364 Log loader acting funny

hi can you post A picture of your car and the problem areas your having problems with?

Alan would e glad to help you.

is this a lionel car loader acessorry ?

No, sadly, this is the actual accessory. Let me see what I can do as far as a video.

Ditto here - 2 examples and they both run the same way.

Ah, so its "normal" then. It occurs less when I've let it run for a few minutes.

At lower voltages it is not very noticeable. Since it's a short term use, I could silence some of it out with a pulsed DC (half-wave) supply or maybe an in-line diode.

Just some background, I picked this up at Dale's Train station in Norfolk, VA. It was in the "make me a deal" pile. My uncle had one of these but it apparently turned into a rust ball after four decades of living in a barn. I managed to save a large portion of the collection, but anything tinplate was gone. I am slowly rebuilding his set and finally found parts to fix his log car. Now this should complete his set.

I suggest making certain the four oilite bearings are properly lubricated.
Unfortunately, even though you don't feel play in the armature bearings, in my experience, the screeching is either insufficient lubrication or worn bearings.
If the bearings are worn, you might try a heavier oil, or even some light grease.
(Normally, I would not suggest this, because oilite bearings are porous, and you do not want to clog them)

I took similar actions on the motor and drive mechanism of a vintage Lionel 364 Lumber Loader to get it to run more smoothly.  After some improvement, I found that running the unit at nearly or completely full power from a postwar ZW did the trick.  Sound and operation more smooth.  I just don't mess with the low power operation. 

Michael

I am going to "necro" my own thread here with a bit of an update.

I was able to completely tear the motor apart. All of the original grease was removed and an automotive grade chassis lubricant was put in its place. I proceeded to power the unit up. The main sleeve bearing has so much play now that it was actually worse.

I lowered the variable voltage as I was turning it of and it suddenly became so smooth. I scratch my head and for laughs, pull out the fluke and measure the power. 5 volts...

I go digging around for an old multi-post and touch it on the U and D posts. It goes to town without any stall, screech, or shake. It also didnt heat up anywhere near as bad after loading two cars. I guess I'm sticking with very low voltage for now