Shorted dash-8

Still looking for help with this loco....please can anybody help...thanks...joe

I don't understand where U need help?

You did a great job finding the problem. I would add heat shrink or at least tape around the wires to keep them from shorting. I'm guessing that U mean they rub the chassis where they pass thru?

 U R lucky that the board survived and need to do something to keep it safe.

Could U provide a picture to see what's the exact problem area?

Maybe U could post this in the DCS section for more help?

Is it brand new?

that's just it,none of the wires are bare,i checked them the hot wire is not grounded to the frame...i just thought someone might have had the same problem....joe

Does the problem occur with the shell just dropped in place, or only when screwed in place?

Larry

I have had an engine with this problem. Mine was shorting because the red (hot) wire was making contact with the chassis when turned. I solved it by sliding shrink tube over the wire and the end lug. I think I re-bent the lug for better clearance. The wire and end of the lug was sticking out enough to make contact.

 I had another engine where the problem was actually from the lighting wire shorting against the metal stand in the cab when the shell was on.

 The fact that you see sparks, and where they're coming from should help U find the problem. If there's no one around to help with the engine, please post a picture of the area so we can try and help.

 I have a Dash Narrow nose still in the box and have not opened it yet. I do have many similar MTH engines that are fine and don't have this issue. I have the PS3 CSX dash that works fine.

 Please email mail if you'd like to talk.

jwpcfv (at) msn.com

2 or 3 rail?

Is the 2 rail 3 rail switch in the 2 rail position?  G

As GGG said...also i had a intermittent bad 2/3 switch with your symptoms..i bypassed it for 2 rail operation. I was surprised the ps2 board survived but it did probably because it took out several of my fast blow 7.5 amp glass fuses from my TIU to my rails.

the sparks i see seem to be where the motor is mounted to the frame...both trucks.the wires don't seem to be rubbing i checked.it's almost like it's not getting a good ground judging from the area around where the truck touches the frame.....any ideas?...thanks ..joe

Is it only in a particular place in the layout like on switches?

I wonder if the unit is searching for the return side?

Have U tried connecting wires to the rollers on the bench?

I would have a low amp inline fuse at the transformer to protect it while searching.

 The area U describe is where I was having trouble with the + lug making sparks with the trucks. If it's a serious spark it will mark the way for U!

Sounds to me like U need to take it to someone to tear into it.

it happens when it's on the rollers or on the track...i was trying to avoid a million dollar repair bill,oh well might as well suck it up ....thanks for all the help...joe

Best to find the issue before the board gets damaged.  You can check coupler wires, one may be shorted.  The two rail wires (green or brown) and the truck 3 rail wires.  G