Hello,
This is really a continuation of the shell removal post which I managed to acheive with help from you all.
The 'new' HO scale Walthers SD60 DC was noisy from its first test run at most speeds.
Sometimes on corners it made an almost whirr sound and at other times on straights it was making a buzz which at slow speeds was almost a clack.
The nearest sound like this was with my blue box Athearn engine. So what have I done to correct this.
I removed the cover on each truck and lubed the gear using a small amount of Woodland Scenics Gear Lube.
I oiled the worm gear, drive shaft and flywheel. Now I am running it at different speeds for 30 minutes or so to let the oil/lube settle and see if that fixes it.
I also looked at the geared wheelset and removed and re inserted to make sure they were seated properly.
It still has that burr/whir sound as it travels around the train room.
I think this is an old question and topic, and I appreciate your knowledge. The SD60 is a pretty engine for my freight roster and I know it pulls well but I like my engines quiet!
Thank you Sean
Have you checked for anything that might be loose or rubbing on something inside the loco? Have you tried running it withou the shell to see if it still makes that noise? It may be something as simple as a driveshaft that isn't seated properly. I had that happen with an Athearn F7A once. It didn't hurt the performance at first, but it made noise and I didn't realize what the problem was until the shaft popped out completely and I had to reinstall it.
Hi,
I am running it without the shell at the moment and yes it still makes the same sound as I vary the direction and speed. I will look at drive shafts and see. The sounds is a burr or buzz.
I should point out that this is a Walthers Mainline locomotive and so quite new. The driveshafts are articulated coming off the flywheel and into the wormgear housing.
Sean