Lionel 2025 loco sounding ill

[Anonymous]

My Lionel 2025 locomotive that has always run great has now, just today, started hesitating. It is intermittently slowing and making a grinding sound. It started off on pretty infrequent but is almost becoming constant. I tried a little gear oil on the exposed gears but it didn’t help. Is there any other lubricating that might help? Other suggestions? I’m having a Christmas party tomorrow night and there will be some disappointed kids, self included, if the only steamer on the Christmas layout is out of commission. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Rob

[1688torpedo]

Hello Freightguy! Sounds like your 2025 will need to be Taken apart to be cleaned and oiled.Olsen's Toy Train Parts has diagrams that show all of the different parts that make up a 2025. That will give you a idea as to how to take it apart and clean it.Most likely the commutator will need to be cleaned and you might need a new set of Brushes for the motor as well. All of this is in the diagrams as well. Just type in " Olsen's Toy Train Part's" on your computer and you should have access to all of the 2025 diagrams.Good Luck.

[Jumijo]

A spate of sick 2025's lately. Jeez, these things close in on 60 years old and start getting fussy or what? I'm leaving mine off the tracks until all this bad mojo gos away.

Forum member jerrylovestrains has worked on a few 2025s of late. You might want to ask him to help you out. Just a suggestion.

Jim

[Anonymous]

Thank you Keith. I see you're from Cleveland. I live 15 mi south of Akron near Hartville. I can take the loco apart but what is the best way to clean? Just get the dirt out/off with some q-tips or what? Will I need a solvent or anything? I'm really hoping I don't need to replace the brushes just yet as I may have trouble finding them around here before tomorrow. Thanks again. I'll check out Olsens.
Rob

[Anonymous]

Rob, I think all you need is a drop of oil on the armiture shaft that protrudes in the center of the brush holder. DO NOT oil the brushes. The brush holder is made from coated cloth and formed under heat and high pressure. In time, if the shaft hole dosen't get oil on a regular basis, it will squeal like a pig. It will take three to four oilings before the brush holder material will absorb enough oil to keep the shaft lubricated and "QUIET". It is also possible that you have run the loco too long without lubricant. If so, the brush holder material will have burnt and NOT hold the oil. In this case, you will need to replace the brush holder with a new one. Harry

[1688torpedo]

Hello Rob! I use Q-tips,Rubbing Alchohol,and A Pencil Eraser. First, I'll dip a q-tip in rubbing alchohol and apply it to the Commutator and use the dry end to dry off the Commutator. Then I will take a clean pencil eraser and rub the commutator with it to clean off the black spots and it will shine after that. Then I will take a Toothpick and clean the slots of the Commutator to get out the old residue,carbon and burned oil. After that, then I'll oil all of the axle bushings and use labelle grease on both ends of the Armature Shaft.Then put the motor on someTrack and let the oil and lube work their way on all of the moving parts. After that your engine should be ready for re-assembly.Hope this helps.If you need any more info, Let us know.

[1688torpedo]

Hello Rob! if you need Motor Brushes for your 2025. Try E&S Trains on Kenmore Ave in the west side of Akron. He stocks some Lionel Parts also. Or try Schaffner's in Canton.Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

I followed the advice on here a couple of days ago. My 2025 was doing the same as yours now it runs quiet and smooth. I have the early version 2025, I dropped the chassis down to oil the motor. I put 1 drop of Lucas gun oil on each side of the motor shaft and on each wheel bearing. After assembling I realised that you can probably lube it without taking it apart. Just get a small screwdriver put a drop of oil on it and transfer it to the shafts. I use the Lucas gun oil because of past experience with other oils it seems to be better than any other type that I've tried - it clings without running. When using Lucas oil remember that less is best. one drop is all that you'll need.

[Anonymous]

Hello

I can clean and repair you 2025 motor. Most Lionel locos just need a prfessional cleaning, overhaul, and lube to get them working again.

Jerry

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all for your help. Oil on the armiture shaft did the trick! I am very impressed by the great willingness of everyone to help. This week was my first experience with this forum and I was so glad I gave it a shot. I'm really just getting back into the hobby and its nice to know there is somewhere you can go for help -particularly as the local hobby store are drying up faster than water in the desert. Ironically, probably ar result of the internet and mail-order. There's good and bad with everything I guess.

KEITH FROM CLEVELAND - Schaffner's closed up this year. My wife is a hospice nurse and she took care of one the family members as they died. The shop closed soon after.

JERRY - How much (apx $$) for the rehab?? I have a 224 and a 2025. I think they are basically the same motors. Would I just send the motors to you via UPS? How long would you have them?

[Anonymous]

Depends how long it takes for both. Usually it cost around 20 for each loco. It is much cheaper sending a lot of items for repair at once in the long run.

Send the locos vis United States Postal service, not UPS

Jeust email me to get the details.