Bachmann S4 Sound Value problem with noise louder than decoder sounds

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi to all,

I need some advice on what to do with a Bachmann sound value S4. The engine runs smooth and performs well for what it cost and has had very light usage, but its become so darn noisy you can hear what sounds like gear whine over the sounds of the decoder.

I’ve checked for cracked gears, lubed the gears with Labelle 106, no change. Took the shell off and checked for something rubbing or vibrating, nothing.

Because it’s over a year old Bachmann wants $35 to fix or replace it and with shipping about $50 for an engine I bought new for $76.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

Rich

2

From what you discribe it was not always this noisy? Did it happen suddenly or a little at a time?

I understand your cost concerns with this, but it should not cost $15 to ship it. The Post Office will ship it for about $5.

How much older than one year? Those locos have not been out very long? I would talk to the service manager at Bachmann and explain the situation - you might get a pleasant surprise.

Sheldon

3

Maybe the speaker,is rasping,making you think it is the engine,it’s happened before…Mute the sound and run it…

Cheers,

Frank

4

Sheldon,

Thanks for the reply. The engine was purchased in 2/12 and it was very quiet for the first six months then it sat for about 4 months while we moved. Thats when it started making a little whine, but not lound enough to be heard above the sound decoder. In the last 30 days it’s gotton really loud, so loud it almost drowns out the sound of the decoder.

Rich

5

Okay,not the speaker,now it sounds like a dry,motor bushing (bearing),on one or both sides of the motor…

Cheers,

Frank

6

Frank,

That would have been something I should have put in the first post, but forgot, Yes I did run it a lot with the sound off so I know its not the decoder or speaker.

Thanks

Rich

7

Frank,

You may be on to something there because it sounds more like a high speed whine then gear chatter. While we moved it was stored in a VERY hot storage unit with temps hitting 136 , might have cooked any lube in the bushings,

I’ll pop the top tomorrow and put a little clock oil on the motor bushings and see what happens. I’ll post the results tomorrow.

Thanks

Rich

8

[UPDATE:

Frank,

You nailed it! I put some fine clock oil on the motor bushings and 90% of the noise went away. I think almost every Bachmann has a little growl so I’m happy it’s just like new again. The heat from the storage unit when we moved must have dried up the bushings,

Thanks

Rich

9

Doggone it!

I hate when Frank is right…which is more often than not, come to think of it. [8o|]

Rich

10

Glad it was a simple fix.

Sheldon

11

Rich,

That is one of the causes,that will make most all electric motors run hot also…On the older belt driven squirrel cage motors on the older furnaces,had oil caps installed on the motor shaft,if you put a few drops of 3and1 oil on them,beginning in fall,you would never have a problem…Keep that in mind,on any of your motors,when it comes time to PM,them…

Glad for Yaah,

Cheers,

Frank