[BobS]

I have two MTH Z4000 transformers. One of them has become difficult to operate. The throttle handles have become stiff and hard to throttle up and down. The transformer still responds and the voltage seems to move up and down correctly with throttle position, but it is just hard to move them.

Okay, I turned it over and adjusted the screws. The handles got easier to move but they still squeak. It worked for awhile, then this happened, See picture. The transformer is now on the bench with nothing attached to it's outputs. I've pushed the circuit breakers but nothing happens except this read-out on the face.

I opened it up and do not see anything wrong. I don't what to do now. Is there hope, or is it shot?

 

[Spence]

It's possible that the gears have disengaged somewhat??

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

The Z-4000 has handle tension adjustments, the screws are on the bottom of the transformer.

 

[Krieglok]

Maybe GRJ can chime in again. I have yet to own one of these. I have the MRC Dual Pure Power at the moment.

I found a thread you had about 5 years ago about the same issue. Maybe it will help?

Tom

https://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=61170

 

[BobS]

Maybe GRJ can chime in again. I have yet to own one of these. I have the MRC Dual Pure Power at the moment.

I found a thread you had about 5 years ago about the same issue. Maybe it will help?

Tom

https://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=61170

Thanks Tom, I remembered it after John reminded me. Just a senior slip-up. The handles are fine now, but this is a NEW issue. The darn transformer will not do anything. And, the owners manual doesn't help at all.

 

[BobS]

Tom, thank you, thank you, thank you! I clicked on your link to my old thread, followed the recommendations with what Spence mentioned, and, sure enough, the gears of the left throttle were off by three teeth. I re-aligned them and everything is working again, and the trains are running, again.

I was in a panic, thinking the Z-4000 was kaput. But, thanks to you and to everyone who posted 5 years ago, all it right in my world, once again.

 

[Spence]

I’m glad you found the problem. I had the same problem with a Lionel and that’s how I found the solution.

 

[Krieglok]

Tom, thank you, thank you, thank you! I clicked on your link to my old thread, followed the recommendations with what Spence mentioned, and, sure enough, the gears of the left throttle were off by three teeth. I re-aligned them and everything is working again, and the trains are running, again.

I was in a panic, thinking the Z-4000 was kaput. But, thanks to you and to everyone who posted 5 years ago, all it right in my world, once again.

That is excellent Bob! I don’t know anything about them but Google did! Lol. That’s where I found your old post. That, combined with Spence’s knowledge, did the trick!

What ever it takes to keep the railroad running!

Tom

 

[Maxum]

One of my Z-4000 had a squeaky handle. I put a small amount of petroleum jelly on the circular portion of the handle where it goes inside the case. The two piece of plastic are rubbing causing the noise.