Problem with my dads old train set.

To start disassembly, turn the engine upside down and remove the 2 screws that hold the metal plate to the steam cylinders. That will allow you to remove the plate and the front wheels. Take careful note how things go together (pictures are a great idea...) so you can put it back together later. There may be a screw in the top of the boiler, or the motor may simply drop out, or there may be other screws available once the plate is removed. Check at the back (firebox area) for other screws. Once you have it out of the shell, post some pictures. Clear focused close-ups are good! That will help us with the diagnosis.

Chris

LVHR

Fyi @Dan Walker your video isn't showing.   Something about permission to view it.

Like the others said, time to start disassembly and posting clear pictures.   I don't think anyone wants to direct you to a repair video until its clear what you are working on.   There are a few different variations of what could be under that shell.

ok, here's some pics with the motor out of the shell.

So I am not skilled at reverse units, (commonly referred to as e-units since they were initially known as electronic reverse units.)  So I will let someone else speak on that portion.   

What I will say is the brushes look quite used.  That would make me think the commutator would be very dirty.

The brushes are the little round graphite rods held in place with the springs that are soldered in place.

Carefully remove the three screws holding that round looking plastic plate with the wires attached to it.   Lift it up and be sure not to loose the brushes in the process.   Move it to one side and remove the rotating portion of the motor.

The surface the brushes rub on will look black.  Get a red rubber eraser and scrub the gunk off.  Do not use anything metal or abrasive.

Put the rotor back in.  Make sure the brushes slide nicely(almost never an issue)  and reassemble.  Try the loco again.

Here are some similar parts from an engine I converted to a can motor. You can see the cover plate, brushes,  and motor rotor. The bronze looking plate is the part you clean.  A red rubber eraser works fine.  If you have a hobby shop nearby some new brushes wouldn't hurt either.

That's my 2 cents for tonight.

Based on your video that thing is squalling for lubrication and probably the main reason for your issue. Brushes look fine but the armature could probably use a cleaning. There are plenting if youtube videos on how to clean the armature.

Agreed.  After watching your video, you definitely have lubrication problems.  You'll want to add a drop of oil to both ends of the armature shaft, and the rear driver where the drive rod attaches.

Given that your engine was the very lowest-priced steamer that Lionel ever made, it will be way more sensitive to track, wheel, and roller dirt than a more robust unit.  That engine's rollers and ground points will be VERY touchy... especially in a public setting.

Jon

Good advice here.

I did all of this last year on a 70 year old Scout engine, and afterwards, it ran like new!

Mannyrock

I agree with the above analysis. Clean it, lube it, put it back together and see how it runs. Don't over do it with the oil and grease. Grease on the gear teeth, oil on the pivot points. Use just enough to keep things moving smoothly. Too much turns it into a dirt collector. Do pay attention to the rollers. A small drop of light oil at the pin is good. Use a needle oiler if you have one. If the problem persists, then we need to look at the E-unit. With any luck at all, that won't be necessary.

Chris

LVHR

I have found that after I oil it, it is best to immediately let is sit for a day on a paper towel.   Any excess oil on axels,  grease drip, etc.  will soak down into the paper towel.  Otherwise, it will end up on your track rails and wheel tires.

Mannyrock

Follow lehighline's post above and "Don't over do it with oil and grease". If you have to let it sit on a paper towel, you have over oiled it by way too much!! In lubricating trains less is better.

Thanks for all the help guys. It is VERY much appreciated. Do you guys have any tips or tricks for getting the brushes to stay in place while putting the cover back on? Been struggling, trying to get everything lined back up. Brushes just keep popping out when I try to put the cover back into place.

Put the brush plate on first w/o the brushes. (BTW, did you clean the inside of the brass tubes where the brushes go?)Then use something like a small dental pick or other hook to raise the wire in the tube just enough to slide it to the side. Do NOT pull it up any higher than you need to clear the tube! Drop the brush in and move the wire over.

Chris

LVHR

Patience is all I can say.  I have heard rumors of trying  to keep them in the brush plate with something like a thin metal ruler or piece thin plastic and then sliding it out after one or two screws are started.  I haven't tried this,  but it should work.

UPDATE: Per everyone's advice, I took locomotive apart and cleaned everything and then reassembled and oiled and greased it. It now runs GREAT! Thanks so much for all the help. It is very sincerely appreciated.

Dan that's what makes this forum so great. Helping others fix issues and learning at the same time.

Your Welcome

@Dan Walker I am glad to read it worked out.  I hope that loco brings you joy for years to come!