Skip to main content

My Lionel 243w tender has been sparking a lot on the track and the whistle acts like it wants to blow. I thought the wires from the contact rollers might be slightly touching the frame, but when I moved the wires away from the frame, it stopped or so I thought, it still does it. So I replaced the old wires and the wire going to the solenoid and it still does it. I'm looking everywhere to see if there is a short somewhere, but I don't see anything touching. Do you guys think maybe there could be a short in the solenoid housing or even the the whistle itself? It works when I push the whistle button. I tested it with a multimeter and it shows that there is a short, but not all the time.

100_3857

100_3856

100_3854

Attachments

Images (3)
  • 100_3857
  • 100_3856
  • 100_3854
Last edited by DennyM
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

When was the last time you lubed the motor bearings?  The one I can see looks dry.  Use motor oil, 5W-20.  There are two bearings, one that is obvious and one that is hidden below the armature.  You can use a toothpick or bent paper clip to put a few drops of oil on the lower bearing.  While you are at it, oil the wheels also.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×