Lionel 2-4-2 steam engine problems

[1688torpedo]

Hello Lionel2986! All your Engine needs is a Traction Tire & they are available at the Parts Dealers listed above & it fits on the Right Rear Drive Wheel on your Engine with a groove cut into it. Some of the guys on this forum are into 0-27 & may make you a offer for your track. Take Care.

[lionel2986]

Well, it runs now. I will have to buy that kit you are talking about before I decide to run it on a regular basis. It is not a very smooth engine like the Conrail SD60 or my Yellow Navy switcher. It is very rough, shaky and will get stuck (no power) if I try to have it run slowly. There used to be a rubber that wrapped around a wheel or two (can't remember) that was for traction, but its no longer there as it came off when I was cleaning the wheels several years ago. So, traction is an issue and many sparks come from the wheels which isn't harming anything, I'm guessing they are caused by the wheels slipper more than the train is moving. Any suggestions on improving traction? I thought about putting rubber bands on the wheels but its hard to find the right size.

off topic-Is there an online classifieds you guys recommend? I've been converting to O and have lots of o-27 track to sell.

[Chris F]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ADCX Rob

Chris F., do you have any examples of grease or oil that is not compatible with plastics? I only ask because I'm really not familiar w/ any that would be incompatible.
Rob

Nothing specific, Rob. Petroleum products in general are bad for synthetic elastomers. Delrin is attacked by acid, nylon by alkali. I have no easy way of knowing what additives are in lubricants, especially those intended for motor vehicles, so I recommend only those which are labeled as compatible.

[1688torpedo]

Hello Lionel2986 It is best to use Labelle Plastic compatible grease & oil available at the Parts Vendor's listed above. Automotive Oil may not be compatible & could do more harm than good. Labelle's Product's are formulated specifically for Toy Trains & that is what I & many others use as well. Yes, your engine is old stock indeed as Lionel never made any gray Columbia's in the 80's (2-4-2 wheel arraingment) Your engine originally came in a set called the "Silver Star" & they usually had a short Flatcar,Hopper,Gondola,Short Boxcar & Caboose & they sold for about $40-45.00 around 1971 & it also came with the sound-of -steam.In 1972 Lionel came out with another version of your engine. Only the Number was 8203 & was a darker grey than yours & it had smoke & sound-of -steam also. Hope this info helps you out. Take Care.

[ADCX Rob]

Chris F., do you have any examples of grease or oil that is not compatible with plastics? I only ask because I'm really not familiar w/ any that would be incompatible.

Rob

[Chris F]

Here's an exploded-view drawing and parts list:
http://www.lionel.com/Products/ProductNavigator/_ServiceDocuments/5499_combo.pdf

There's a parts list for the motor, but no schematic. The motor appears to be similar to one used in the 249; here's a schematic for that one:
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/locos/loc249p3.pdf
The drawings are to help locate the parts; the part numbers themselves are not valid for your 8141.

DO NOT use any grease or oil that is not compatible with plastics. The safest thing to do is visit a local hobby shop. Lionel makes a kit that includes lube, oil, track cleaning fluid, and an eraser. Before lubing/oiling, remove as much of the old lube, cat hair, tinsel, etc., as possible. I've found TV-tuner cleaner does a pretty good job at cleaning off the grease.

[lionel2986]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Chris F

First thing is to identify your loco. Lionel stopped making 2-4-2 starter set locos in 1982, when they made the body longer and changed to a 4-4-2 wheel arangement.

The motor servicing described by 1688torpedo applies to open-frame motors used on 2-4-2 locos prior to 1980. 2-4-2's and 4-4-2's since then have used sealed ("can") motors intended to be replaced rather than serviced.

The only 2-4-2 Pennsylvania gray loco I'm aware of is an 8141, made in 1971. It's got a red stripe on the running board and "8141" below the cab windows. BTW, the model number generally is the number below the cab windows.

If you can provide the model number, we can provide more specific information.

Yes! you guys are really good, I have a 8141, gray with a red stripe on the side. I didn't realize it was from 1971. My dad bought it for me in the late 80s. Maybe it was old stock. I will give your cleaning tips a try and will get back to you. thanks!

Is it ok to use motor oil and valvoline axel grease that is used on real cars? I don't have any hobby stuff, i'd have to buy that.

[Chris F]

First thing is to identify your loco. Lionel stopped making 2-4-2 starter set locos in 1982, when they made the body longer and changed to a 4-4-2 wheel arangement.

The motor servicing described by 1688torpedo applies to open-frame motors used on 2-4-2 locos prior to 1980. 2-4-2's and 4-4-2's since then have used sealed ("can") motors intended to be replaced rather than serviced.

The only 2-4-2 Pennsylvania gray loco I'm aware of is an 8141, made in 1971. It's got a red stripe on the running board and "8141" below the cab windows. BTW, the model number generally is the number below the cab windows.

If you can provide the model number, we can provide more specific information.

[1688torpedo]

Hello Lionel2986! The Motor just needs a good cleaning & fresh grease & oil & it will run right again. All you need to do is to take it apart again. Take off the Brushplate(which is held on by three screws) and take it off & the Motor Armature will come out.Take some Rubbing Alchohol & dip a Q-tip into it & swirl it around the face of the commutator(The large copper disk on the end of the Armature) Then take the dry end of the Q-tip and dry off the alchohol.Next, take a pencil eraser & poli***he Commutator until it shines then use a Toothpick or thin wire to clean out the slots of the Commutator.Clean the Brushes in the same manner as above; Re-assemble the Motor. Lube the Gears & Oil the Axles & place the Motor on a Track Section & it should run just fine for you.If the Brushes are too short or need to be replaced the following Parts Dealers should have them in stock & they have websites also.Dr.Tinker's Toy Train Parts,Olsen's Toy Train Part's,Warren's Model Trains, Or the Train Tender. Good luck & let us know what happens.Take Care.

[lionel2986]

I have a cheap 2-4-2 steam engine from the late 80s. It is a Pennsylvania engine with a gray plastic shell and grey tender. I don't know the model number. The engine does not move. The head light lights up, and the motor makes that noise like its just about to turn over, but it cant. It sounds like something is binding in the gears, keeping them from moving however they turn fine. I removed the plastic engine shell for the first time since I owned it. I have owned it for 15 yrs. I never had to open up a lionel engine. They have been very reliable. I scraped the hardened grease that build up near the gears and they seem to turn easier, but it still has trouble. The inside is very greasy from the smoke fluid (when I was little I probably put too much in), and the gear lube is dried, hard and dirty. I used electric motor cleaner on them and cleaned it so they turn a little easier, but it still doesnt make enough power to move on the track. I clean the wheels and center rail power pickup, the headlight lights up very brightly so I don't think power is an issue. Any suggestions? This engine is so cheap its not worth sending in for repair, and probably cheaper to buy an entire working used one on ebay (maybe $20? its a cheap engine) but it is my first engine so it means the most to me.