American Flyer Smoke Unit - Replacing the Wick and Coil

Classic Toy Trains Forum
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As I indicated in a previous message that I posted about two weeks ago, my 62-year old American Flyer steam engine was no longer producing smoke. Every time I added a few drops of smoke fluid, I would get a little smoke for a few seconds, then nothing.

I went onto the Portlines web site and read their write up on repairing smoke units. The first sentence read, “The primary problem with smoke units that work fine when first filled, but quickly quit, is that the wick is hardened”.

When I open the bottom of my smoke unit and looked at the 62-year old wick, it looked and felt like a taffy bar. So, I ordered a new wick, coil, and threading tool from Portlines.

The instructions for removing and replacing the wick and coil on the Portlines web site are thorough and easy to understand. At first, it seems daunting because there are 20 steps in the process. But, these 20 steps are really only 5 main steps: open and clean smoke unit, insert wick and coil, solder coil to lugs, test for smoke, close and re-assemble smoke unit.

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Rich,

I’ve replaced 4 or 5 units and your pictures are right on. The threading tool would make it a lot easier. I agree to get one if you are ordering the wick. If memory serves me, that looks a lot like a sewing needle threader that may be sold at a sewing store like Jo Ann fabric or the like.

Thanks for the pictures, you taught me a couple of things!

Jim

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Nice job, thanks!

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Rich: Nicely done!

Timboy

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Thanks to all for viewing the post and for your kind words.

This was my first attempt and I was certainly pleased with the results.

I will have up a video in a few minutes.

Rich

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Rich,

Thanks for posting this. I used this as a refresher before I tore into a 302 last night to do a smoke unit rebuild. I drilled the two holes out with a 1/8" bit, which is as big as possible without disturbing the surrounding area. This should remove the restriction in the wick and allow fluid to flow faster. I forgot to order the threading tool, so I used one of those plastic floss threaders from the dentist. It looks real similar to the loop end of the threading tool, and made pulling the wick through to the lower chamber very easy.

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Jim,

Good to hear from you. I wondered where you were on this thread.

I agree that a 1/8" bit would be the max to drill out those two holes. I had a 5/32" bit on hand, but it appeared to be too big and would reach into the side wall of the smoke chamber.

I never thought about the dental floss threaders. We have a bunch on hand at home that we get free every time we have our 6 month teeth cleanings at the dentist. I think that I will call Doug at Portlines and demand my $3.50 back. LOL

Rich