How Do I tell which F3 motor is better? Restoring a 2343...HELP

[FEClionel]

I have 2 sets of 2343's one I am restoring and the other is being used for parts. How can I tell which set of motors is in better condition, One has a lot of bacl grease in the gear and the other is dry. One has had the copper wire wrap thing at the top replaced and the other hasn't. Finally one spins very freely and the others less but those are the ones that are lubed up. I lubed the dry one and the still make alittle more noise but move a little more freely. Any help would be great - I'm a young guy new to restoring and fixing Postwar! Thanks

[lionelsoni]

Perhaps this is a case in which the principle applies that if you can't tell which works better, it doesn't matter!

[mpzpw3]

remember, that appearence isn't everything. The easiest way I can think of to tell which set is better, is to start putting cars behind them until one set cannot handle the load. Save the motors from both sets, and determine which is better after shell restoration. I am assuming you are cleaning and servicing the motors yourself, as they are pretty easy to do. My 2343s will pull about anything, but they really growl doing it. The motor is a pretty good design, and I would think , with proper servicing, either set will run well.

[FEClionel]

Which set of motors would you pick them an all original unrewired set with no grease in the gears or a set with new copper wire things a the tops? Both spin nice but the unlubricated ones spin more but make alittle more noise.

[3railguy]

You really should dissasemble the motors and clean the parts with mineral spirits and a toothbrush. I would also replace the two thrust bearings and brushes (available from most postwar parts dealers) on each motor. Be advised the thrust bearings are likely shimmed with washers. Keep track of how many and where they go. Relube the motor with light oil on the bearings, oil reservoir and the brushplate wick. The motor shaft worm takes grease. Fill the void with grease where the worm and truck worm gear meet. I would also clean and relube the truck frames and worm shaft. There are block bearings nested in the truck frames. It is very important that these block bearings be repositioned exactly like they are before removing them.

You can evaluate the best parts during the clean, lube, and assembly stage. When assembling the motors, turn them with your fingers and feel for slop sideways and thrustways. They should turn freely but have little or no play.

[eZAK]

FEClionel,
Do exactly what John '3railguy' long said.

A visual is always the best.

Your motor with the new brush plate may be better b/c it was seviced
OR
It could have been seviced wrong.

The other motor may have worn gears
OR it may just need some grease.