Lionel Diesel Fueling Station 6-12835

You don't need the switch to test it.  If you heard the motor running, the motor works.  In the gear box, there is a rubber drive belt.  It is most likely dried out and needs to be replaced.  This is a common problem with this gear box and its easily repaired.  The entire gear box is part # 600-2315-300.  The drive belt is 610-2700-206. The assembly is pressed together and there are 3 tabs that hold it together.  Gently pry back each tab slightly so you can pull it apart.  They are plastic so don't pry too much or they will snap off.

And you will need a switch so you can turn the motor on and off.

Hi Joe

thank you for the reply and solution

I disassembled the housing and the O Ring was misshaped into the shape it’s been in for 25 years - so I’ll need to replace that

I then noticed that the plastic gear wheel which turns the metal rod to the linkage wouldn’t turn. There is a metal piece that looks like a locomotive armature - grease that was applied to the armature “screw” probably at manufacture had hardened to the point that it wouldn’t turn the plastic gear wheel. Once I clean that armature and replace the O ring this baby will be running fine.

Again thanks and enjoy your holidays

Tom

Working with these gearboxes is dicey since they were not designed to be serviced.  Very easy to break the tabs when attempting to open the gearbox.  I had a similar situation where a new-in-box item was stored for decades and the rubber pulley was teardrop shaped from non-use.  Went to the plumbing department at the hardware store and found a rubber o-ring that was the same size and worked great.  Good luck!

Thanks for the input - very good description of the way the O ring appeared

I put the gear box back together after cleaning the armature - put the old teardrop o ring on - it worked a couple of times - then stopped - the o ring must have settled into the teardrop shape sgain

once I replace with new O ring I’m sure it will work fine

good feeling getting these gadgets back into working order - especially with help from forum members