Andy's Lionel e unit cleaning & testing

This is the 1st of a 3 part video series on cleaning and testing a post war Lionel e-unit.
In this series you will learn how to open the frame, clean and inspect the drum and contact fingers, and test the e-unit coil, plunger and pall.

[@curtklemenz4783]

Thank you for sharing your considerable knowledge with patience and clarity!

[@ICHIBAN636]

Thanks for show US the proper way to use the E-unit spreader.

[@_JimS]

"Without getting TOO much cancer".......Lol! The best video I've seen so far for the E-Unit repair...Thanks! I'll be looking for one of those tools in an upcoming train show. My e-unit is in relatively good shape but the reverse is not working. It's a 1956 (from what I can tell) 2016 2-6-4 Adriatic. I have to break contact 7-times for a complete cycle to get the motor operating so I;m assuming it's the e-unit not making good contact.

[@andystrainslionelrepairmainten]

Hi Jim S - I hope the info was helpful. I wonder if you got the e unit to operate?

[@_JimS]

@@andystrainslionelrepairmainten it’s on the back burner right now but I’m sure I will…. Thanks for the video. If I get hung up I’ll let you know.

[@deisysmith5397]

Hi, where can I buy the 3 and 2 fingers for the e-unit?. Thanks a lot Andy's PS:I hope your KZbin channel keeps on growing, you have great videos

[@joegregory5515]

What size wire are you using? Stranded or Solid? I’ve noticed on prewar a cloth covered wire is used, the wire to the collectors appears to be a heavier wire.

[@andystrainslionelrepairmainten]

Hi Joe, sorry I am so late in answering you, I have had some family issues as well as some health issues. But, in answer to your wire question, I have seen both solid and stranded. I always use stranded wire (18 or 20 AWG) on hook up from e-unit to a Lionel motor that swivels (like an F3). I have often used solid wire on steam engines that are mounted in a frame with the e-unit. General rule is 18 to 20 AWG, stranded if it must be flexible, stranded or solid if flexibility is not an issue. Also, for layouts, remember a higher amp draw thicker wire. And stranded is much more flexible. Hope this helps! Keep em on the tracks! Andy

[@joegregory5515]

@@andystrainslionelrepairmainten Thanks Andy... I hear Wire-flex is aa good source for wire, where do you get yours?

[@dtvandy]

I have a question - I am trying to repair a Lionel Model 1130 locomotive (It was purchased in the early fifties but it still has the metal body). I've gotten the unit to run but only in reverse. I would like to repair the E unit but I can't see how it is fastened to the motor unit frame. The motor is part of the frame that also holds the wheels and the middle trail pickup rollers. The motor unit will actually run correctly without the body or the leading and trailing trucks. You can clearly see that the E unit is separate from the motor frame (it is a different material) and is installed in the motor frame. It might be a press fit but I am reluctant to try spreading the side of the motor frame apart. Do you know how to take the e-unit out?

[@billraymond2644]

what is name of the service book

[@andystrainslionelrepairmainten]

The book is called Complete Service Manual for Lionel Trains by K-Line. My copy was a reprint 1982 by MDK, Inc. The copyright is by Aurotech, Inc. 1978. They were both in Chapel Hill, NC It has a dark blue cover with the sketch of the Lionel 313 Bascule Bridge and the 182 Crane. I have used mine more times than I count count! Good luck!