Hi all,
Thanks for the advice. Yes, the worms are off. I think the issue is the brushes or commutator. I don’t hear clicking but I feel something rubbing as I turn a flywheel. How can I replace the brushes. Can I order replacements somewhere?
Is it possable that the gear(s) that drive the wheels have split? This is the gear that holds the half shafts with the wheels together.
I have seen these gears crack and cause a clicking noise or even bind up the motor so it will not run.
It’s unlikely that the gears would be split: those in Athearn diesels are very robust and I’ve not ever heard of one splitting. However, if a non-plastic-compatible oil or grease were used as a gear lubricant, there is a possibility of damaging the gears.
Wayne
There would also be a different kind of sound and slight hesitation. I have had drive axle gears crack on a GP9, but it was bought in the sixties, many hours on it. Didn’t have fly wheels either.
Take Care!
Frank
I wonder if he ever got the problem fixed after all this time? Its only been 8 years. [swg][swg]
DJBostonMA,
You’re still be moderated, so Your posts are being intertwined with ours. Check out that link that I posted and it explains how to work on motor brushes. You have to scroll down some to get to it. And yes You can get new brushes and springs for motors, if that is what it turns out to be. It just may need a good cleaning and lubing of the motor shaft bearings/bushings. That is also explained with diagrams in that link.
I will continue to follow this thread, so I can try to help, if need be.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank