll just run a Shute all the way down under the shell to the smoke unit.

6 additional issues with the engine as well.

S-2’s –

Both S-2 plastic trays have melted blocking fluid and causing it to go everywhere and causing the sides to warp. I just replaced the $45.00 smoke unit on my 2^nd S-2.

Of course, you just can’t buy the PC Board and tray.

I also replaced the falling out, buckled up windows with some new thicker material.

RS-1 –

Ordered a warranty replacement RS-1 shell. My new LIRR RS-1 smoke unit is melting a hole on top of the shell after several hours of operation. PS-3 improvements, huh!

I don’t think the smoke unit will last much longer.

Jason!

GP-9  -

You can’t paint over fingerprint oil or DIRT…

SD-35 CNJ –

Wheel flanges cutting into incorrectly installed wires blowing up PC Board.

You guys had to ruin my Sunday, just kidding.

Actually the RS-1 & VO-1000 (PS-3) smoke is too good. Here is a quick video I made last week - 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS3l_EAf7dI

Also rebuilt the VO-1000 for non-leaking reliable operation.

RTV seals great!

SIRT

What's going on with your RS1? Why is the smoke unit melting the shell?

Any other reports of smoke problems with this engine? I have the older non-smoking version and was thinking of getting this new one, however, if the smoke does not work properly, then I think I won't bother.

The one I ran worked fine except for the smoke, we had to fix that. I am ordering one for myself because it is in a road name I run.