Hello I have run 2 of my mth engines. A beautiful K-4 PRR and a stunning N&W JClass 4-8-4. They run good with one exception, the JClass doesn’t smoke all that well. The K-4 smokes like real engine. The JClass smoke is weak and thin. And it doesn’t seem to need more fluid, because when I do, it overflows, and then It doesn’t smoke at all. I sort of drained it by turning it upside down and using a paper towel in the funnel to soak it out. Only when I did that, it started to smoke again but very light. Even out of the box, the smoke was weak. So what can I do short of sending the unit back to MTH(purchased less than a year ago and running time of no more than 2 hours) P.S. What is MTH’s policy when returned items. Replace or Repair? Thanks Joe C. Pittsburgh Pa.
…and that would beeeeeee???
Hum, must have lost his train of thought? [:D]
Welcome and finishes your post.
Cuda Ken
I respectfully suggest the OP read the owners manual for the MTH engine.
For one, the instructions for my MTH steamers say you should never stick anything inside the smokestack as doing so can damage the heating element.
Regarding weak smoke output: They come with a small amount of smoke fluid in them, so that when someone tests the model in a store, the smoke unit a. does not burn out and b. shows what it can do.
At times I too experience “weak” smoke from some of my engines. It is always an indicator that: a. the smoke fluid is almost out and needs to be replenished or b. there is too much smoke fluid–which must evaporate, or perhaps if you gently blow into the smokestack, some does blow out and then the unit will start working. Once it starts working with still too much fluid in, the smoke will be weak at first but gradually increases in intensity to normal.
Had you read the instructions you would also know that sometimes (rather often in my personal experience) air/smoke bubbles get trapped in the smokestack when you add smoke fluid, and a gentle blow will help that to clear and restore good smoke unit operation.
I respectfully suggest you try some of these things before returning the engine to MTH. If in fact there really is a problem, they will make it right for you.
I run these MTH engines almost an hour per day, and they are the best I’ve ever had, period.
John
The 1 exception is probably the fact that the JC class doesn’t smoke like a real engine because it’s in the same sentence as “with one exception” JMHO
I believe the gentleman is saying his K4s chuffs and puffs, while the J does not…it only chuffs. He has a faulty fan/circuit…if the model is supposed to puff at all?
-Crandell
Look again my post, it was cut off by mistake
Thanks for your reply I did indeed read my manual. And tried all of their and your suggestions. For sticking the tip of a paper towel in the funnel, I think, would not damage anything that should of been built well. I did send it back today, because I do share in your sentiment that MTH will make it right if there is a problem. Thank You JC