How to clean and service old Lionel PW F3s

Look on this web page to find the specific engines you own: Olsens

Check out this web site for a write up on servicing Lionel trains.
Most folks do not go this far

I have worked on the f-3s.  There are probably some threads on the forum on how to make repairs. The parts diagram on olsens are helpful.  I used the manuals from JWtrains.com.  They cost $13.75 each and are as complete of a step by step process, including pictures,  that you can find.  He also has a video that covers f3 maintenance.   Good luke and post some pictures of your progress. Dave 

The first thing to do is take them completely apart and wash everything with soap and water, except the electrical components of course. Get all that old grease/lube/oil out of there.

If you do a forum search for Post War F3 or PW F3, you will find various topics of more specific information on every aspect of those engines. There's really not much to them, and parts, if needed, are easy to find.

You'll need a bigger transformer than a CW80 to run those F3's. With those dual "side-winder" motors the loco itself will be pushing the current limit of a CW80.

Thanks for the replies.  I figured that it isn't nearly as complicated as my ProtoSound 1 locomotives.  I'll check out those sites and take notes and photos as I go.  As for power, I do have a ZW-C, but the CW-80 was already out for my carpet loop.  Are the remote couplers worth saving, or should I convert it to manual couplers?  Also, has anyone ever added traction tires to them?  My layout will be with Atlas track, so the Magna-Traction will not be of much help.

When you go into the trucks to remove the hard grease & put new grease in, there's a worm gear with a bronze bearing block on 1 end.  That block has to go in the same way it came out.  The hole for the gear is not centered.  If it goes in 180 degrees off, the wheels will bind & not turn.

The Tim Allen theory for running the PW growlers:  MORE POWER!  Get a bigger transformer.

As others have said, take your time, if you are not familiar with the disassembly and re assembly, then the other units will come in handy for referance.

Take it all part, wash well, get all the gunk out, any parts you washed with soap and water, use a hair dryer to ensure all moisture is gone. Lightly lube the gears, drop of oil on the shafts, axles and you'll be proud of what you've accomplished.

Postwar stuff is a joy to work on. Simplicity at it's best!

Enjoy!

Arrr...Arrrr.....Arrrr.......

Steve, Lady and Tex

2333 with "50 Watt" transformer:

Thanks for the input, but to those who keep saying more power, you are just showing you don't read everything as I stated I have a ZW.  I only used the CW-80 because it was out already for my carpet loop.  I don't dare leave a ZW on the floor where the 1 year old can get it, a CW-80 handles his torture just fine.  And some times he even manages to push the horn button when I'm running a train, and the look on his face is classic.

Every time I see this reminder I have a roughly 60-year flashback.  I decided in all my pre-teen wisdumb () that it was time to give my precious 2343's an overhaul...fresh lube, oil, cleaning....da woiks.  So many screws later...everything cleaned,,.fresh lubes/oils applied...all back together...onto the track...power applied...!! Wha---??

Now, Dad tended to prefer I do these things for the first time under his watchful eye...after all he had paid the piper for the set in the first place...a king's ransom at the time!  But, I had enough chutzpah to know better......and proceeded without him.  Bad decision.  The clock was running...Dad's arrival from work was imminent.

So many screws later....I discovered the now-famous off-center oilite bearing block. 

Flipped the block, re-assembled, ....... 

Life gives you unforgettable moments of terror and euphoria.  I can still remember the Christmas morning the 2343 freight set in its white wrapping paper and red ribbon graced the bottom of the, I can still recall the blood rushing from my brain when the 2343's wouldn't budge after my 'simple lubing'.  But, I especially remember the feeling of being the smartest kid on the block to discover the off-center hole in that bearing block!!  And, tactfully, I couldn't help but play the whole thing back to Dad....who had mixed emotions over the whole incident, of course.

Ah, memories....part of the great hobby of a lifetime!

KD

Except me.  The video is of a 2333 AA pair pulling a modest consist with 50 watts(although somewhat underrated, I believe).  I have used the CW-80 with the same performance, though.  The 2333 tips just into the 5 amp limit on the CW, until at speed where it drops off to about 3.5 amps at full throttle.

Clean and lube, and the CW will work just fine.