Removing Cams from Lionel 397 Coal Loader

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I recently bought a #397 coal loader, which going in I knew would need the belt replaced. What I didn’t count on is that the 397-11 cams on the drive shaft would be so difficult to remove so I could thread the belt back on. Although there isn’t any rust on the shaft, 60 years has apparently fused the cams tightly onto the shaft. I’ve tried multiple rounds of Liquid Wrench, tapping, pulling, and prying to little (if any) avail. I’m about ready to Dremel the far cam off, although perhaps I’ll have just as much trouble putting a new cam back on when I’m done. So, my questions:

  • Is there some super-secret way to get those cams off that I haven’t tried?
  • Is it better to just buy a whole new shaft rather than try and replace the cam on an original one?

Insights and experiences much appreciated!

2

Make sure you soak the new belt in water for about 15 - 30 minutes. That helps it with flexability.

On the Cams thats a call only you probably can make . as once you get them off what condition are they in. for the Shaft not sure I do seem I replaced just the cams when I did it last but that was like 4 years ago or so.

3

I learned the hard way that Liquid Wrench doesn’t age that well. Did you use a fresh can?

I recall having to replace the shaft and cams on a 397 because the cams wouldn’t come off. I think I cut the shaft in half to get it out.

4

I’m still using a 1970’s 58¢ can. It works fine!

5

Yes - my Liquid Wrench (spray) can is only a couple of years old. Props, though, to ADCXRob for keeping it old skool with his vintage chemicals.

I’ve been thinking, too, about just cutting the shaft off as well (instead of just one cam). Probably would try just the cam first and see how it looks underneath/inside.

6

The old stuff works fine until its used on something that needs a really thin product in order for it to penetrate.

7

So I tried Dremel-ling off just the cam, which is really a challenge given the angle necessary to do so. Halfway through I decided to cut (haha!) my losses and instead cut the entire shaft off entirely. Problem solved - parts to be ordered tomorrow.

8

[quote user=“JTrains”]

I recently bought a #397 coal loader, which going in I knew would need the belt replaced. What I didn’t count on is that the 397-11 cams on the drive shaft would be so difficult to remove so I could thread the belt back on. Although there isn’t any rust on the shaft, 60 years has apparently fused the cams tightly onto the shaft. I’ve tried multiple rounds of Liquid Wrench, tapping, pulling, and prying to little (if any) avail. I’m about ready to Dremel the far cam off, although perhaps I’ll have just as much trouble putting a new cam back on when I’m done. So, my questions:

  • Is there some super-secret way to get those cams off that I haven’t tried?
  • Is it better to just buy a whole new shaft rather than try and replace the cam on an original one?

Insights and expe