Prewar Lionel 1700 problem

You put the motor in backwards, or reversed the brush leas connection.

Chuck, I never removed the motor..and the brush lead connection is soldered and can only go on one way..  

The 1700 should have a reversing switch (not a mechanical e-unit):

http://olsenstoy.com/cd/b123/001126.pdf

I'll look. I didn't see any levers. I'll post pics tonight....

Very strange 

It would look something like this:

A 1700 has a manual reverse switch on the back of the motor, 1700E has a mechanical reverse unit. You said it was running forward before you cleaned it, now it only runs reverse, sounds like you inadvertently may have moved the lever in the back of the motor.

Is the reverse unit in the engine energizing? It should cycle Forward/neutral/reverse/neutral/forward. From what you describe, it's not.

Your pictures show a mechanical e-unit. The pictures don't clearly show the position or presence of the engagement lever. Also, there does not appear to be any screws mounting the e-unit which could prevent it from being grounded to the frame, inactivating it.

Try turning the E-unit drum by hand, the coil maybe bad or wire broken inside.

Worst case just bypass the e-unit to hard-wire to forward only.

From your photos you may also have a bent axle, making for drive gear problems.

On a 1700 diesel, I don't believe there is a on/off switch for the reverse unit, it is always on. If it is not cycling, look for a broken wire at the coil.

Thank you Chuck,  I'll look 

I’d love to have that 1700 motor!

Speaking of 1700 motors, if anyone knows where to find some repo pick-up assemblies I would love to know.

@Chuck Sartor, according to my research, the 1661-33 is the shoe you need and they are available just about anywhere...

Thanks, but looking for the whole assembly. 1661-29 I believe is the number. Fiber plate and spring. Shoes optional.

Sure it isn't a 1681E-26?

That's probably it, wasn't sure of the correct #.

Chuck. If you are asking about the slide shoes I get them from S&W parts. I've know Bill Harrison sense the 1980's when he was in Louisiana. He is a great guy and has very good prices on his parts. He has very thing. I just got an 100-5 e-unit for a 1700e from him along with  wheel set for a 1700E. 

I forgot. His on the internet and now live in Niskayuna New York.

I'm looking at the 1700E diagram and I believe you are talking about the 1681-26 pickup. Bill just sent my a complete diagram of the 1700e sets. Has all the part numbers.

1700E diagram - https://youtu.be/17vIQoi7gSA