I bought a Kato SD90/43MAC and have ran into a problem while installing a decoder for my new Super Chief. I took the shell off and everything seemed OK. I installed the decoder and put it on the track and I received no response. No shorts are indicated by the Super Chief. I then pulled the decoder board off and reinstalled the DC light board. I hooked up my DC power pack to the track and still nothing. I took the DC pack leads and put them on the wheels and still nothing. I can touch the motor tabs and the motor will turn; however, it will not pickup from the track. I checked the brass power wipers and everything is making contact. Is this a known problem or does anyone have any ideas for me to look at? Also, how do you get the fuel tank off the bottom of this model? Thanks
From a Boilermaker to a Hoosier: I was having some issues with my DCC Kato SD40-2 last night. Not picking up juice, not moving, no lights, etc. I took the shell off and massaged the contacts. Then placed it back on track without shell and ran fine. Put body back on and still ran fine. I would suggest taking a look at where the contacts hit from the motor to the decoder. Perhaps add a little solder to the contact strip to help the flow. I hope that's your problem cause that should be easy enough to fix. Good luck.
The UP just scraped all their SD90/43. Perhaps you should do the same. LOL! I'm kidding of course. You probably just need a little solder to make a better connection.
You'll have to dissassemble the trucks and clean the axle point contacts. I bet they are filthy if the loco has any time on it.:tb-smile:
Scott's tip is a good one. He helped me fix a poor running B40-8 a few years ago, and since then this is one of my first places I look when a loco's performance starts to degrade. And usually they are filthy black - a quick clean up w/ a toothpick and you're good to go!
