Problem with new kato sd38-2... help!

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello!

I’m new to this board (but old to model railroading!) - i just got a new kato SD38-2 EJE and its not running good out of the box. I have bought dozens of Katos and never had this problem before. It is very noisy - like an old Athearn bluebox and doesnt run smooth at all!!! seems like something is grinding in there or something. anyone had a problem like this and know the fix? Otherwise i guess i can take it bakc and exchange it but seems like it should be an easy fix

thanks

Don Tuuri

2

If you just bought it the 60 day warrenty should still be good. You might want to try sending it to Kato to get it fixed. The instructions for the engine should say something about what to do.

3

With what you pay for Kato equipment they should fix it or replace it. I wouldn’t try to do anything myself… you could just end up unintentionally voiding the warranty. Take it back to where you bought it or send it to Kato.

4

well thats strange. My DMIR one makes a little noise, but runs like a charm? Should i check mine out to? Becase when i run it with my other ones , its just fine, but loud. And i see they stopped with the “blue light”

Alec

5

I haven’t had any problems with any of my SD38-2’s.
I would have to say just contact the “Warrenty Matters” department at Kato. Go to the Kato website and click on the “Feedback to Katousa” button. I’ve worked with them a couple times and they have always been very easy yo work with. Hope this helps.

6

Use the “contact us” link on their website and tell them about the problem. I am sure they will tell you to send it back for repair under the warranty, which won’t cost you anything. I had to do this with my AC4400 when I got it. It had a similar problem. They WILL fix it and ship it back for free, but they don’t get in any hurry about it.

7

Now that’s a logical solution.

8

well -

I got it at my local hobby shop and i’m sure they will take it back and give me another one - they have another one with same road # … I have never had a problem with any other katos and just wondered if anyone else had this problem - thought maybe something wasnt seated right or something like that…

thanks!

tuuri

9

So is mine in trouble? It just makes more noise , but runs fine?

Alec

10

Alec - I think your’s sounds fine. I have owned about 30 katos and a few were a little noisy. I woundlt worry about that at all. The one i have problems with is extremely noisy and the big problem is that it runs very rough - if i creep it along it will stall itself out… it runs that bad… i think that it probably just has something not set properly. I looked at it a little and it all looks ok. I think i will just return it since i did just buy it! other than that the sd38-2 is a great looking model!!! Im jsut starting a new layout and this is the first new loco for it!!!

tuuri

11

ok, thanks.

Alec