Opening Scout Motor

[pgtr]

I've got a cheapie 242 from mid 60s that runs poorly with all manner of symptoms. Fairly worthless and thought I'd disassemble for kicks and a cleaning. I believe the axle shafts must be pressed or tapped away from the non geared wheels. But if I brace the geared wheels the axle shaft would press further into (and beyond) the geared wheels. On the other hand I don't see any obvious way to brace the plastic case without bracing the wheels when tapping the axles out. Can someone clarify the proper method for tapping the axle shafts out? Thanks

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The Doctor Is In!!! Unless you have access to a fully stocked Lionel repair shop, Don't try to take a scout motor apart! From what I have read in the Lionel repair manual, you need special tools and the old timer repairmen just swapped out the motor with one from a #2020 loco (i think) The motor was a cheap product and was not really made to be dismantaled. My advise is find a loco on ebay or a train show like yours that runs better and put the old motor aside.  Now, If you have three hands and the proper tools, then take the motor apart.  It is more trouble that it is worth.

Till My Next Missive, I Remain The Humble Yet Strangly Evil Doctor!!!

[phillyreading]

Just like the man who calls himself Dr. Fu Manchu, Don't open the motor unless you know what you are doing. I would suggest buying a low price replacement locomotive and keep the 242 for parts if you can or shelf it, I have a 235 scout locomotive that I was able to swap out the motor from a newer scout locomotive that the shell was ruined. IN all honesty some of the old Lionel locomotives were not built to last, mainly thier 027 locomotives from the 60's.

Lee