I’m rebuilding an old HO scale Southern Pacific Athearn DD/40 I have and I can’t really make out the schematics on info on the motor. The engine I have didn’t have brushes so I bought a pack of Athearn Brushes Part # 90037. When placing the brushes in, they seem kind of long and have very little or no room for the motor brush spring or clip. I thought that most of the older Athearn locos used the same motor…or am I doing something wrong? Lastly, don’t remember but I’m assuming that the flat end of the brush goes against the armature not the slotted end (?). Any help would be appreciated!
The brushes should fit. Although Athearn’s motors have gone through changes over the years, the brush size and overall motor size have been the same for 40 years now. How long are your brushes? They should be about 1/4" long with another 1/8" or so of room for the springs.
And you’re right about the brush position. After they’ve been worn in a little and taken on the round shape of the commutator (segmented part the brushes contact), the slotted end is there so you can adjust the brush position with a screwdriver after maintenance.
Many years ago I ran into the same problem, turned out there were pieces of the “old” motor brushes still in the motor. Try taking the motor and lightly tapping it on your workbench to see if you have any pieces still in the holes.
If not just cut the excess off and install them…
Mark
Thanks guys, finally got it! I think those covers that the brush drops down into weren’t set right against the motor housing, got it to go now. Many Thanks!