KATO GE C44-9W New engine, quick failure

[MrWobbly]

I purchased two of the KATO GE C44-9W engines some years ago when they were in short supply. About 8 months ago, I took them out of the boxes to run them. One of the engines ran about 48 feet and stopped running. The other has run continuously. Upon inspection, all connections look factory-fresh. I use lead wires from the transformer for testing. The good engine operates when wires are touched to the wheels. On the bad engine, touching the wheels only produces a spark. Also, the lights do not come on. The engines have Santa Fe Warbonnet colors.
QUESTION: Why would a new engine just malfunction so quickly? What should I be checking? Please advise. Thank you.

 

[Rico]

First thing that comes to my mind is maybe a loose contact wire or quick plug.
Have you tried in forward and reverse?
Bound gears or drive would still produce lights I’d think.
The shell comes off easily to check it, just remove the coupler boxes as I recall?

 

[MrWobbly]

Dear Rico:
Thank you for your suggestions. I tried to apply the current, to no avail.
I will check for bound gears and let you know.
Robert

 

[santafewillie]

To check for bound gears at first, try moving the flywheel by hand. If it moves and the wheels move, then you have an electrical problem. Look for loose wires. Also, put it on the track and apply power when the shell is off. If you see some movement of the drive shafts, or the hum of the motor, then the issue is in the drive shaft/gears. I'm guessing though, that there is some loose wiring somewhere. I have a pair of the same Santa Fe units that have run well for me for over 20 years.