Hi, I have a Life-Like P2K SD9 and a P1K GP38-2, both of which light up and want to run when power is applied, but don't move beyond a quick flick of the flywheels. I know how to change the gears on a GP7/9/18, etc, by slipping a flat blade under the end of the keeper plate and pushing the side-clip out from the inside. But I can't work out the technique for getting into the SD7/9 or GP38-2 trucks, which are of a different design. In fact add P1K RS-11 to those. The exploded diagrams do not provide any "how to" info. Can anyone advise, please?
Thanks,
Bill.
Peanut butter lube and gummed up worm bearings are the norm on vintage Life-Like locos. I just opened one of my "parts" SDs and found some old, goopy grease:
L-L_SD7-truck-top by Edmund, on Flickr
L-L_SD7-truck by Edmund, on Flickr
The bottom cover is best removed after separating the truck from the frame since you have to simultaneously release three clips on each side of the gearbox and these release by wedging a small object from the top, or frame, side.
L-L_SD7-truck-gear by Edmund, on Flickr
There are four projections that lock in the side frames which, when released, will free the wheelsets. The PA is similar.
Proto_gear-3 by Edmund, on Flickr
The above worm shaft bearings were locked solid to the shaft with a kind of lacquer/amber resin that must be the results of interaction with the metals in the bearing reacting with the chemicals in the lube. It all had to be flushed out with lacquer thinner.
Good Luck, Ed
Good pics by gmpullman above.
Seems to me the Proto 2000 SD7s and SD9s might have a couple of small screws that hold the two gear case halves together, as well...?
You're correct, OE, two small flat head screws hidden under the brake gear moldings.
I don't encourage stripping the gearcase down quite that far unless there's good reason to. I think old grease can be flushed out with the gearcase halves intact. There's a bit of a challenge getting all those gears back in there correctly. Might take some of the FUN out of the Model Railroading is Fun slogan...
Regards, Ed
Hi Gents, thanks very much. Wow, those pics are like one of those exposees of what the inspectors found in the restaurant kitchen, or what lives in your mattress that is too small for you to see! To think I've been that close to it without knowing!! I'll have a go and hopefully get things running again.
Best regards,