Lionel 736 Berkshire roller pickup Question

[irontooth]

Hello to all the Lionel Guys

I was given a 736 Berkshire loco with a 2046W tender. Got them cleaned and lubed, but had to replace the rollers because they were deeply grooved. I put on new sintered-iron rollers made sure they had freerotation. When I tested the loco the front roller seems to spark more than it should and the rear roller is not sparking, not sure why front sparks and rear does not but help is needed.

Mike

[KRM]

Maybe check the spring tension on the arms pushing the rollers down to the rail to see if they are the same and clean the drive wheels so they get good current flow. Also check the connection of the pick  ups to the power wire. I would not get too up-tight about it. Mine does the same sometimes to. Also make sure your track is clean. Lots of things can cause sparking rollers.

[Firelock76]

And if the sparks never go away, pour yourself a cold one, turn the lights out, and enjoy the show!

[KRM]

Oh, and I forgot to say, congrats on a great gift of an engine, the Berkshire loco is one of the best. Love the gear drive linkage on them. Great pullers and lookers.

After reading this I put our Berk 736 on the rails tonight and let it go pulling 11 heavy cars and a 6026W tender. When it started out, like yours it sparked more on the front than rear. As I let it, a 1615 Loco switcher and Burro Crane run off the ZW as I did other stuff. By the time the ZW had warmed up there were hardley any sparks at all. Let it run and see how it works for you.

 

One last thought that could help. You could replace the rollers with deeply grooved ones that will give you more surface contact area than new ones will.  

[irontooth]

Thanks KRM and Firelock76, I looked at the roller and collector arm took it off and cleaned the brass contact, wheels and cleaned track again. The 736 did spark less so  I think it is a matter of crud. I did replace the rollers because of the deep grooves, thought that was a bad thing I still have them so I could put them back on. I also have a question about motor servicing. I could not find anything on what lubes to use and where to lube. I am used to AF loco and know them well. The Lionel motor is a little different and I do not want to mess it up. Is the motor suppose to have an oil felt on the brush end of the armature and what is the hole for above the armature shaft on the other end?

Thanks a million

Mike

[KRM]

Not a problem, I was pulling your leg on using the deep groved rollers over.

Here is a link I hope to Olson toy trains library showing the 736.

 You will get all kinds of replies on what to use for Lub. I use Mobil 1 5W-30 oil and Mobil 1 Grease where needed, works for me.

Enjoy!

Parts.

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/736.htm

 

And for motor service.

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=627