I need some advice on cleaning commutators on Athearn open motor locos. I would appreciate information on how, and what to use. As always, thanks in advance.
Radar
I use CRC 2-26, a pencil eraser and a piece of a paper towel. I spray just a few drops onto the commutator and turn the motor a few times by hand. I then apply power to the motor. It’ll run rough for a few seconds then start to gain speed. While it’s running I gently press the pencil eraser against the commutator. The effect is immediate as the black gunk is rubbed away. With the motor still running I gently press the paper towel against the commutator. Another drop of CRC 2-26 and I let it run for about thirty seconds. Once the loco is back together I run it around the layout a few times.
When I have done it, I start by cleaning any oil off with 91% alcohol on a Q-tip. Then I use a red pencil eraser to clean the copper segments. You might have to shape the eraser to be able to get into all the areas. After cleaning the commutator, I used a toothpick to lightly scribe between the segments. You have to be careful here as not to pick the copper commutator edges and make them rough. Once the motor is cleaned and running good, I lightly apply a bit of light-weight oil to the motor bearings.