Armature in 675

[Anonymous]

After replacing the brushplate, brushes, and springs, I noticed that the armature has a slight amount of play front to back.  If I gently push on the end of the shaft protruding from the bushing in the gear plate, the entire armature moves back towards the brushplate.  It returns to normal when I stop pushing on the shaft.  The brushplate I installed is just like the old plate, except there is a metal bushing for the shaft to ride in, instead of just riding in the hole in the brushplate like on the original brushplate.  I was told that this new plate is a direct replacement for the old one.  The motor runs extremely smooth.  Do I have a problem, or am I worried about nothing?  I would appreciate any info. 

[1688torpedo]

Hello Jim!    You've got nothing to worry about. All Armatures in a Parallel Plate Motor do the same as yours when you push on them from the Gearplate side of a engine.Just keep both ends of the Armature shaft oiled  (A drop or two) & everything will be fine for you. The Metal Bushing in the Brushplate was first used on the #8801 Blue Comet Steam Engine from 1978 & is designed to hold oil better than just a plain hole in the Brushplate & is one of the better ideas from that time period. Take Care.

[Anonymous]

Keith,

           Thanks for the quick reply.  I asked the qustion because I'd rather be safe than sorry.  I was afraid of doing damage to the pinion or cluster gear.  Thanks for putting my mind at ease!

[1688torpedo]

You're very welcome Jim!  That new brushplate will help your 675 run even better for many years to come. Take Care.