69. Cure For a Sick Tortoise

[@vincenthuying98]

This is indeed a great repair tutorial on tortoise switch machines Larry. Very clear, very concise, in understandable language, even for the layman modeler. Thanks 🙏 for sharing

[@1JUSTGOTLUCKY1]

I use many Tortoise machines on my layout. While I never came across the wipers breaking off, I do come across, very often, the wipers failing to make contact with the stationary contacts. I use tuner cleaner (from my days as a TV repairman) and that usually works. However, sometimes I need to disassemble the machine and clean the contacts manually. I love these videos...please keep them coming.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, the circuit traces can start to pick up a little grime. In addition to contact cleaner a simple pencil eraser will also give them a quick clean, just don’t get too aggressive with it.

[@bigfourroad]

So simple, well explained, and worthwhile. Confession, I never thought to look under the label, thought they were heat sealed shut. It's always the small stuff that gets you.

[@TheDCCGuy]

That label serves a dual purpose. First, it does the usual job of telling you what it is and who made. Second, if you remove it to open the case it invalidates the warranty!

[@dieseldude6976]

Larry, I really appreciate your switch machine series. Lots of great information here. Sincerely, Kennedy

[@TheDCCGuy]

Thanks, we aim to please.

[@mandbhomestead]

Great video Larry, thanks. Again, learned a lot of tips and tricks about switch machines. Thanks for sharing. Ken

[@TheDCCGuy]

Ken-Always good to get positive feedback, so thanks and keep watching. Let me know if there is anything specific you would like me to cover.

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for great detail video on repair tortoise from Australia

[@TheDCCGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChadwickModelRailway]

Great tip Larry, many thanks , Charlie

[@TheDCCGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thomasgrassi8817]

Larry nice to know we can do that. I am troubleshooting a tortoise machine today 11/26/22 but I have no power to the tortoise.they are connected to a NCE Switch 8 MNK2 all the other turnouts are working. Just this one.but not sure where to look next. Thanks

[@nicksanto882]

Thanks! I wondered what was inside a Tortoise since I bought them.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, you realLy don’t want to open one and void the warranty. I was surprised to see they still have the same 9 year warranty period.

[@dieseldude6976]

Larry, another great video! Do you ever apply contact lubricant/cleaner during a repair? For my tracks, I use Ox-Gard (I get it at a local home improvement store) to enhance electrical conductivity. It seems as if a very small amount applied to the contacts would help over the long use period of installed Tortoise switch machines. Thanks, Kennedy

[@TheDCCGuy]

Imwluld not introduce any lube into the Tortoise gears. Circuitron does not do this nor do they recommend it. I suspect the gears are engineering plastic and do not need any lube

[@marksawyer5299]

Nice video Larry.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@dieseldude6976]

Actually, I was thinking of using on the electrical contacts, not the gears. My comment was not clear in that. Thanks, Kennedy

[@frankwyatt8372]

I have a couple Tortoise machines which when powered up will "click" a couple times. What would cause this? It is almost like the tortoise does not power up smoothly. Any suggestions please?

[@TheDCCGuy]

There may be a broken tooth or something in the works. If you have the sales receipt (everybody keeps those right), you could send them back for repair. Or you could get adventuresome and open one yourself. Flip a coin!

[@jimnelson1969]

Very great video sir.

[@seanspennywisemiserrr]

Great DIY video Larry. Is there any need to lubricate the gear set?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Good question, I really wouldn’t do that since it is not something they recommend. Circuitron designed these to operate reliably as is and they come unlubricated so I suspect they used very slippery engineering plastic.

[@bobainsworth5057]

When you open to repair why not repair both? Then you don't have to ever go back especially if( it has been my luck) it's installed in a very tight place.

[@TheDCCGuy]

In most cases I only use one of the switching contacts and at the time may not have had more of those tiny little screws on hand.

[@farmerdave7965]

I have to laugh because I have an electric screwdriver exactly like that one. Good luck finding a battery for it.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I got replacements a couple years ago off Amazon.