LGB 22630 Diesel Stubborn to “wake up”

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tundracamper

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Recently acquired an LGB 22630 SV Ry diesel switcher off eBay. It runs very well, at least until it sits for a while. If it sits on the shelf overnight, it has an odd behavior. When I crank up the track voltage, the lights will come on and it just sits there. If I turn the voltage way up, it sits there for like 5-10 seconds and then lurches into action. After that, it runs normally with no issues. It will even start up at a very slow speed and creep along.

I have swapped out a few Forney motors, which I think are the same motor. However, those engines always sputtered along and never ran well to begin with (after buying on eBay). Before I go off installing a new motor, I wanna know if there is anything else I can check. I have moved the internal switch an bunch, to clean it, and have cleaned the wheels and lubed the gears. So, I’m pretty certain it’s either the motor or any internal electronics. Any suggestions on what to try before buying a new motor?

TIA
 
Does it have sound?

It sounds like it could have a decoder in it.. These need 5-6V to 'wake-up' but the motor will run from a couple of volts, so it will 'do nothing' then lurch into life..

It could also have a stay-alive, which needs to charge, or be set with a fair bit of Inertia?

Turn the control just enough to get full brightness of the lights, then leave it... See if it moves off after a delay?

PhilP.
 
The decoder and phils approach seems most likely.


Plan B:
IF no decoder…..
I have the sumpter and rio grande versions, analog.they run very smoothly, like a new stainz, in fact.
Track nice and clean?

Does the loco have much wear?

And assuming wheels and skates and wheel backs are clean, skates and brushes making contact,
Id guess that the motor commutator/brushes might be worn/oxidized.
(Clean is the key, re wheel tread and back.) sometimes, i must use track cleaner eraser to get rid of stubborn tread dirt. I also use qtips /pipe cleaners and alcohol or LGB smoke fluid for the wheel backs.)

Me, id give the motor commutator a little shot of contact cleaner. It might help….temporarily.
Im guessing the motor is worn.

Fwiw, i have ..7… forneys…!! All analog.
They all run superbly, even the chinese versions.
The only thing i found on the Chinese version is that plunger brushes can get hung up in the brush case. The rim of the cylinder case can have a rough edge that interferes with the brush traveling smoothly and making contact with the wheel backs.

A gentle smoothing of the brush case edge with a fine jewelers file will vastly improve the rear truck electrical pick up.
 
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It does not have sound. I have not thought to check if it has a decoder. Like I said, it just sits there and then finally lurches into motion. The voltage is well over 5V. Probably like 12V. Then, after that, it runs just as smoothly as my other engines. I can completely stop it and it will start very slowly and smoothly, just as expected. No other running issues. That is, until it sits a while (e.g. over night).
 
tundracamper said:
It does not have sound. I have not thought to check if it has a decoder. Like I said, it just sits there and then finally lurches into motion. The voltage is well over 5V. Probably like 12V. Then, after that, it runs just as smoothly as my other engines. I can completely stop it and it will start very slowly and smoothly, just as expected. No other running issues. That is, until it sits a while (e.g. over night).
Click to expand...
Sounds very much like there is a decoder and a power-buffer?

PhilP.
 
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