Trouble with a Diesel

[CelloDude]

I recently recieved an older Bachmann diesel (SD-35 or 40) from someone as a gift. It looked in good condition on the outside, but when I started running it on my test track, it went off with a burst of speed and then stopped and started in random spots on the oval. I finally got it running consistently, but I heard a grating noise coming from inside the locomotive. Does anyone know what is wrong and how I can fix it?[%-)]

[cwclark]

remove the locomotive shell and run it without the shell on it...look for parts that are binding or any wiring that may have gotten in the way of the locomotive motor and are brushing against it...while your in there it may be good to clean all the moving parts with alcohol and oil them with light oil...you may want to check the wheels out also and see if any gears are not meshing well...you want to give them some lubricant also...chuck

[Don Gibson]

They're several thing's that could be causing be your problem - one of which is old Bachmann product's never ran that well.

I would FIRST eliminate dirty wheels and track as a possibility. Alcohol with cotton swab's and a rag would be good choice (Cheap) - and go from there.

[Anonymous]

Is this one of the older Spectrum examples with the split-frame chassis? I have a Dash 8 from the same range which runs very well apart from the occasional gravelly rattling noise which could be similar to your grating noise. I found the best way to get it to behave well was to oil the motor and worm gear bearings and grease the truck gearing. At the same time consider cleaning the pickups - they can collect all manner of gunge. Chuck's advice about popping the shell off would be the best first step though - checking that all is as it should be under the hood is always a good place to start!