Motor squeal and slowing on brass 4-4-0

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

I have a bit of a conundrum on my hands. I've had this brass 4-4-0 for several years, and it has an off and on problem with the motor squealing and slowing down, and it seems to be getting worse as of late. It doesn't matter what direction the engine is moving in, and everything has been properly lubricated. I know it's nothing to do with the mechanism, because that rolls smooth and the motor still does it even when completely removed from the engine. What's really strange, is it's a Sagami can motor. Does anyone have any ideas on what would cause this problem, and most importantly, how to fix it? Thanks!

 

[bnsf971]

It's a dry motor bearing. Apply a drop of oil to each motor shaft at the bearing, rotate the motor by hand a few times, and reinstall the motor.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

It's a dry motor bearing. Apply a drop of oil to each motor shaft at the bearing, rotate the motor by hand a few times, and reinstall the motor.

After reading you reply, I tried that, and the problem is still persisting. I should also note, that testing it while holding it between my thumb and finger I'm feeling moderate to heavy vibration. Is there anything else that could be causing it?

 

[bnsf971]

Is it a can motor, or open frame, like a Pittman? It's possible, though not likely, the brushes are what's making the noise.

 

[Espeefan]

I'd consider replacing the motor. Sounds like a bearing or brush issue since you're feeling vibration when it runs.

 

[NVSrr1500]

I'd consider replacing the motor. Sounds like a bearing or brush issue since you're feeling vibration when it runs.

If it isn't the brushes worn, I would say replace the motor cause of worn bearings as well.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

Is it a can motor, or open frame, like a Pittman? It's possible, though not likely, the brushes are what's making the noise.

I'm so sorry I'm so late getting back to you. I got caught up in trying to get my house painted and completely forgot about this thread. It's a Sagami can motor.

I'd consider replacing the motor. Sounds like a bearing or brush issue since you're feeling vibration when it runs.

If it isn't the brushes worn, I would say replace the motor cause of worn bearings as well.

I'm hoping that I got it fixed, after doing some probing on the net, I took a look at it under a powerful magnifier and it looked like the shaft had an ever so slight bend in it. So, I took a pair of needle-nose pliers and bent it back and that seems to have fixed it. Not to play the blame game, but a previous owner had put the motor in, so maybe when he put the worm gear on the shaft he bent it and didn't realize it. Thank you, everyone for your help!

 

[NVSrr1500]

I'm so sorry I'm so late getting back to you. I got caught up in trying to get my house painted and completely forgot about this thread. It's a Sagami can motor.


I'm hoping that I got it fixed, after doing some probing on the net, I took a look at it under a powerful magnifier and it looked like the shaft had an ever so slight bend in it. So, I took a pair of needle-nose pliers and bent it back and that seems to have fixed it. Not to play the blame game, but a previous owner had put the motor in, so maybe when he put the worm gear on the shaft he bent it and didn't realize it. Thank you, everyone for your help!

That will do it probably what happened

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

That will do it probably what happened

That's what I'm thinking too. I was running it yesterday, and it seems to be ok now. It even seems to be a little faster now.