My Lionel 2037 is squealing after cleaning.

[SleeperN06]

Oh boy do I feel stupid. The oil did the trick. Thanks again

It’s been running for about 20 minutes and I can only hear the wheels on the track. I guess the grease and oil have worked their way in because the speed has doubled since I first opened it up and I’m real happy.

I was just so tired and frustrated last night that I thought maybe I got ripped off.

 

[SleeperN06]

WOW, OK the oiling was easier than I thought. I was thinking I had to remove the body for the 3^rd time, but it was fully visible. I put on a drop of oil and I can’t hear the squeal from manually turning the wheel as I did last night.

I have to wait for the grandson and everybody to get up before I can fully test it. My grandson is tuned in to the sound of the train.  I can drill a hole and he will sleep through it, but the minute I start the train, he is up and running.

[SleeperN06]

sir james I

As noted above, a drop of oil on both ends of the armature will almost always stop the squeal.

 Thanks I remembered that I cleaned the brush plate with alcohol. I'll try the oil 1^st before I pull it off

[SleeperN06]

Thanks for replying.  I also think it has something to with the armature because of the high frequency of the sound.

I’m not so sure I know what you mean by bearings. There are no bearings that can see, only a hole through the brush plate and the gear cover. I did remove the gear cover and added a little grease. The brush plate is a pain to remove because I can’t see a way to keep the brushes from popping out. The spring will not come out of the retainer because of the way the bracket is shaped. I guess you have to remove the whole plate to replace the brushes. What a pain. I cut a little piece of card board to maybe slide under the brushes, but that became a chore in itself. I guess I’ll have to just remove the brush plate.

As far as getting anything from Lionel you have to be registered with them as an authorized dealer. I tried to buy a truck once and couldn’t get to 1^st base.

 

[sir james I]

As noted above, a drop of oil on both ends of the armature will almost always stop the squeal.

[cwburfle]

The most common source of squealing on any Lionel engine with spur drive (like your 2037) is the armature shaft bearings. You may not have applied enough lubricant. I recommend Labelle #106 grease with teflon, unless the bearing are porous. Then I use one of Labelle's plastic compatable light oils (I forget the number).
Sometimes the squeal will not go away, or re-appears quickly.
if that is the case, then the bearing plate on the gear side probably needs to be replaced.
The bearing plate is readily available, and should cost under five dollars. It is part number 2036-110 "gear plate".
The last time I needed one, I purchased it directly from Lionel. I don't know whether they still have them. I beleive most parts dealers do.

[SleeperN06]

I took apart my 2037 to clean and lube. I was very careful with oiling after overdoing it on another loco last week. After pulling it apart there was a puddle of oil on the table and I know it wasn’t me. I think it came out of the smoke unit.

Anyway, after I put it back together it started squealing an awful noise. I took it apart again and I can’t find anything wrong. Could the brushes make that kind of noise if they got turned? Or could it have something to do with that puddle of oil?