Bought a 2026 as a project (1951 version). This is the first steamer I have owned that is more than 25 years old. Wanted to tinker and learn from it.
It was shorting out when I first tried to run it. I cleaned and lubed it, changed the brushes, and replaced the smoke unit with a liquid unit. It runs, but is stuck in reverse, regardless of where I position the lever for the E-unit.
My first thought is to just replace the E-unit. But are there other fixes I might try first?
With the shell off, see if the drum to the e unit is broken off the axis. Also see if the electromagnet rotates the drum when current is applied. If the drum doesn’t turn you stay in reverse. You can move it with a srewdriver if you like forward better.
Is the lever loose, and is it making contact?
You can try search. I am sure this is not the first e unit problem.
E-units have two metal plates with very delicate copper fingers, they do break or wear away. E-units can be repaired with new parts, the sides snap together and hold ,you just insert pliers inside and opening the pliers will force the unit open. The tricky part is getting everything in place at the same time to squeeze it back together with pliers squeezed from the outside. interesting the new words you can learn working on these things. one is a snap job, one can drive you crazy.
Thanks, I did do a search and found some good thoughts. Your advice is helpful too. I know the lever is fine, but I will check the rotation when I get a chance as well.
I have seen whole units for sale, but who has component parts available?
The parts diagrams & lists are Here at Olsen’s, they sell most of the components.
Rob