StPaul posted:Marty Fitzhenry posted:StPaul, I have seen that with a few locomotives. The pipe is a simulated steam transfer pipe. I find the springs to be a bit on the saggy side. I cut a few coils off the spring and cover the spring with heat shrink tubing. A loose fit with the heat shrink is desired.
I think most forum members are confused as once warranty is up on VL or anything else we are free to use 3rd party lionel authorized repair stations or anyone else we feel are capable of doing needed repairs. these engines are 3 months and some days away from that and maybe lionel will finally load an exploded diagram of the entire engine and parts so we can use as a reference as to what is supposed to be used and where.
I don't think anyone is confused. Yes once your warranty is up you can do all you want to your locomotive because after that any repair will be a charge. But for 3 more months Lionel is responsible for repairing this engine and if some goes majorly awry like a board failure the only way to get it repaired is via Lionel. And the boards will be covered. Using a 3rd party or doing it yourself will ensure a repair cost regardless if you wait for 3 months or have to send it to Lionel after they opened it.
I won't dispute the fine folks here that can easily repair the Lionel engines but they still void the warranty when opening them and most recognize this when they do it.
There is no guarantee Lionel will put the parts and exploded diagram up on the website though. We'll have to wait and see.
You've obviously have been through a lot with this engine so I can understand your frustration. No matter which way you go I hope you find satisfaction.