I have 20 of these switch blocks in service for more than 30 years. I am now having intermittent dead blocks or train speed varying significantly. I have cleaned connections and troubleshot the circuit down to a particular switch exhibiting high resistance and a drop of several volts. The switch assembly is riveted to the plastic cover. My question…has anyone taken these apart, cleaned up the inside contacts, and put these back together? I had success with the snap relay, however the covers snap on and periodic contact cleaning returns those to like new operating condition. My biggest concern would be reattaching the plastic cover to the printed circuit board. I am a firm believer in not re-inventing the wheel. If you have a proven repair process, please respond.
EMDSD40,
Pick up a can of CRC 2-26 spray lube electrical contact cleaner…should come with a fine spray nozzle like WD-40 and spray the inside through the slide switch area working the slide switch back and forth… don’t be afraid to use a lot, it is safe for plastics and You should feel the slide switch move easier when You get the contacts clean. Click on link for description and where You can purchase:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/CRC-2-26-5-oz-Multi-Purpose-Lubricant-02004/100398344
Hopefully that will solve Your problem…beats taking it apart. I used those Atlas parts in the late 50’s and used tuner cleaner for TV’s back then and it worked. The CRC is better.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
I will pick up a can and give it a try. Thank you for the detailed reply…Ed K
Taking them apart is basically a waste of time. One of two faults occur with these switches.
Either they get dirty, which Franks excellent advice wil fix without taking them part. Or the circuit board burns from arching which cannot be repaired without a new board.
Frank…I did use the CRC contact cleaner and problem is resolved. Resistance is now .5 OHM across a closed switch. Great idea and thanks again…ED K
Really glad it worked for You ED. [Y] [Y]
You can also use it for switch points and the rivets…a lot of electrical applications involving contacts.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank