[CKCECB]

I'm reworking my previous rework of a 2055 steamer. A few years ago I converted it to a liquid smoke unit because that's all my local shop had. I found a box of of parts I ordered from Henning's last year with the old style nichrome element rebuild kits.

Looking through the manual, Lionel mentions sealing the unit cap with electric cement, specifically Saureisen brand electric heater cement. What purpose did this serve? I probably won't use anything. Just wondering if it's electrically necessary or was it just to cut down on leaks.

I kept the metal cap so that is what I will use. When I did the liquid conversion I used a plastic cap and no cement and it worked fine. I still plan on running liquid but now I won't need to worry about running it dry.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I've never sealed the cap of these, it makes it a PITA to work on them later!

 

[CKCECB]

Well, she's put back together and smokes better than the liquid resistor did. And I cleaned up some of my previous wiring work, so her motor runs better now. I didn't use any sealant.

One thing I will never do again is use rubber rope caulk as a smoke gasket. When I took the shell off, that stuff had dissolved into a messy goo like chewing gum on a hot sidewalk. Guess the smoke fluid wasn't chemically compatible with window weatherstripping (duh).

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Chris