Large Scale Central

Kadee coupler problems?

General Discussion
#1

A couple years ago I converted all my rolling stock to body-mounted Kadee #1 gauge couplers. They have worked fine until recently. Now it seems that some of them just won’t stay coupled for more than a few minutes – and backing up makes them uncouple right away. I suspect that exposure to weather and humid conditions has affected them somehow. I tried putting some graphite lubricant on them but it didn’t help.

Has anyone else had this problem? Will it help to oil them or is there some other solution?

#2

Ray,

I’ve had that happen with some of my Kadees. It seems like the ones that have been left in the elements more are more impacted. I have suspected weaking of the springs or grit getting into the axle shaft of the horn part of the coupler. They just seem to be impacted like any mechanical item left without maintenance in the elements.

#3

Oxidation on the knuckle spring could contribute to the problem.
You could replace them.
If you need any, PM me.

#4

Ray:

That is a common condition for aging Kadees. As Ric & John suggest, it gets even worse if they are left out in the elements. Both the knuckle springs and the centering springs are available from Kadee, and are really easy to replace. I also thoroughly clean the box and components, as well as making certain the knuckle is free to move. I’ve even found tiny spider webs or mites living inside a coupler box. Just a small bit of maintenance required on a ‘working’ railroad.

I don’t use ‘oil’ on anything directly exposed to the outdoor environment. Graphite lock lubricant is my favorite lube for Kadees as well truck bearings. I found that oil collected dirt and stopped being a lubricant way quicker than dry lubricants.

BTW, I don’t do all cars at once. I put a bad order note on any car that has a problem and work on several of them at a time. Again, just like the prototype RRs.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#5

In spite of what some suggest; I have found, over many years, that a very small drop of PLASTIC COMPATABLE , light oil placed on the top of the coupler where the upper end of the uncoupling tail shows, prevents rust to build up in the movable part of the coupler.
Add the drop of oil, then open and close the coupler many times untill the oil works it’s way inside. Then wipe off any residue, to prevent dirt build-up. I have very seldom had any trouble with the springs.
The oil prevents rust, while the “Powder lubricant” does not. The idea is to prevent rust build up “Within” the coupler head. The powder is fine for within the draft gear box.

Part of our regular maintenance programme, along with checking back-to-back wheel gauge, and lubrication; is to add that drop of oil on each coupler.

Leaving any rolling stock out in the rain, does it no good, least of all the couplers.

I VERY seldom have any problem with any of the Kadee #1 scale couplers, on a fleet of over 300 pieces of rolling stock. Most of the rolling stock has had the Kadees’ on them since Kadee first came out with LS couplers…how many years ago is that…!!!

#6

Upon closer inspection it does appear that rusty pins are to blame. The knuckle springs seem to be ok.

I don’t run or store rolling stock in the rain, however they are stored in a tunnel most of the time. Although this protects them from direct rainfall, occasionally some seepage drips on them. Fog and damp, humid conditions are also unavoidable.

#7

I do what Fred does, and agree with his reasoning about the graphite not preventing rust, the oil keeps moisture out, graphite can allow moisture in, and actually kind of make a goop when wet.

I have Kadees with rusty “trip pins” but they all move fine.

Ray, your tunnels are made of concrete right? When the surrounding area gets wet, the moisture will evaporate from the concrete surfaces and make a nice humid spot. Your tunnels might actually be the worst place to avoid rust.

At least outside the sun will dry things off… oh, did I mention it got to about 80 degrees today?

Greg