Lionel 2379 problem update--- repaired

How long has it been running around the tree before this started? That's a rhetorical question, since you might be surprised at how quickly "stuff" can build up on the wheels and track, even if it doesn't look like it. Especially with a relatively recent servicing. Perhaps you were a bit over-zealous with the lube/oil?

Get some isopropyl alcohol on an old rag and wipe down your rails. Additionally, you might inspect / clean the wheels and pickup rollers. Use a soaked rag to do these.

re: sparking of rollers, these old PW units pull a lot more amps than the newer electronics. As a result, anytime a circuit is made/broken, a spark results. Check the springs on your pickup rollers to ensure they have good tension. If they're pitted, the rollers could create sparks as they roll across the rail.

One other cause of the slow-down/speed-up could be a bit too much oil on the motor. If oil gets on the commutator, the brushes will not have the best contact and can actually "float" on a thin film of oxide or oil.

Bottom line is that there's no electronics in there that might be picking up odd signals, so you are correct in that it's most likely mechanical, aka dirt.

Thanks Carl. I'm gonna go with checking to see if the commutator face got soiled. As well as looking at all your suggestions. I don't believe I over lubed things. Think I learned that many years ago, but accidents do happen.

Thanks again

While you are checking the commutator also clean out the slots between the segments.  Clean out the brush wells with a q-tip and acetone (finger nail polish remover) or alcohol.  Polish up the commutator with an ink eraser.  

bob

oldtimer posted:

While you are checking the commutator also clean out the slots between the segments.  Clean out the brush wells with a q-tip and acetone (finger nail polish remover) or alcohol.  Polish up the commutator with an ink eraser.  

bob

Will do. I did all that when I bought it, but will certainly check it over again.

Thanks

Also check the power wires from both collectors. Sounds like maybe 1 motor  loses power and the other is draging it along.  Check the solder joints for a bright  joint.  One collector goes to the horn relay then to the e-unit.  The rear one goes directly to the e-unit.  resolder any joints that dont look right..  JMHO

bob

Merry Christmas to Everyone on here and the OGR Staff and families.

When it comes to oiling the armature a VERY small amount is enough. Also do not forget that there is a double bearing set on the bottom of the motor and a bronze bushing that needs cleaning and re-grease and oiling.

Rob

Turns out there was a broken wire on rear motor going to one brush. Must have been bouncing and making contact off and on.

oldrob posted:

When it comes to oiling the armature a VERY small amount is enough. Also do not forget that there is a double bearing set on the bottom of the motor and a bronze bushing that needs cleaning and re-grease and oiling.

Rob

Yep. Took care of top and bottom. Thanks Rob

I have had ignored the odd unsoldered wire, to my sorrow. I also like when I mistakenly reverse a field wire and the brush wire from the E unit to the motor(s) and they only run in one direction. All in the name of education. Merry Christmas!

Train Doctor posted:

I have had ignored the odd unsoldered wire, to my sorrow. I also like when I mistakenly reverse a field wire and the brush wire from the E unit to the motor(s) and they only run in one direction. All in the name of education. Merry Christmas!

We all screw up, no big deal. Glad to get an easy fix here and there though like mine was. Merry Christmas to everyone also!

Aha,  It was a wire!  Glad u got it running.  Had the same problem on a PW 2343 once.