I have a 455 Lionel Oil Rig from my brother-in-law to try and get working again. Basically all it did was smoke, which isn't a feature. I isolated each of the components. I checked the light and it works fine. I checked the solenoid and it works as well. That leaves the thermostat strip. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot that?
I'm at a loss on how to best test and determine if it is functioning or not. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
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A few things I can think of:
*Adjust the adjustment screw so that it just ever so lightly makes contact. (If it is too tight, it won't ever break the circuit causing it to always heat)
*Test for continuity thorough the thermostatic switch - if there is none, replace.
*Re assemble the 455 and test the thermostatic switch under normal operation.
Thanks! That did the trick - all is working well. It took a while to get the liquid to bubble - that's just how hot the light bulb gets like the old Christmas tree lights. Any tricks to improve heat transfer or recommended bulb. I believe it is run between 12-14 volts.
Thanks again for the help!
You want to make sure you have a #51 bulb - there are other bulbs in a similar form factor, but have different ratings (and therefore heat output). They are typically available from your auto parts stores. Don't let the bulb rating of ~7 volts throw you off - the accessory is to be powered at 12-14V like you say. You want the bulb to be as close as possible to the bubbler.
https://shop.advanceautoparts....y-each-51/10644335-P
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/LMA51
I just open and then snap close the bulb holder. It apparently disturbs the goodies in the tube and it takes off bubbling. At least on mine.
Getting the right bulb makes all the difference!
Thanks!
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