Extreme Motor Noise From 2015 MTH Evo Diesel

It sounds like the flywheel is rubbing on the shell. Can you see the rear motor if you remove the cover?

Mine does pretty much the same thing. Runs fine, has been lubricated and made sure the motors were properly seated. No changes, runs fine, not going to worry about it. 

I have an earlier 2012 Premier version (20-2986-1) of that engine, it doesn't make noise in either direction. I would definitely take a look inside to make sure nothing is out of place or rubbing as others have suggested above. 

Also, I have had much better luck contacting MTH by phone if you still need to contact them. 

Turn it over and make SURE the motor mount screw is tight on both trucks.  This is a fairly common issue.

I'm not familiar with mth trucks.

Check and see if there's a screw recessed of the bottom of the truck near the center.

This is the motor mount screw make sure it's not loose or missing. Either case would allow the motor to rise up out of the truck and rub under the shell.

I had a Lionel Loco missing the screw altogether causing the same problem.

Rick, there is a single screw in the middle of the truck on most diesels that holds the motor in place, being loose will cause all sorts of oddities.

  I could barely hear anything even with the volume at 11, sound is very low. Can't tell if it is a worm skip or a bang or the correct sounds.

If everything seems tight with tools used, check for excess end play in the motor too. I.e. grab the flywheel and gently push/pull, maybe twisting slightly to turn, but at the axle your looking for more slide action than usual. The play should be minor; more play = more hop with every pulse of power/change in direction. At the right frequencies youd get more hop and bounce. That might last a half day or forever if thats it.

The forward/reverse differences usually points to endplay or thrusts being off for a can motor. A wrapped hair like fiber at a shaft is another one direction culprit. Brushes and brush dust can mimic it, but you don't have them. A cracked spur gear too.. 

Apologies for the delayed update. I took the engine off the track and examined the motor mount screw, it was snug and not loose. Put the loco back on the track and noooow... nothing. Not responding to commands except switching direction. Seems like the rear motor may be shorting now as it is tripping my GW-180 when moved a few inches. Videos attached below

Time for someone to look at this one before you cook the boards.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Time for someone to look at this one before you cook the boards.

I'll definitely be calling MTH as soon as I can tomorrow to see what can be done.