Acquired a very nice Lionel 1688(not an E). Headlight lites up, but no movement or e-unit noise. Removed the body; found 2 wire not connected. How can I find out were they need to go? I put some pics in if that helps. I understand there are 3 different motors in the 1688. I believe I have the 3 type. It connects to the body with 2 long screws.
Although Larry’s statement is true, that being his schematic is the same for most engines, I am not sure it is true for this locomotive. Please look at the Olsen’s Toy Train link.
The different schematics have either the field or brush windings reversed by the E-unit. It does not matter what set of connections is reversed, as the results are the same.
Any motor can be wired either way with the same results.
After all morning, I have the e-unit working. I got the motor to hummm, but not move. Saw a little smoke from it, so stopped what I was doing. Tried to find a pic online of the motor; none clear enough to see where the wiring went. Perhaps look online for a good running chassis as the body for this one is very nice. Or send it out for repairs.
Still working on it. The wire from the pickups fell off. Will do more when I solder a new wire back on. The wire that go to the e-unit are going to be a problem to get back on. Looks like they are soldered into a small hole. Guess I need a pencil type soldering gun.
Progress; somewhat. Got the wiring corrected, thanks to another 1688. Found the part in the pic with the wire connected to it broken. I am guessing I need a new e-unit?
I know I’m spending alot of time on the 1688(2 of them now), but the bodies both are very nice(one black, the other gray) and I’d like to get them running again.
I whole heartedly agree with cwburfle. I guarantee you will get a great deal of personal satisfaction out of successfully rebuilding your E unit.
Although many people replace E unit as opposed to rebuilding them, it is not necessary if you have patience, some mechanical skill and can do a bit of soldering.
Attached are two very good videos to assist you in rebuilding or repairing your E unit.
Trains2353, Just be aware that there is a progression of 1688/1688E locos, that actually use three separate motors. Your initial 1688 is the last version, circa 1939 & later issue. That motor is identical to a Postwar 1654 “single reduction” motor, with a Bakelite (plastic) pickup assembly. The diagram that rrswede provided is correct. I seriously suggest you try to learn how to rebuild the E units, and look at the provided ‘YouTube‘ videos. If you have a question about the other versions of 1688’s, just post it.
Hi guys! This is my first post so please bear with me. I’m adding to this thread because I benefited from all the info above and took apart, cleaned and reassembled the e-unit in my 1688. Most of the wires are brittle and show signs of vertigris, so I intend to replace them following the great wiring diagram one of you posted. My questions are 1. Should I use 24 gauge solid wire? I’ve been reading articles and saw that. 2. I need to get at the center rail pickup spot. How do I get to it? Do I need to pull the wheels and take the whole chassis apart so I can solder a new wire? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Any rewiring should be done with 22 gauge stranded wire. 24 gauge solid wire is used on ‘E’-unit contact assemblies.
To change the wire to the pickups is difficult. The fiber contact shoe plate needs to come out, and you need a frame spreading tool to get it out without breaking the tabs on the plate. It can be taken out without removing the wheels, but it is difficult. Removing the wheels requires a wheel puller, and replacing them requires a press to get them on straight and quartered properly.
You have confirmed my suspicions about removing that fiber contact shoe plate. I didn’t want to try spreading the side plates apart only to find out there was an easier way. I’ve ordered 24awg solid wire for the e-unit contact wires, which account for about 4 of the 6 wires in this engine. I’ll use 22awg stranded for the center rail pickup and the headlight lead. I’ll let you know how it goes.