have a Premier SD70 ACe 20-20218-2 with hi rail wheels. Set to 3-rail. Get severe sparkler-type sparking from rear trucks, same location around gears. Smells electrical. Dropped trucks, no pinched wires, all looks normal. Checked wheelsets all are fine, same with rollers. Removed side frames, same sparking problem. Can't figure this one out, any suggestions? Thanks in advance
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There are wires that run down inside the 3/2 trucks that should have plastic insulator around each wire. This wire goes to the power pick-ups. I found one once, that this insulator was missing from the factory. When the truck would go into turns and the wire got flexed, it would short out.
I don't see it here
http://mthtrains.com/sites/def...loded/20dl13009e.pdf
maybe that's only important on 2 rail versions?
For sure rear trucks only?..tested with lights out in your room? The reason i mention this is i have had bad 2/3 rail switch. I removed the switch and wired direct.
Check coupler wires, motor wires, tighten ground screw and no nick on red center rail wire especially under insulation near truck. Also the 2 rail pickup wires mentioned. Some where there is a damaged wire. G
Also check ditch light wires if equipped. One of my Dash 8's had a ditch light wire smashed by the frame causing the side frames to spark and short out the engine in curves.
Great ideas will check these out I appreciate it guys
Here is a pic of the suspect truck. The brown wire in the center is loose, as the black rubber grommet that is held in place apparently is no longer correctly working. Could this be my issue? The end of the wire that goes inside the truck block appears to be on a spring and is very loose. Thanks and how do I fix this?
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One end is a ring tongue(should be tight and not hitting the truck) and the other to a small spring loaded plunger for 2 rail operation held down by the insulating plate.I believe it is be out of circuit when 2/3 rail switch in 3 rail. Compare all of this to your healthy truck if you get brave.