Where to lubricate a diesel?

I have an AHM diesel (looks to be a UP Geep low nose and it’s about 12 inches long…not sure if that helps or anything.).

Anyway…I got this with a bunch of other items on e-pay for $20 and it sounds pretty loud when I put it on the track…like it needs lubrication.

I was wondering if there was a website that shows where to lube it. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks,

Mike

Couple of spots that should probably get oiled:

  • the gearbox(es) in the trucks (might have only one, might have two). If the gears are visible, you can just put a drop or two of oil on the exposed bits, and run the loco forward and backward ( holding it upside down in your hand, so you don’t drip oil all over the place). If they’re not visible, you’re going to need to get the shell open to oil them (read below).

  • the motor shaft/bearings. For this you’ll need to get the shell off the loco… I’m no expert in the makings of AHM diesels (or any for that matter), but it will either pop off by gently prying the sides apart from the chassis, or there will be a screw or two in the fuel tank holding it together.

I only have steamers (and none too many at that), so I can’t suggest anything beyond labelle oil for the gears/bearings/etc.

One other thing that mightbe causing noise is excessive play between the gears in the gearbox, so you should probably check that too, although I wouldn’t know how to go about fixing that problem…