Does anyone know of a simple way to repair the E-unit or replace it on an old Lionel GG-1? Mine will only run in one direction. I’m not good at repairing locomotives.
Does it move every time you apply voltage to the track, or every fourth time? That is, is the e-unit not stepping, or does it step but act like there are three neutral states in a row?
I don’t remember. I will check it out and let you know.
I just tested the GG1 and it runs in the same direction every time you turn on the power. It does not make any difference if you turn the switch on top of the locomotive which should put it into the 4 cycle mode.
does the e-unit switch feel loose? if it is loose it may not be supplying a good ground for the e-unit coil.
The coil is probably open circuited one way or another. Make sure that the slug and pawl are not just stuck in the up position and that the e-unit makes no noise when voltage is applied, to verify this. If the problem seems to be with the coil, here are a few possibilities:
As suggested, the e-unit frame may not be making contact with the locomotive frame. However, it seems unlikely that they would not touch at least intermittently.
The switch that enables the coil may be loose. An easy fix for this is to turn the handle to get the little arm as clear of the circuit board as possible, then bend that arm with stout long-nosed pliers so that it comes closer to the board and makes reliable contact with the rivet that the coil is soldered to.
The coil may be open. If this is the case, it is possible that the break is at an exposed end. If so, you can resolder it to the terminal. Be sure to scrape the enamel off the end of the wire before trying to solder to it. You may need to splice in a short piece of wire if you can’t unwind one turn from the coil to get some slack.
Is this engine a recent purchase? Has anyone modified the origional wiring? If so can you post some photos of the wiring?
Kurt
I purchased a 2332 last year which had been oddly rewired. I used the lionel diagrams available on the Olsens web site to figure things out.
My e-unit was bypassed when I received it. That’s why I asked.
Kurt
The lionel wiring diagram, available on Olsens web site, in the library section, should enable you to wire everything properly, it’s very clear.
Sorry about the late reply. I purchased the locomotive in early 1960s for $25. I have never taken the shell off which I now will do. I used to get it to reverse by hitting the top of the engine and I would hear it click.
What is the Olsens website?
Thank you for the information.
Thank you. I’ll check it out.
Sounds like the e-unit needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Inside the e-unit there is a notched copper drum that should be cleaned with a q-tip moistened with denatured alcohol.
Also, clean the plunger inside the e-unit. This has a small arm that connects with the notches on the drum, and should move up and down inside the e-unit. This plunger was stuck in the up position inside the e-unit, and is what you heard ‘click’ when you rapped on the top of the engine. Sometimes these get stuck in the up position, so it’s not uncommon.
If this seems to be too much of a challenge to you, consider sending it to a Lionel repair person. The e-unit is the root of your problem.
Good luck.
Kurt
Olsen’s is perhaps the most useful website for pre- and post-war Lionel and certain other brands; as well as a great place to identify and purchase parts. Here are some links that might be useful to your current problem in order of increasing specificity. You might want to take some time and familiarize yourself with this very large site.
Be advised that many parts are no longer available, and that the prices shown on the pictorial diagrams are 1950’s vintage or older. That said, you’d be amazed at how mmany parts are still available, either original or reproduction, from Olsen’s and other good parts dealers.
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/default.htm
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/library.htm
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd1.htm