Broken RS-3 Motor truck and why fuzz in a truck is bad. Replacement?

I didn't find 6-18827 in the Lionel parts thing but is there a chance you can use an electrical spray cleaner to get the lube off the axle the gear rides on, and then slide that gear back on and then dab some JB Weld or something on there?

It didn't look like there was much axle left.

Interesting. I wonder what the heck happened. I would imagine replacing the truck chassis is your only option unless you can get the truck apart and put a dowel rod in place of the former axle.

Any chance you could send some pictures?

@ftauss posted:

I have a 6-18827 Happy Holidays RS-3. Had it for a while, not used it much. Pulls good.

I decided to clean and lube it for the holiday layout and I found that one truck had an excess of lint/fibers in and around the idler gear. Started to clean them out and the idler gear just fell off. The idler still has fuzz in the center where it had attached so I think it's done. I'm wondering if there is a way to just repair it, new idler and mount or if I'm looking at a replacement motor truck. There is  a replacement truck on the auction site for about $80. . A used 8827 is only low $100s. But that comes with it's own uncertainties. I'm going to call a couple of the parts places listed here to see if they have one. Unless someone has a different better idea.

Frank

Sometimes, when the engines are available for good prices, it is a good idea to buy a couple for a parts supply, especially if they are favorite locos that happen to be "low-end" (I have a few low-enders that I simply like a lot).

Real railroads often bought/buy second-hand units, and keep the "rougher" ones just for parts, especially if the locos have become off-brands, but are still good performers. The Missouri and Arkansas enjoyed - still enjoys - the superior pulling abilities of Alcos. You could park your parts units on the layout as back shop eye candy.

I found this.

It's actually called the cluster gear. But it doesn't show the axle it rides on, though it shows the PAL Nut that retains it.

Frank

It looks like the cluster gear rides on the motor axle? Hard to tell from the parts plan. Is it possible that the shaft has moved on the motor armature? I don't know if the motor can be taken apart but it may be worth investigating.

I would look for a parts engine as well. Might be your cheapest option. if you are on evilbay- check sellers other listings, or contact them and see if they have parts or will negotiate a better price.

Good luck.

Here’s a picture of your the gears from a GN diesel. A plastic stud from the frame, I think you can buy these frames from Lionel?

There's a pal nut (which I just learned is the right name) on holding that gear on. Let's hope it just fell off. Then OP can fix this as fast as they can get a new pal nut.

I need to take a closer look this weekend.

And yes, I don't see a PA nut anywhere.

The brass gear is the one on the motor.

I'm pretty sure Ace hardware sells those friction nuts(pal).  

@franktrain the one by me does. And I thought they were called friction nuts too!

I punted and just bought the motor truck. He had good pictures and it looks right and is clean.

Frank

Sometimes that's the best way out!