I checked the springs and cleaned the contacts, the gearing looked OK, all spun freely but I did notice some particles of carbonlike "junk" came out during the inspection process. Reassembled the unit and it seems to be working properly. Thanks to all for the suggestions.
Take a look at the gears, comparing forward to backward operation. Sometimes the spindle that a gear turns on will wear on one side, allowing the gear to tilt, spoiling its engagement with the other gears and possibly scraping against something. It will work fine in the less-used direction, when the gear is bearing on the unworn part of the spindle.
Bob Nelson
Juat a couple of questions on the above suggestions. Is there a tutorial or sketch on how to deal with the brushes (I've never had to get into the motor of a 2055. Also. do the brushes work the same in forward as they do in reverse because the engine in reverse is fine. I've also had some e unit issues as well. The engine also seems to make a grinding sound (not metal to meal grinding but maybe more of a groaning sound).
Such behavior can be caused by oil soaked brushes. I'd clean the commutator plate, brushplate, and brush holders. Replace the brushes. If the springs are weak replace them too (rare).
If you clean the brushes, the oil that is deep in the brush will work its way to the surface, causing poor performance once again.
Start by cleaning the commutator and brushes, and replace brushes if worn down. Next check the e-unit contacts and drum for proper contact, and worn 'fingers' or damaged drum. Clean and relube all gears, axles, and the armature bearings. If you still do not get proper operation, then remove all wires from the motor and test it independently in both directions. If the problem still persists, then you have a motor or possibly worn gearing problem.
Larry
Make sure nothing's wrapped around any of the axles.
When was the last time you gave it a cleaning/lube?
I noticed lately the the speed of my 2055 was erratic. I would start fine then slow a bit then pick up speed. I normally run it at 16+V on a KW usually with a heavy consist in order to produce sufficient smoke. Today however is slowed to a crawl at 18+V. I ran it alone and it was very slow in forward and perfectly normal in reverse. Anyone know what's happening here and how I might fix it?
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