GP-7/9 Power Truck Issue

I had that same issue with a Lionel U30c that was brand new. My solution was out of the box but worked. When I can get to my laptop I will attach the fix.

 Found it

October 19, 2015 9:58 PM

After I sold that Lionel U30C (And yes I listed it had problems I could not solve.)

 First Lionel Legacy engine, what a disappointment.

Any pictures of the fix?

Is this engine equipped with a pul-mor motor??  If you need a Lionel truck for it w/metal gears, I do have some available...

Marty

Many of those engines had the oversized (very thick) traction tires.   Look at this first.  The issue was the tires were binding the wheel inside the side Frames.  The fix is to cut off the Lionel tires and replace them with MTH tires.

This engine has can motors.

"I would also replace the grease were the worm gear is located. Mine was rather sticky and turning into a solid."

This is why I recommend using 5W-20 motor oil for everything.  It never dries out or gets gummy and it is inexpensive.  I have used it for 45 years in some of my locos.  Do not use 3 in 1 oil, white lithium grease, Lionel Lube, sewing machine oil, most greases, light machine oil as these all dry out and become hard or gummy.  I have researched the Internet for vapor pressure data of various lubricants, and the only one that has published data is motor oil.  I have used motor oil for 40+ years with no problems.

It was a CB&Q/C&S U30C is this the one you sold?

Worm gears on modern locomotives need grease.  No oil.  I am happy people have good luck with oil.  Oil will flow and that means out of the bottom of the truck and on to the track.

Here is the pix of the fix. I you can get the same clear washer that is on the truck assembly just keep shimming until you closed the gap about an 8th of an inch. or

1st I pulled out about 6 in of the pipe tape and then twisted it into a thread.

2nd Wrapped it around the shaft 4 times Part #27

3rd reinstalled the retaining clip. be sure to allow some lateral movement. then trimmed the excess tape

When you reinstall the retaining washer this will compress the tape just like if you were tightening a nut on a pipe thread.

 See Diagram of attached PDF file U30C front and rear motor assembly part#27