Problem With an MTH PS-2 Engine

Are you running DCS or conventional?  If conventional, I believe when it was weathered they possibly got the tach reader dirty from overspray.  If that is the case, you might be able to clean the tach reader head or you might need a new tach reader.

You may want to tell people what the engine is.  A reset may help out.  How new is your battery?

The engine is a Reading T-1, stock number 20-3249-1.  The battery has been in it since purchased new, can't remember what year.  Was when the engine was last issued with PS-2.  When batteries go, I commonly put in a BCR.  Reason I don't think it's the battery, is there are no distortions of the start up announcements.  They are sharp and clear.  

What is the tach reader head?  Is that something obtainable from MTH, and cam I install it?

The battery is probably close to ten years old, I'd try a new battery, it's time.

If the speed control is right, you don't have a tach issue, it would take off like a rocket if you did.

It matters whether this is conventional or DCS run.  In conventional, you might not notice the speed issue, in DCS with 18V on the track you would.

Does the smoke chuff or only blow in neutral?

We have seen this before where after weathering the flywheel and or tach reader gets paint on it and doesn't function correctly.  The tach reader is a small board sitting over the flywheel to count the stripes.

I would do a factory reset or conventional reset on the engine, but most likely you have a tach reader adjustment/dirt, or broken wire issue.

Would be an easy fix if just out of adjustment or dirty.

If you don't do maintenance, I recommend calling ahead to MTH and they might knock this out as a walk in.   G

Since I do limited maintenance, think I'll just take it up to MTH.  Putting it into ahead with 12 volts, it start surprisingly quick.  Although I will check to see if it has a BCR in it. Thanks for the suggestions.  Tach reader does sound like the potential issue though.