I have a 2466 whistle that I can't get quiet enough. I've searched and read all of the previous posts about oiling, etc. I've done all the necessary cleaning/oiling, cleaned the commutator face with a green 3M pad to get is as smooth as possible, and installed new brushes. I noticed that while the motor is turning I can see blue sparks between the brushes and commutator, and this sparking seems to be causing some noise. Does the sparking mean that the commutator surface is not smooth enough, or is this normal?
thx, Don
Some arcing and some noise (actually more than a little) are normal. Do you have another tender to compare with?
Bob Nelson
Thanks Bob. The noise is much worse with the shell on, so I think it must be rear bearing. I've oiled down behind the impeller and it's still pretty loud. Can the bearing/bushing be replaced?
Don
Don,
Good luck with your whistle. Postwar whistles seem to be all over the map in motor noise and sound quality. I oil the bushings and clean the commutator and take whatever sound I get.
Earl
This is more of a band aid, but you might try some heavier oil on the motor bearings. The heavier oil might damp out some of the vibrations making the noise. 30 weight maybe.
If you have a horizontal whistle replace the lower bearing with WS156 bearing. Next you want to install a bushing in the brushplate. ( I know the brushplate didn't come with bushing, but you want to install one ) Use part # 600-8801-077. A little oil and you can enjoy your whistle.
Bill
Bill, is the bushing a modern lionel part? I didn't find that part number from Olsen's.
I actually have 2 noisy whistles - 1 horizontal (6026), and a vertical with the metal chamber (6466).
For the horizaontal, what does that bearing do? Looks like it just connects the impeller to the armature.
For the vertical, will the bushing you listed work for that also? When it was running I felt both the rear bronze bushing and the brush plate, and felt vibration from the brush plate so I assume that is the source of the noise.
On the 6026 use WS156 and 600-8801-077 . On the 6466 use 600-8801-077, WS107 Bearing and Ball Bearing WS106. The ball goes inside the WS107 Bearing. When you install the 600-8801-077 Bushing in the brushplate, install it from the top down. You can get the parts from The Train Tender. Give Jeff a call he has the parts.
Great info - thanks Bill!
don
Boxcar Bill, I have a tender that is noisy and I plan on trying your fix.
I have another question. My Lionel #60 Trolley that sounds like a coffee grinder when it goes down the track and I have heard that others have the same problem. Have you ever come up with a fix to quiet the #60 Trolley motors?
Dave
I am sorry, but the only fix for the trolley that I have found is to turn-up the stereo.
You don't need to turn up your stereo, I'll just send you my grand kids.
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