I was given a dual Pulmor motor Lionel F3 IC 8580. The engine appears to be in really good shape. Both motors also appeared to be in really good shape.
I ran the engine and heard what I can only describe as a horrific combination of screeching and grinding.
After greasing the worm gear, plastic drive gears and adding a drop or two of oil into the armature port at that the top of each motor, the screeching was no more. But what I did notice was the armature exhibited quite a bit of "float" while spinning (see video below. Sorry for the sideways video.....that was easiest way to record the spinning armature with the engine laying on its side). If you zoom the video you'll see the armature float much better.
I measured the amount of vertical play for each armature. The front motor armature moves vertically .8 mm. The rear motor armature moves .6 mm. Is this normal? I'm wondering since these motors are so clean looking; someone worked on them before and lost/left out a few parts?
This is my first foray into working with older Pulmor motors, so I'm hoping one of you could provide some insight.
