Replacing pickup rollers on Lionel postwar steamers

[Deputy]

I just bought some Lionel postwar locos...a 736 Berkshire, a 665 Hudson, and two 646 Hudsons.
Some of them have worn pickup rollers that are deeply grooved. How difficult is it to install these? Do I just bend the pickup frame out to remove them and then bend it back after installing the new ones? I know some locos have pins on each end of the rollers as part of the roller and some use a seperate "axle pin" for the rollers. Do I need to peen the axle pins on the 2-piece rollers on each end to have them stay on?

[Anonymous]

Dep,

          You could bend the frames, but that is risky.  I prefer to file off the flared end of the pin to remove it and replace it along with the roller.  Use a ballpeen hammer to flare the end of the new pin.

[Deputy]

Thanks Jim!  How do you put them on without bending the frames?

[Anonymous]

Dep,

          Here is how I replace the rollers:

1.  File of flared end of pin and remove the pin and roller.  After filing off the end of the pin, it might need to be driven out with a small punch or nail.

2.  Install new roller and pin then rest the larger end of the pin on an anvil and use a ballpeen hammer to flare the smaller end of the pin to secure it.

[Deputy]

Okay...got it.So are all pickup rollers of the two-piece type where there is a seperate roller and center axle? That may be where my confusion is. I thought some were all one piece?

[Anonymous]

Yes, some of the earlier pieces use the one piece type, but the steamers you listed in your original post all use the two piece roller and pin.

[Deputy]

Thanks a ton Jim! Sure appreciate the help!!!!

[mikedinmpls]

Hoping you may still be active on this forum and can help me.  I'm pretty new to model railroading and I too am looking to replace the pickup rollers on my Lionel 736 Berkshire.  The rollers spark quite a bit and I don't think that's suppose to happen.  

I have no idea where I can find pickup rollers and pins to replace what I have.  I understand the process you laid out here to replace them, but I've never done this kind of small scale work.  Would hate to ruin my train, but I do want to start learning how to repair on my own without paying others to refurb my pieces.  

Any additional advice on how to replace these would be helpful!

[ADCX Rob]

You can save yourself a lot of bending(& angst) by replacing the entire collector assembly with the 736-16 or 681-4 part for about $10.

The arms, with rollers, are about $5 each(736-17).

They use the 681-15 and 681-16 roller and pin available for .75 & .50 ea., if you are bent on just replacing the rollers. A Google search will locate any of these parts for you, or just go to the Train Tender website.

[mikedinmpls]

Wow!  Exactly what I need!

I think I'll replace the entire assembly, that makes the most sense.  

Do you know where I can get the 736 maintenance manual online for free?

[ADCX Rob]

Motor Service Pages

Smoke Unit Pages

Whistles and Tenders

736 Specific Pages