PS1 20-2208-1 UP E8... Will Not Run

I think you need to do an MTH reset chip. I did it once on one of my many MTH engines. Check with GGG in this forum.  This is not a new problem, just a pain, but the fix was easy!  The newer systems are sort of leaving us behind on carry over knowledge for fixing the older ones.  PS 3 now.  WOW!  O gauger

the engine gives me three clanks

That's a PS1 engine and that sound is commonly known as "the 3 clanks of doom". It needs a new battery and has to have its chip unscrambled. MTH makes a kit just for that.

Until you get that done, do not attempt to operate the engine. You couldn't make things better, however, you could definitely make things worse.

Easy fix.  If you do not have the chip, contact the closest MTH tech as he will have one.  If you tried to power the engine with the old white battery first, no BCR will fix the issue.   I have people bring me the engines and the first thing they will say is that it has a new battery.  That is OK but the battery needs to be put in before powering up.  Anybody who has an old white battery should dispose of it.  Replace it with the new MTH green battery or BCR if you wish.

PS-1 was the front system in it's day.  PS-1 is still a very good system.  FYI,  MTH still has new PS-1 boards in stock.   I get to see a lot of PS-1 that is going back on peoples rails.  In the heyday of PS-2 upgrades I was able to put together a very large stock of PS-1 boards and related parts.  In the last two years with PS-1 showing up often for repairs,  this has worked out very well.

If anyone has PS-1 that has been sitting, put in a new battery and have fun.  Do not try to fire it up first.

Thanks Mr. Marty,

I have a reset chip on the way. I found a local dealer through the MTH Website. (Only showed two dealers with the part)  I will install the chip as well as the battery that comes with the kit.  If I use the MTH battery in the kit, do I need to leave the engine on the track to charge it up prior to addressing the engine? Will this problem occur again, if the engine sits on a shelf for an extended period? Would I be better off with the BCR or the MTH rechargeable battery for extended storage?

Check the battery voltage when you get it.  Some of these kits have been around for a few years.   If it is down, charge it before doing your process.   I always do a feature 18 reset after putting the original chip back in the board.