Lionel 3927 Track Cleaner modification and maintenance questions

I missed something...it seems.  What is the diode information and how are you using it?

"1N5403...1N5407 are a suitable range of 3A diodes."

https://ogrforum.com/t...93#46341121179699793

Closer to the bottom of the thread.

Should I use red lube on the gears is my question or something else or leave it alone?

I think the most important lubrication points are the armature shaft bearings, and the pins/holes in the intermediary gears. I've serviced 3927 track cleaning cars that had those points badly worn, and in need of replacing.
The armature and intermediary gears spin rather fast. On the gears, I coat the shaft and the inside of the gear holes with light grease. Red N Tacky or Labelle 106 are both fine in my book. I have them in my shop.
I would also put a light coat on the metal gear teeth. Anything more is just going to get slung off.

I do not lubricate the nylon washer head gear.

Dear C.W. Burfle

Thanks for the tips. I got to it this morning and what a mess inside with the lube all over the place.  Thank goodness the gear look to be in good shape.  The armature  had rust on it and carbon from the brush. It looked like someone used a flat washer as a shim on the second gear, why I do not know. I got in there and cleaned it all up and used Red N Tacky sparingly. I was going to start with the diode but the 4 year old got up and start running around that when I called it a day.

I think the flat washer belongs there. I have serviced many 3927, and they all have the washer. So I figure it must have been put there in the factory. However, it is not shown in the service manual.

Dear C.W. Burfle

Thank for the info about the flat washer, like you stated it not in the manual.  Speaking about flat washers do have a substitute for the one that sit on top of the armature shaft ?

No, I don't have a specific substitute for the washer that sits on top of the commutator plate. I have an assortment of nylon washers in my parts supply. I'd probably look for one that fits.

Thanks

Quick question has anyone place a nylon wash where armature shaft meets the ball bearing? Good idea, bad or off the wall. I am try to prevent armature shaft dancing around with the 1st gear. Also spoke to the local LHS and they stated that have never seen a nylon washer on the top of the armature shaft when they do a repair to this type of unit.

I am trying to picture what you mean by  "dance around".
If you add a nylon washer, then you might be lifting the end of the armature shaft off the ball bearing. IMHO, that would be counter productive.
Is the ball bearing missing?

HI C.W. Burfle

Thanks for the reply. The ball bearing is there and I have to lube it with Red and Tacky.  Unlike a top spinning on a flat surface the armature shaft is spinning on a ball bearing. I believe that the opening is too large and this is causing movement along the x and z axis. This movement is causing the gear on the armature shaft and the 1st Cluster Gear 3927-20 to engage and disengage. I believe that is why you see so many 1st Cluster Gear 3927-20 damage when we rebuild them.  I could be wrong and would like to hear what you think on the matter. Have you tried something like this mod before?

I guess I would try to verify that it is the lower armature bearing, and not the hole in the center of the 1st cluster gear.
If the lower armature bearing is enlarged, I don't see how putting a nylon washer is going to help. (might as well try)
I have seen 1st cluster gears with their center hole enlarged.

I don't think lower bearing are available. Cluster gears aren't exactly common either.

Sounds like the 3927 was run a lot without proper lubrication.

Sorry to say, if I had a 3927 with a bad lower armature bearing, I'd part it out.

Dear C.W. Burfle

Happy Holidays. Thanks for the reply but due the up coming holiday you know it is. The gears everything look first class. The nylon gear did not look the best so I got another one from a forum member. Ball bear is there in the socket.  I was thinking that the modification with the nylon washer would stop some of the "coffee grinder" noise. I am putting everything back together hopeful today.

Note for the readers: Do not use the thicker Scott bright sponge it is too big, use the thinner one.

Good luck with the project!
If the washer helps, please let us know.
I've learned tips / tricks here too.

Hi C.W. Burfle

Happy Holidays

The once a year carpet layout will be out on Dec 26. I want to run the cleaning car on it. I almost have is all put together. I will try the nylon washer by the bearing  later in the year.