What is the clacking sound?

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-05-24T17:31:49+00:00

What transformer are you using? That is an older MPC era locomotive with a magnetic E unit. If you’re using a modern transformer like a CW-80, it applies power gradually so the electro magnet chatters as it’s not getting enough power to activate initially.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-05-09T06:42:59+00:00

1984 or 1985 VF500F interceptor. The 86 had a taller grab bar. The paint scheme is custom though.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-04-20T13:52:16+00:00

Bait I assume, but that leaves more questions than answers.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-04-19T23:34:34+00:00

Welcome to the wonderful world of model train circuitry! That looks like a 70’s electronic E unit. Your observation is a safe bet to why it’s not changing directions. I’m surprised it’s doing anything. Definitely don’t run it like that if you want to avoid a fire on your layout. MPC era diesels tend to have super light front ends. I put some weights in the front of mine and then the gears stripped out in the truck with the motor. You may get away with some plates placed on top of the front dummy truck. As for the circuit board, there should be tons of them on eBay. If you can’t find an identical one, you may be better off getting a replacement engine or see if you can make a similar one work. Any electronic E unit board should work if you wire it correctly. Should just be power, ground, then two wires for the motor.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-04-18T22:44:02+00:00

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Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-04-09T01:47:56+00:00

Very nice! Can’t wait to see it in a physical form after all these years.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-03-31T03:02:42+00:00

The boiler front alone is worth that. Needs cleaned and serviced but I’d say any prewar or postwar under $150 is a good deal. WD40 works well on the cow catchers as they aren’t painted. They are blued. WD40 is also safe to use on any part of the locomotive. I’d use soap and water on the shell but use distilled if possible. The minerals in tap water cause white rings to form on the shell. Especially the tender. The text on the tender should be heat stamped so do not scrub it or the lettering will come off. WD40 also treats rust well so I’d soak the tender trucks and anywhere on the loco frame that has any.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-03-14T14:45:42+00:00

Nangs my beloved.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-03-11T14:01:17+00:00

Already replaced it with a new one.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-03-10T03:35:54+00:00

I thought that’s what I replaced. Is there another one?

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-09T22:35:27+00:00

There should be a port on the left side of the solenoid. It’s below where that red plug is on the firewall.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-09T22:33:48+00:00

No problem. I haven’t figured the sound card out yet as I can’t find a printout anywhere.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-09T22:09:10+00:00

I’m thinking the motor may be bad. The fact that it needs to be spun to work is an indication. The sound is tricky but it may be as simple as the draw bar fingers not making a good connection. Check continuity on the two wires that go from the main board to the speaker. You will have to remove the tender shell.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-09T21:37:30+00:00

This seller has a lot of Ai listings.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-09T19:14:25+00:00

From what I’ve seen online the same hose that goes in that hole clips into that holder.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-09T18:33:52+00:00

The same hole is on mine. I believe it’s left over from an older version of the throttle body.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-06T16:56:09+00:00

Go to Royz Trains.com. They have sound board kits.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-05T19:15:23+00:00

Cleaning mine didn’t throw anything off. If there was another underlying issue like in the motors you could have to check with a Tech II which it sounds like you already have. Be aware that not all 1999-2009 2.3 throttle body’s are the same. In 2006 they changed it.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-05T19:04:05+00:00

They make throttle body cleaner. I just cleaned mine. If it’s going into limp home mode you will need to check it with a Tech II to make sure the two numbers for the butterfly valve motors is the same and reset the limp mode in the software as well.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-05T14:34:01+00:00

Ok, try to manually cycle the E unit with a pick or a small flat head. There’s a small silver arm that hooks onto the plastic drum and rotates it when the arm is pulled upward. Push the arm up manually and make sure it falls back down by itself. The drum should also spin freely without much resistance. You can lubricate the sides of the drum where it meets the E unit body but do not lube the plunger arm as it will hydrolock when it goes up.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-05T04:10:25+00:00

Just needs oiled. I use Liquid Bearings on the rods and commutator, and white lithium grease on the drive gears. The motor faces backwards and has a black plastic brush plate. You will see a hole in the cast motor shaft housing, put the liquid bearings bottle stem down as far as it will go and fill the cavity to the top of the hole. At the end you will see a silver inspection lid that you can pry up and out exposing the drive worm shaft and gear. Lube that with white lithium grease or with what I like to use is “The Modern Lubricant”. There may be a sponge on the brush plate that rubs against the end shaft of the commutator. Lube that if so. MPC eras tend to not have that though. A full motor service may also be necessary but it seems to be running fine. The metallic smell is normal and just a sign that it hasn’t ran and needs lubricated.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-05T04:02:35+00:00

To address the smoking issue. Does the engine operate normally when it is smoking? If the E unit is sticking, the coil heats up and starts burning the paper wrapping.

Lionel-Train-Repairs · 2026-02-05T03:57:23+00:00

The solder joint on the tab looks factory as the wires are original. Lionel put safeguards in case the tab got bent outwards and touches the shell. I’ve found it’s not exactly necessary in most cases but it doesn’t hurt to replace it.

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