Well I found a bargain on Evilbay. Four O22 switch tracks at a very reasonable price. After testing each one a couple of them are sluggish. The points don't want to travel all the way. If I move the points via lantern base quickly both ways, it seems to loosen up the sliding mechanism. Bottom line is that only one of the O22s is probably not going on my layout. The second bottom line is that they were advertised " Sold as is". So I really have no complaint.
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Everything you need to know about making your O22s work consistently and reliably can be found at this LINK
It really works.
Pete
It's basically a matter of opening up the switch machines for cleaning, lube and adjusting the contacts. Graphite is a better lube for the moving parts, instead of oil (oil retains dust and crud). It's also a good idea to solder the mechanically crimped electrical connections on the underside of the switch. If you are mechanically competent, just open them up and take a good look at how they work.
I agree that you must clean and oil the moving parts. I had one switch that I had serviced, and still had slow, incomplete switching. Turned out to be that one of the lenses in the light cover had fallen down and out of its mount, causing binding. Try snapping the switch without the lantern cover. Also recommend using the constant voltage plug with 14-18 volts.
Ace posted:It's basically a matter of opening up the switch machines for cleaning, lube and adjusting the contacts. Graphite is a better lube for the moving parts, instead of oil (oil retains dust and crud). It's also a good idea to solder the mechanically crimped electrical connections on the underside of the switch. If you are mechanically competent, just open them up and take a good look at how they work.
Thanks. I tried to print the pages but all I keep getting on the print preview is a blank page.
Dan Padova posted:Thanks. I tried to print the pages but all I keep getting on the print preview is a blank page.
Those pdfs are secured. Download the pages to your pc and then go HERE to unlock each of them, after which you will be able to print them.
Pete
Take your switch machine off the switch and remove the cover.
Then I take some Electra Motive, electric parts cleaner made by CRC and spray the entire switch motor.
Work in the cleaner with a parts brush and also move the lantern holder several times.
Shake off the excess and spray it down one last time. The cleaner evaporates pretty fast!
Place a couple drops of oil on the moving parts and be amazed how smooth and easy he machine works.
Some people say don't use oil but I figure it is under the switch machine cover so its not going to attract alot of dust, at least not in my lifetime. We use oil on our engines all the time, too!
Sometimes if the above don't work then something is bent or your switch machine motor overheated at some time and warped the field around the solenoid causing it to bind.
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