Post-war Whistle Tender Motor Whine

[Firelock76]

Try saying THAT three times fast!

Seriously, I've some post-war whistle tenders that have a pronounced motor "whine," for lack of a better term, when they're engaged.  The whistle sound works fine.

I've cleaned and lubricated the units, cleaned the brush plates, made sure the fans and armatures have good unimpeded rotation.  I haven't replaced the brushes yet, that'll happen after I visit a train show with some parts dealers.

Does anyone have any suggestions for reducing the whine, or is this typical for these tenders?

[rrlineman]

check for air leaks in the body. if none then i would look at the bearings, especialey the fan side bearing. hope this helps.

[Firelock76]

Thanks, I'll do that!

[ADCX Rob]

If it sounds like the motor is winding up disproportionately to the whistle sound, it's usually due to an air leak, obstructed whistle chambers, or a fouled impeller.

You may need to use compressed air to clear the chambers and impeller of cobwebs, 1950s pine needle fragments, pet fur/hair from long-gone family pets, and errant tinsel or other debris.

I have seen hair strands wrapped very tightly around the impeller vanes that required mechanical means - scissors & needlenose pliers - to remove.

[Firelock76]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check those things you mentioned as well.

To be a bit more precise, the "whine" is really more like a "screetch," or a "buzzy-screetch" if that makes sense. Like plastic rubbing on plastic or a dry bearing.  As I said, everything turns as it should and lubrication has been applied, but I certainly appreciate the input.

[ADCX Rob]

That screech is usually the lower bearing between the impeller & the armature windings. Use a synthetic motor oil and a needle oiler to reach down between 2 poles on the armature and cover the bushing completely, work it in well, operate the motor, and repeat, to get the oilite soaked well with oil.

[cwburfle]

 Like plastic rubbing on plastic or a dry bearing.

Screeching is usually dry bearings. But on rare occasion, the impeller (fan) will rub against the whistle chamber and need adjusting.

[Firelock76]

Thanks all!

[irontooth]

This has been interesting reading. I am working on a Lionel whistle 6026w. I can not find an exploded view so  can not tell if this one has a bearing in the brush plate or not ? I know it has a bearing between the armature and impeller

How do you clean out the whistle body, it is glued together, if blowing with compressed air does not work?

Thanks

Irontooth

[ADCX Rob]

[irontooth]

Thanks

 

Irontooth

[Firelock76]

Tried the suggestions and things are much better now, thanks all!