Sd40t-2 and sd45 running sluggish

[Modeltrains2021]

Hi there I have a sd40t-2 and SD45 they both run sluggish and the wheels on both are pretty clean how can I fix it?
Thankyou.

 

[Greg@mnrr]

The problem could be that the gear tower in the front and rear of the locomotives are over lubed or in need of complete cleaning.

Or just dirty track could be the cause of your problem.

Just a guess and keep us posted on your progress.

Greg

 

[Modeltrains2021]

Okay will do might re power both to see as I just cleaned the track

 

[D&J RailRoad]

Were they running better in the past?

 

[Modeltrains2021]

Yes I run them pretty often when I'm at my train club

 

[kjd]

What brand? How old? DCC? Sluggish slow or sluggish not pulling? If performance of both changed at the same time, I would suspect something happened at the club.

 

[Modeltrains2021]

Old Athearn blue box Not dcc when on club lay out if it's behind the lead locomotive it will drag my tunnel motor but when on my layout at home it runs just fine

 

[kjd]

I'm not sure what "it" is in your post above but if it runs fine one place and not so well the other, I don't think it's the locomotive.

Some older Athearns don't like to go down hills or be pushed. The worm gear in the trucks binds slightly and gives the impression of bogging down even when going down hill. The classic fix is to shim the worm so it can just barely move front and back. I've had Kato locos do the same thing.

 

[Modeltrains2021]

Its on the flat section of track where it stalls and the motor quits turning

 

[D&J RailRoad]

I would check the feeders to the track.

 

[Modeltrains2021]

Okay

 

[MikeMims]

Hi there I have a sd40t-2 and SD45 they both run sluggish and the wheels on both are pretty clean how can I fix it?
Thankyou.

DC or DCC? Have you checked track voltage?

 

[Modeltrains2021]

Dc and no but will do that