Lubricate a motor commutator and brushes?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Greetings,

I am doing a bit of overhaul on some HO scale P2K engines that have open frame motors like the old Athearns. I have the Conducta Lube from Atlas. Would you recommend putting a drop of this on the commutator? Does the commutator and brushes need any lubricant at all?

Thanks in advance,

Mark

2

The commutator bearings (sometimes called just motor bearings) could stand a bit of lube, but never on the brushes is what I’ve always heard. In fact, overlubing the bearings can sling enough lube on the brushes to cause them problems.

3

For lubing the commutator and brushes use just a drop of CRC 2-26 on the commutator.

4

Be careful what you use on the commutator and brushes. Lubricants commonly used for motor bearings like Labelle #107 will burn on the commutator and really foul up the motor performance. Ask me how I know!

I thought that motor brushes had graphite in them to lubricate the commutator so keeping the commutator clean was all that was necessary. Am I wrong?

Jeffery - what is CRC 2-26?

Dave

5

CRC 2-26 is a plastic safe lubricant, penetrant, cleaner and corrosion inhibitor that helps prevent electrical malfunction caused by water penetration, humidity, condensation or corrosion. Non-flammable. It contain no silicones, CFCs or chlorinated solvents. With the small amount needed to clean the commutator of a locomotives motor a five ounce can will last a long time. I’ve been using the same eleven ounce can for several years.

CRC 2-26 at Home Depot

6

Jeffrey,

Will the Atlas Conducta Lube suffice for the CRC 2-26?

Thanks,

Mark

7

Soooo true Jeffrey, been using that stuff for years! Along with Dexron II for bearings and gearboxes.

IF

you find you have overlubricated, or incorrectly lubricated a motor, and want to clean it and start over, try the CRC QD Contact cleaner, also at Home Depot.

Cleans motors in a flash, plastic safe. I even spray body shells just before painting if I think there may be any skin oils on the shell!

Also works on stereo equipment! [:D]

8

No. It only helps with conductivity for a short time then you’re right back to where you were. The CRC 2-26 breaks up the crud so it can be easily removed. Conductivity is restored by actually cleaning the metal, not by putting a conductive liquid over it.

9

Thanks Jeffrey

Dave

EDIT - CRC 2-26 does not seem to be available in Canada. I went to their Canadian home site and the search showed nothing. Nor could I find it at any of the major automotive suppliers.

Does anyone in Canada know of a similar product available here?

10

http://www.crc-canada.ca/support/prod_detail.aspx?PN=72005&S=N

No wonder you could not find it. Their website is a mess[D)]

Here is the contact email for sales.

sales@crc-canada.ca

11

Jim:

Thanks for your help. I didn’t probe far enough into their site.

I have sent them a note to ask who sells it in my area.

Dave