SF2343 F3 Mildew Problem

[runtime]

I just opened up my 2343 because one of the motors was not turning freely after not being run for 4 to 6 months. I presume this is a lubrication problem.  However, I noticed a great deal of white powdery mildew like substance inside the body cover.  What is this stuff, why does it form, how is it best cleaned, and why doesn't it form inside my 2344 NYC almost identical F3?????.

I know the answers are out there in the community....I await your beneficient responses.

Thanks,

Runtime

ps - These problems seem to be the price I pay for not running my engines regularly! Yes, I have been ignoring my railroad and my hobby..... too many other interests.

[runtime]

I have bigger problems than plastic mildew!

After the prolonged disuse mentioned above, the engine ranhalf way around the layout (~20 ft) and stopped. Held in my hands, the rear wheels turn freely, the front ones don't. Seperating the front motor from the truck, the truck's geartrain and wheels turn freely, the motor turns, but stiffly. Applying power, the front motor barely turns while the rear spins freely.

Can someone tell me what's up??

Thanks,

runtime

[edtybor]

I had the same problem with only one motor a little while ago.  Usually taking apart the motor and cleaning the brushes and commutators will get the motor running again.  Oil everything while you are in there also. Here is a link to the previous post.

http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/22474/313114.aspx

Ed

 

[O-GaugeOscar]

runtime,

I don't think using sandpaper or an eraser on the commutators is a good idea.  (3M 800 or 1000 grit Imperial paper soaked in a little mineral spirits is better.) Don't over lubricate the motors! Below is a link to a great website for Lionel maintenance issues:

http://www.justtrains.com/Service/maint-main.asp

I purchased the cleaning/lubrication supplies recommended on the website at Home Depot for roughly $20. 

Also, check the motor armature alignment.  If the armature looks out of balance or alignment when the motor is assembled, there may be other issues.  I started a thread on this forum titled "Lionel 8111 DT&I Switcher Starting Problems" when I recently experienced motor problems on a locomotive.  You can do a search for the thread and read the posts.

Good luck and let us know what you find and the remedy!

 

 

 

 

[runtime]

Thank you both for your helpful replies. 

After reading through the earlier thread and then studying the Just Trains maintenance procedures, I felt ready to procede with whatever steps necessary.  Mysteriously, when I picked up the motor this evening, layed it over (upsidedown), seperated from the truck assembly, and once again hand rotated the armature, and the pinion gear, they seemed to turn much more freely than the last time I tried the same thing.  So I just wiped excess oily dirt from all exposed surfaces, including the commutator, and, judging that the motor seemed adequately lubed, I reassembled the motor to the truck as is and lo and behold, the unit ran smoothly around my layout for at least 15-20 minutes.

Regarding the so called mildew, from what I read, it's probably old vintage lubricant vapors interacting with the plastic shell material; the insided of the shell was really full of white cruddy, clingy, powder. I'm speculating that this powder could have dropped onto the armature and gunked up the motor.??

I cleaned the inside (and outside) of the shell, first with a baking powder solution, then with dish soap using a tooth brush. There is still some of the white powdery stuff  adhered to  the inside of the shell after I let it dry; I'm thinking rubbing with a non-abrasive scouring pad may remove most of the rest ( it's the inside, so the paint is not affected).

I also dislodged on if the porthole windows; I',m wondering if I could use white glue, or if I should use a plastic model cement?? 

runtime

[TRAINCAT]

 I would suggest that you squirt a few drops of oil down the hole on top of the motor gear case. Some use grease, I recently learned that oil is the best. You want to of course, clean and regrease the truck assy.

 

Roger

[O-GaugeOscar]

runtime,

You might consider using Krazy Glue, Super Glue or an epoxy on your loose windows.

Glad to hear the locomotives are finally running smoothly!