spectrum #84103 K4 Pacific with DCC trying to run on DC

[dietz1221]

I bought a #84103 K4 Pacific steam engine with DCC at a train show recently and have just tried to run it on my DC powered track. I have an older MRC Tech II 2800 power pack and when the throttle is increased, I get an overload light. What is causing this? I have taken the tender shell off and looked at wiring and everything looks like it is fine. I do not plan on running DCC and would like to make this one of my regular engines on my layout. Could someone help me figure out why my engine will not run.

[jonathan]

Did you buy this locomotive used? If so:

Your dual-mode decoder is no longer set to respond to DC (reprogrammed by the previous owner).  The headlight will still light, but will flash when the DC throttle has been turned up past, oh, around 11 volts. I have had this happen to me.  Your best option is to remove the decoder and install jumper plugs where the decoder use to reside.

If this is not the case, can you give us a little more info?  Bought new or used? Were all the extra parts included in the box?  Like the jumper plugs? Do you see any tiny holes in the decoder?

Regards,

Jonathan

[dietz1221]

I did buy this used. There was a second plug that came in the box, it looks like it is a jumper plug. I did install this and the engine still won't run. I did not notice the headlight being on either. One thig that I did try was to remove the 2 prong plug from the tender to the engine. when this was removed, the overload light did not come on. I don't know if this is a result of the DCC Decoder or if ther is maybe something else that could be wrong.

[Irbricksceo]

Try this:

Hold the tender on the rails with the throttle on, the locomotive OFF the rails, the 2 prong plug removed, and the jumper installed.

If the wheels moved, here is my guess: That 2 prong plug is pickup from the drivers, you could be seeing a short circuit there. How to fix that I cannot say as I do not have the K4 however I do know that early run Russian Decapods had a short issue from Bowing in the Copper pickup plates, Perhaps somebody more familiar with the K4 model can chime in on that front.

[jonathan]

Also, there should be two plugs IIRC.  One plug with two receptacles and a second plug with four receptacles. 

JV

[Bucksco]

Check to see if one of the tender trucks is reversed. Sometimes one of the trucks turns around causing a short when placed on the track.

[Irbricksceo]

It depends on the year jonathan, early models came with a 6 pin plug on board, it was one piece,  nowadays you get 2 3pin plugs

[dietz1221]

Thanks to all who have helped me with my post...I got my engine running after I changed to the leading truck around on the tender. The engine is running fine now for me and I thank all of you who have given me tips and sugestions.