Trying to Repair Smoke Unit on a Lionel JLC Y6B

Photos, in case it helps.

You have a smart (which is code for dumb) smoke unit. SSMUF

What it means is, there is no idle smoke fan control and doesn't know the difference between moving and idle- hence not smart. Again the problem is the fan ONLY runs when the chuff switch input closes, and if you are not moving sitting idle, then it doesn't run the fan.

This is a candidate for the super chuffer 2 fan control unit, that bypasses and replaces the SMUUF functions for the fan.

Again, 2 entirely different things:

The smoke regulator module controls the heat of the resistor and uses serial data input.

"1. I have the engine apart. I can affirm that the smoke heating element get very hot, and a small wisp of smoke does in fact come out of the unit when running."

This implies the smoke regulator module is working as intended.

The SMUUF circuit board that is part of the smoke unit controls the fan only. That said, even though the name is "smart" it's not compared to more modern smoke units and upgrades and stock does not support spinning the fan while stopped.

"4. As for the motor itself, I took the smoke unit apart and bench tested it. If I hook the motor directly to an old DC voltage HO scale transformer, it does absolutely nothing, regardless of how low or high I crank the transformer up. Sprayed electrical cleaner through it as well, but still nothing. Could I have a dead motor as well as a bad regulator"

This sounds like a dead fan motor and that is actually a more common failure. many of us replace the Lionel supplied smoke motors with MTH replacement ones because they tend to be a better motor IMO. Again this is known to be a direct replacement and easily fits and should be compatible.

https://www.mthpartsandsales.c...ts/240?type=products

You could just change the fan motor and see where that takes you.

The next level is changing the smoke fan motor since you bench tested it and it failed, but then also adding a super chuffer

https://hennings-trains.shopli...enhancement-kit.html

Again, being that is a bit expensive $75, I would say attempt to get it working stock, a simple failed smoke motor and replace that, but consider the upgrade long term since you do like this engine so much.

Also, if you absolutely are one of those must stay in Lionel parts, they list the lionel sourced fan motor.

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...FERENCE-R30-8085-200

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...DIAGONAL-SCREW-HOLES

THANK YOU, Vernon! I really, really appreciate the info.

I'm definitely not set on Lionel parts; I have no issue "hotrodding" my locomotives as necessary, lol. I saw where the Lionel motor is still available, but I ordered the MTH motor using the part number you provided. I recall reading the Lionel units are prone to failure, so the MTH one is definitely worth a try.

I'll throw the new motor in, and if it doesn't work, I'll gladly buck up for the Super Chuffer. I'll admit the wiring on that looks a little... daunting. Might send it off for installation, but the "DIY" guy in me can't help but want to give it a go. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Again, thank you! I love this forum because I know there are so many people who really know their stuff. Things like that part interchangeability and the info on the wiring/current can be hard to find when you don't quite know where to start. Glad someone was able to help get me moving with this little project!

If you want to add a number of cool features, the Super-Chuffer II is a good choice.

It gives you the following improvements.

• Chuffing smoke
• Smoke at idle
• Rule-17 LED headlight option
• Automatic cab light control

If you're into prototypical sounds, the Chuff-Generator will give you 4-chuffs/rev and optional ground light control.

Adding the two to your TMCC locomotive and you get many of the features of Legacy or PS/3 locomotives.

Been meaning to update this.

I ordered the MTH blower motor suggested by Vernon above, and it fit perfectly; no modification whatsoever needed other than soldering the harness onto the new motor.

After installing the motor, it smokes like a champ! Pretty awesome to finally have this engine functioning perfectly after several years of ownership with the smoke being inoperable the whole time!

I'll probably run it as is for a bit, but a Super Chuffer II and Chuff Generator are on the agenda. Maybe a Christmas gift to myself?

Thanks again for the help! Hopefully if someone else has a similar issue down the road they'll run across this thread and find it useful.

I use the MTH smoke motors wherever they'll fit.  Usually the only place they are a problem is with some of the Lionel smoke unit designs that need the shorter Lionel motor to fit in the shell.  That's almost always with steam.