Hello. My Lionel 736 is likely due for a lubrication, but I've never done one before. What type of grease would you recommend? In addition, I am not sure how to remove the metal plate that covers the gears where the motor goes into the frame. I know you are supposed to lubricate underneath it. I think mine might be in too tight. Thanks in advance.
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I use the Labelle 106 grease I get at the LHS.
To get to the gear, you've got two options.
1) Lift the plate up with a flat head screw driver (and use said screwdriver to re-seat the gearbox plate). It is usually pretty tight.
2) Take the motor out - pull it straight back - grease the gear and put it back in.
I agree with SJC, Labelle Lubricants work well for my trains as well. Make sure you clean out all the old lubricant from the gearbox before re-lubing. Depending on age and previous lube, it might be hard as a rock.
Labelles 106 turns into a nasty black mess that looks like cottage cheese. I use Red N Tacky on my PW F3'3, FM, 682. It stays on forever. A lot of hands on here use it. JMHO
Take this simple test: Put a small amount of labelles 106 on thumb and forefinger. Roll it round n round. Wipe it off with a cloth or paper towel. Do the same with Red N tacky. See which one is harder to clean off.
Labelles 106 turns into a nasty black mess that looks like cottage cheese.
I have been using Labelle 106 for many years. Never have seen it turn into a nasty black mess.
Maybe it's mixing with old lubricant of a different brand / formula on your locomotives.
I've tried Red N Tacky, it seems to be OK too, but I prefer Labelle 106.
You can spend as much as you want, like 1,000 % to much but I don't think you can’t beat Mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 oil and Mobil 1 synthetic grease, Buy a quart of oil and a tube of grease and you are covered for about 5 lifetimes and nothing is better than the original synthetic that has been around since the 70s. And you will not spend any more and you can use the rest on your lawn mower,
I use the Labelle container for the Mobil 1 after I tried the Labelle's.
You should know that these old engines also have two sets of roller bearings inside cages around the lower armature shaft. Also that shaft passes through a brass bushing inside the motor housing. These all need attention as well and make a substantial difference in performance. If you don't feel up to performing that task find an experienced post war tech.
Rob
With all the PW engines I have, over 60, I use a synthetic lube called Prolong. It comes in a large spray can, precision oil lubricator, and in a plastic bottle for adding to your engine crank case. I used to find it in my local auto supply, but getting harder to do so. However, thanks to the Forum here, I now acquire through Amazon. Everyone here can remember how when you cut power to a PW engine they pretty much come to a quick, complete stop. When I have used Prolong on my PW motive power, it all coasts to a long, slow stop. I use the precision oiler everywhere necessary, even place a drop, or two, within the gear box. Works great for me on all my equipment, and great for all lawn, household and automotive equipment. Whatever works best in your opinion and trials through use of it.
Jesse
With the holidays, I haven't been able to work on my 736 until now. I have decided to go with the Red n' Tacky, just because I have it on hand. Would Red n' Tacky also work on modern Legacy equipped engines? I am going to my LHS in a little bit, so if you have a suggestion of something better to look for then please respond ASAP!
Harry; I use Red 'n Tacky on all my locos from Postwar to the newest Legacy units. I've also used label 106 over the years with no issues.
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