I'm sure this topic has popped up before but what is the recommended lubricant for the gears and flywheel motors on locomotives? (In my case steam locomotives because that's the only motive power I run, mostly Lionel and MTH).
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Red & Tacky
I use Red-N-Tacky as well, it's always done the job.
If you need something plastic compatible then go with Labelle 106 grease and 107 oil. For metal use Mobile 1 synthetic grease and synthetic motor oil. The Mobile products are far superior to Lucas (Red N Tacky).
Thanks for the input everyone,
One last question is I own a premier PS2 4-4-0 American steam engine and when running at higher speeds I can hear a slight buzz from the motor when the engine passes close by. The engine has been run a lot, usually run it with seven premier wood side coaches, and still runs very smoothly. When running at slower speeds, under speed step 30 on the DCS remote, the noise isn't noticeable. Would this slight noise be considered normal and if the motor dose need lubrication where can I add lubricant?
The great grease debate has many threads.....and I’m not here to debate what some guys on this forum like, but I do agree with the above post, use a plastic safe grease/oil on plastic components, and a light synthetic grease on metal parts....sorry fellas, I’m not a fan of Red N Tacky.....you guys might like it in your models, and that’s fine, but in my world, I’ve seen that product fail miserably time & time again....but again, to each his own, I just use a light synthetic disc brake wheel bearing grease from Carquest....and that’s just my opinion...y’all can use the grease you like.....
Pat
@Peter B posted:One last question is I own a premier PS2 4-4-0 American steam engine and when running at higher speeds I can hear a slight buzz from the motor when the engine passes close by. The engine has been run a lot, usually run it with seven premier wood side coaches, and still runs very smoothly. When running at slower speeds, under speed step 30 on the DCS remote, the noise isn't noticeable. Would this slight noise be considered normal and if the motor dose need lubrication where can I add lubricant?
You don't oil can motors, so I'd check the gearbox and grease that. As for the noise, without hearing it it's hard to say if it's "normal".
@gunrunnerjohn posted:You don't oil can motors, so I'd check the gearbox and grease that. As for the noise, without hearing it it's hard to say if it's "normal".
I oil the bearings on the end of Pittman motors once a year or so 😉.
Has anyone used the multipurpose lubricant from Lionel (6-62927-L) for lubricating gearboxes? I have an unopened tube on my workbench.
I have used LGB gear grease on my O, standard and, of course, LGB locos. High quality and does NOT harden. Made for outdoor use.
@Peter B posted:Has anyone used the multipurpose lubricant from Lionel (6-62927-L) for lubricating gearboxes? I have an unopened tube on my workbench.
I would not use the Lionel white grease. It will get hard in a couple of years and you will end up having to cut it out with a knife. I use the Redntacky, which I think is really Chevron Ultra Duty #2. A grease designed to not be thrown off open parts.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:You don't oil can motors, so I'd check the gearbox and grease that. As for the noise, without hearing it it's hard to say if it's "normal".
John, the noise was a light buzzing noise coming from the front geared drive wheels. I opened up the locomotive and the gearbox. Turns out the worm gear needed some fresh grease. I used Woodland Scenics HL656 Hob-E-Lube Moly Grease per recommendation of the technician I spoke to at my local hobby shop. I added the fresh grease, put the engine back together, ran it and the buzzing noise stopped.
