Dorfan motor brushes

I have had the same problem finding the correct brushes for various makes. I resorted to putting a standard gauge replacement carbon brush in the chuck of my electric drill and turning it down using a file. It doesn't take that long and you should check frequently to insure that you don't go too far. You can easily cut off the turned portion by holding a fine razor saw against the brush while it is in the chuck.

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA   

Eric- thanks for those suggestions, much appreciated.

The Dorfan 53 lives! Here's a short video. Thanks to the post here on the forum from Henning's Trains regarding the replacement gears, it's running. It still needs to have the 5 ball bearings cleaned and re-lubricated, as most appear to be acting as sleeve bearings at the moment. Any tips on what to soak these old ball bearings in to clean out all the old lube and gunk? You can see them in the closeup photo above of the motor brush.

I am looking for the replacement bodies for a Dorfan #3930 Locomotive.

Please contact me at hudson5344@aol.com

Thanks for any help you can give me.

I have used either Zippo or Ronsonol cigarette lighter fluid (aka naphtha) with great results for cleaning and degreasing electric motors (starting with my slot cars) since the mid 1960’s. I have used Labelle Oil after the cleanings for almost that long, also with great results.

Bill in FtL

  Assuming there are no seals or plastic, take them out and soak them in a solvent, then blast cleanwith spray solvent and or air. (carb, brake, electrical, or even WD-40)     I'd follow brake/carb cleaner with a flush of WD or electrical spray to remove their residues as well.