Try saying THAT three times fast!
Seriously, I've some post-war whistle tenders that have a pronounced motor "whine," for lack of a better term, when they're engaged. The whistle sound works fine.
I've cleaned and lubricated the units, cleaned the brush plates, made sure the fans and armatures have good unimpeded rotation. I haven't replaced the brushes yet, that'll happen after I visit a train show with some parts dealers.
Does anyone have any suggestions for reducing the whine, or is this typical for these tenders?
check for air leaks in the body. if none then i would look at the bearings, especialey the fan side bearing. hope this helps.
Thanks, I'll do that!
If it sounds like the motor is winding up disproportionately to the whistle sound, it's usually due to an air leak, obstructed whistle chambers, or a fouled impeller.
You may need to use compressed air to clear the chambers and impeller of cobwebs, 1950s pine needle fragments, pet fur/hair from long-gone family pets, and errant tinsel or other debris.
I have seen hair strands wrapped very tightly around the impeller vanes that required mechanical means - scissors & needlenose pliers - to remove.
Rob
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check those things you mentioned as well.
To be a bit more precise, the "whine" is really more like a "screetch," or a "buzzy-screetch" if that makes sense. Like plastic rubbing on plastic or a dry bearing. As I said, everything turns as it should and lubrication has been applied, but I certainly appreciate the input.
That screech is usually the lower bearing between the impeller & the armature windings. Use a synthetic motor oil and a needle oiler to reach down between 2 poles on the armature and cover the bushing completely, work it in well, operate the motor, and repeat, to get the oilite soaked well with oil.
Like plastic rubbing on plastic or a dry bearing.Screeching is usually dry bearings. But on rare occasion, the impeller (fan) will rub against the whistle chamber and need adjusting.
Thanks all!
This has been interesting reading. I am working on a Lionel whistle 6026w. I can not find an exploded view so can not tell if this one has a bearing in the brush plate or not ? I know it has a bearing between the armature and impeller
How do you clean out the whistle body, it is glued together, if blowing with compressed air does not work?
Thanks
Irontooth
Tried the suggestions and things are much better now, thanks all!
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