Lionel K4 Gearbox fixes

Nice DIY fix, the only thing I’ll add is if you’ve slotted, the motor mount holes, what can keep it from shifting back over time? …..longevity is key. I understand the idea of shifting the motor mount, but someway of pinning it would be beneficial over the long haul. My concern for this would be over time, as the part ages, fasteners can work loose, then you’ll have movement of the mount??…..maybe not anytime soon, but from my standpoint in designing my fix, having the motor mount possibly shift around during return shipping could be a Royal PITA ……

Pat

@Turbinej posted:

This worked great but I made one more change ( not shown in pictures). I cut slots in the motor bracket screw holes and mounted the motor left of centerline to better line up the motor worm gear with the brass idle gear. This also worked great. I believe that if I had not taken these actions the gearbox may have destroyed itself in short order.  Upon reassembly I used a generous amount of Marine grade Teflon grease. ( I have a boat 🚤 😉 so I think this grease will work great. )

Could you share pictures of the modification you made to the motor bracket screw holes? I'm not clear on how this would work based on your description.

I was unaware that the motor worm didn't sit centered over the worm gear. How far off was it?

the gear is off-center by a good 3 or 4 mm. I moved the motor 2-3mm. I also used longer screws and lock washers. I’ll post a drawing of the slot mod when I get a chance.