working on restoring a 2363 Illinois Central F-3 need some help

I don’t think your horn or the e-unit are the problem since it worked for a short time.  Look for a loose wire or an old wire with broken insulation.  If you didn’t replace the wires from the rollers, look at them.

The wires from the E unit to the motor solder lugs break off from the wire flexing. Also check under-neigh that the magne-traction as not picked up a small piece of metal and shorting on the pick-ups.

Dear Chuck and Danr- Thanks for your quick response to my question. Found out what it was. I had previously torn apart the whole engine- bought from the previous owner-down to the frame- Because of battery leak damage to the frame and other components- all wires had to be redone. I don't do easy.  I had to fix  the frame-refinishing/repainting it along with truck frames. The battery bracket as well. New battery cover/ complete engine overhauls. Then I began reassembly.   When I resoldered the power leads from front and rear trucks back to the e-unit/ front light- it went fine. The other wire going to the horn relay I soldered to the first(front) solder lug- not the second by mistake. I popped the top on a 2367 Wabash I own -same vintage year - and noticed the difference and then corrected the problem. Runs like a champ. This is only the 2nd IC 2653 I have ever seen- was part of a 1955 #2239W set found  @ a local garage sale. I started working on the cars-then the A engine and B units.

Long live Lionel Postwar! It's been a 50 year ride for me-collecting and restoring stuff I find. " A lifetime of happiness" is more than a slogan of Lionel. It is a reality for me and my family and the generations to come. I am having way to much fun with the grandkids and reminders of a kinder and gentler time past...Regards, Glenn Spencer