I have an older Proto 2000 GP30 back from when they were sold in blue boxes. I noticed a whirring noise coming from the motor that eventually gets annoying after running it for a bit. Are there any parts of the motor that need lubrication? If so, could I just use my Labelle 102 or do I have to get something else for the motor?
Hustle_muscle,
It would probably be easier to use Labelle #107 light motor oil…Labelle #102 is Medium viscousity Multi-purpose oil, which may be too thick to seep in where it needs to be. That is on the motor armature shaft bushings/bearings on each end of the motor. Hard to get at on some motors…but will make a great difference in performance. The motor will spin freely, resulting in less heat and noise. Spin motor by hand back and forth, when oiling. Be meticulous.
Take Care!
Frank
It could also be the infamous cracked gear in the truck.
The P2K GP30 was definitely one of the problem locos.
Not all P2K cracked gears exhibit the thumping sound.
The whining sound is also typical.
Rich
If it was a cracked gear, it would also run erratic, slightly hesitating after every complete full revolution. Really noticable at slow speeds. If it is as old as you say it is, the motor was probably not ever oiled since new. If the gears ain’t broke, don’t fix um. Could check the grease though. Might need a good cleaning and relube. Labelle #106 is good for that.
Take Care!
Frank
No it wouldn’t, not always. Mine ran fine, It just screamed and whined.
I am not saying that it is a cracked gear, but at least look at it and consider the possibility.
Rich
How did you get the plastic gears…to scream and whine?
I also did not say whether it was or wasn’t. My initial reply, was to his question, how to lube a motor and if he could use #102 by Labelle oil. What does that have to do with a cracked axle gear?
Take Care!
Frank
[(-D][(-D][(-D]
Frank, your’e a funny guy.
Rich
There are no split axle gears. I bought the locomotive used last year. I actually emailed Labelle last night asking if their 102 lubricant could be used and they said yes, so I oiled the motor bearings and now the train runs smooth as silk, hardly noticable.
I appreciate all the input I recieved from you guys. Thank you.
Hustle_muscle,
Glad to hear it. [Y] Probably a lot faster, also. That one point, is often neglected when lubing/cleaning a engine. Didn’t tink’ it was cracked gears.
Take Care! [:D]
Frank
But, Frank, the fact of the matter is, it could have been a cracked gear. It never hurts to mention something like that, given the fact that the P2K GP30 was notorious for cracked gears. You are much too defensive. [8o|]
Rich
Rich,
You are entitled to your opinion…mine is, cracked gears, don’t scream or whine, especially plastic ones. [:D]
What’s up with the face? [8o|]
As a matter of fact…I’m pretty happy today. Won my auction on a MRC 20, Like New condition, at a great price.
Take Care! [:-,]
Frank
Good point, Frank. Additonally, something for modelers to keep in mind:
In many cases “New-in-the-Box” older run P1K, P2K, and Athearn units may sit on shelves or in storage for a number of years. Chances are good that the factory lubes/greases in the motors and trucks have dried up considerably. Axle gears may be split or cracked…even if the units had never been run before.
Years back I had assumed that being tightly packaged inside of a box made the lubricants in these units almost immune to drying out. But I learned my lesson when I purchased a new P2K GP9. When I put it on the track, I heard the infamously annoying “click-click-click-click”. Three of the axles were split! The Athearn replacements nipped that in the bud. So I learned that it does happen since our models are not “air sealed”. It’s a good idea to imitate the prototype railroads and give each unit a thorough inspection and make any needed servicing before putting them to work on your steel highway.
On the other hand, I recently purchased two brand new Proto 2000 PA locomotives that had been sitting in their original boxes for over 10 years.
When I checked the gears, they were bone dry, never having been factory lubed.
Rich
Rich,
Which lubricant did you use for your PA?
I have Labelle #106 but was curious as to how it compared to lubricants other modelers used for their units.
For many years now, I have used the Woodland Scenics Hob-E-Lub Premium line of lubricants.
Medium Oil HL 663 and Gear Lube HL 664.
Rich
I just bought 2 proto 2000 sd60’s and they would hardly move, as you know it was a complete tear down and cleaning the origional goop out and lube. I have a diabetic friend that gave me a new needle that I use to oil in tight places, works great on the armatures. jim