I have an old postwar Lionel 140 Banjo Signal that had a damaged rubber washer and the signal ran rough and noisy. At a recent train show I purchased a new washer. Is the backside of the washer supposed to be glued on or does the washer just fit inside? Does the washer face in or out (do you glue the back of the washer to the metal can or to the face of the electromagnet)?
I don’t recommend gluing the rubber washer in, instead use a little vaseline or baby oil on the washer to install it. If you glue it in it won’t come out easy next time.
Lee F.
The way I install those washers is to rub an Elmer’s glue stick on the smooth side of the washer. Then place the smooth side down on top of the coil spool and allow it to dry. The glue stick applies a thin, even layer of glue, plus when the washer needs replaced, the old washer will pull off and it won’t leave any glue residue behind. I would advise against using any oil or vaseline, as these might damage the rubber washer.