6466 whistling tender

[Anonymous]

I am having a little problem with my whistle. When I activate it the motor growls and small sparks come from the armature hole on the brush plate. when activated the armature seems to be pulled toward the plate. If I hold slight pressure on the end of the armature with a tootpick the motor runs well. Is there a missing fiber washer between the armature and brush plate? does anyone have an exploded view of the motor? Thanks, John

[lionelsoni]

There might be something helpful here: http://www.olsenstoy.com

[phillyreading]

John,
Sounds like it needs a good electrical tune-up, clean the brushes and armature first then tackle the next problem if there is one. I use an old pencil eraser on the brushes and armature to clean them, make sure the brushes are flat or smooth on the side that goes to the armature. Lube the shaft very lightly.
Lee

[Anonymous]

I did the tune up a while ago. It seemed to whistle better. Now the motor does not want to turn unless I put slight pressure on the armature tip at the brush plate. That is why I thought a fiber washer might be missing. The link bob sent is not working. what should I be looking for on the olsen site?
John

[lionelsoni]

They have exploded diagrams of many Lionel models. I seems to me that there must be a missing thrust bearing, whether fiber or not, I don't know.

I just looked at Olsen's drawings. There seems to be no upper thrust bearing and that gravity combined with the brush springs are all that keep the armature down. Why it wants to ride up, I don't know.

[Anonymous]

gravity would be good if it layed flat like most whistle units but this unit stands on its side.

[Anonymous]

Hello Jim

I have worked on the 6466 tenders many times. I have not seen a fibre washer that I know of on the motor shaft of a 6466.Sounds like it may just need a cleaning and lube. You would be amazed how dirty those commutators and brushes get after just a little while of use. I can clean it for you and give a tune-up. Just email me at [e-mail] to schedule a repair. I only charge 12 dollars an hour.

[lionelsoni]

What about the possibility that the impeller is pushed too far onto the shaft? Your pushing on the other end of the shaft might simply be keeping the impeller clear of the case. I believe that the proper way to remove the impeller (I have never done it) is to remove the brush plate and drive the shaft through with a punch in the direction of the motor. Perhaps a few taps in that direction will create enough clearance for it to run properly.