Athearn loco question

[Anonymous]

A few days ago, I posted pics of one of the new Athearn RTR C44-9Ws that I detailed up, and got some really good feedback. Thanks! But ... Today, I went to my LHS and picked up a DCC decoder for the unit (Digitrax DH163). I was all excited to see the unit run for the first time! I got home, installed the decoder, and got it all programed. I sat the unit on the main and gave it thottle. It started moving, but it was very jurkey, and made enough noise to wake the dead!! [:(] I know that Athearn's older locos were very bad about making lots of noise, but I understood that they fixed those problems for the new RTR line. My question is - Can I do anything to get this unit running more smooth and quietly? The rest of my locos are Kato and LL P2K, and there is a night to day differance in the way the others run compaired to the Athearn. If I can't fix it, I'm not even sure I want to keep the thing!! Thanks in advance for any help!! Kevin

[jrbernier]

Check you CV settings. That decoder should have 'silent running' as a feature. You might want to go back to the program track and do a 'reset', then program the address and check the CV's per the Digitrax manual.

Jim Bernier

[TomDiehl]

Did you run the loco on straight DC before installing the decoder? If so, how did it sound? If it worked well before, but not after, the problem is in the decoder or the installation.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I just tried running the unit with a straight DC power pack (removed the decoder and reinstalled the jumper plug) , and the noise is the same.

[grandeman]

Try giving it a good breakin run. Mine was really rough and noisy at first but now runs smooth and quiet.

[Anonymous]

Athearn RTR's are really noisey at first. Give them time to break in. My SD50 buzzed quiud when it was new but since I've run it a bunch it's quieted down considerably. But remember, it's an Athearn! It's bound to growl some.

[Don Gibson]

ATHEARN's may be 'noisy' or not - compared to other makes - but they shouldn't be "waking the dead".

You have a mechanical problen. It is not the decoder. As such it need's to be corrected THEN add the decoder. BEST case: Lubrication . WORST case - a new chassis.

[mcouvillion]

kevnbety,

Sounds like you need to disassemble the whole thing and go through it carefully, checking alignments, lubrication, slack, etc. I do it with every engine I purchase before it ever hits the track. You don't have to run the motor in running around the track, just mount the engine (or the motor by itself) such that it does not interfere with anything and connect it up to a transformer with alligator clips. Run the motor at various speeds in both directions over an hour or so. Lubricate the motor's bearings before starting (I use transmission fluid). If the motor happens to be open frame, check the armature for excessive end-play. You will need to take out the slack (center the brushes on the commutator) before it will run well. I use the Kadee 0.010" or 0.015" shims with a small vee-notch cut out the side so that it will slide over the armature shaft easily but not come off. The motor should run smoothly, silently, and you are finished running it in when you can turn the voltage down and essentially count the revolutions.

Go through the trucks and check the gears for flash and alignment. Lube them lightly (again, I use transmission fluid) and re-assemble. They should roll freely on a smooth surface (i have a glass cover to my workbench) when the worm gear is removed. Remember to gauge the wheels while you have them out.

One other thing to check is each flywheel. Make sure that both are tight on their plastic shaft. If one is loose, it will vibrate and make a heck of a noise. Your engines should run silently if you take the time to make sure they are "right".

Mark C.

[Anonymous]

Here is a link with some Athearn tune-up ideas:

http://www.horailroading.net/athearn-tune.htm

Good luck !!!

[Anonymous]

Also check the worm gear.I have an SD70 that made alot of noise.I thought it was the trucks so I switched them out.Same noise.Ended up being the worm gear.Replaced with an older brass worm and now runs great.I dont care for the new plastic worm gear they are using.The older brass was more durable.I guess it cuts down on noise using plastic but I prefer brass for durability.Dan

[ac4400fan]

I had question on this not long ago ,,make shure the drive u ,joints are all snapped in. and a touch of lube

carl

[grandeman]

Sorry guys. That was a case of mistaken identity. See next post...

[Anonymous]

It needs to be broken in. We have an Athearn GP35. At first it made a lot of noise, but after it was broken in good,it was as quiet as it could be![:)]