Marx 333 Issues

What kind of current are you running the engine on?

I would start by checking all solder connections , what type of service was performed?

If brushes were replaced or cleaned make sure spring tension is not excessive and or brushes are proper size for a taller than standard original Marx brush will increase spring tension and pressure onto the commutator face.

The reverse unit may benefit from a shot of plastic compatible contact cleaner - make sure it's safe to use on plastic.  If the fingers in the reverse unit are dirty, that could cause sluggish running and high current draw.  I'd also clean the wheels thoroughly - they're most likely in need of a scrub.  Clean the copper pick-up while you're in the cleaning mode.  

Streamlined Steamroller posted:

Hi everyone! I recently aquired a loco I've wanted for a long time, a Marx 333. After some service, it was running fine but now it has a huge problem, it barely runs! It's clean and turns freely but I get alot of brush sparks and it takes alot of voltage to go very slowly. The springs have tention and the motor is clean so I have no clue what the problem is! Does anyone here know what may be the issue?

On a side note, the reverse unit is extremely sticky. Does anyone know what would it take to get the reverse unit working properly? 

Streamlined,

I have a Marx 333, the body is toast, but the motor runs like a champ.

If you want to swap out motors you are welcome to it free of charge, email me an address and

Ill ship it to you.

mjones@gblions.org

Thanks

Popi

@El Classico I use a Lionel type RW transformer. It will make any other marx loco fly off te track at the voltages I am using. 

@Dieseler I cleaned the brushes, brush wells, and commuator with mineral spirits as I do with any new locomotive. I also gevo the bearings some oil and the gears some grease. A standard servicing. 

@MTN I guess i'll have to make a trip to Frys to get some more. I go through vans of that stuff very quickly. 

@Popi Thanks! I will defiantly keep that in mind. One question, is it a smoking motor?

I am pretty sure it is not the electrical pickup because the smoke unit puts out alot of smoke and the light is at full brightness. 

Streamlined Steamroller posted:

@Popi Thanks! I will defiantly keep that in mind. One question, is it a smoking motor?

yes I believe it has a smoker, but you could always swop out yours to this "new" motor.

Some detailed discussion here about Marx e-unit fixes:

https://ogrforum.com/t...ction-change-problem

I just checked the:

Voltage to the motor: 12v

Voltage to the magnet: 12v

The resistance across the motor: 20 omhs

The total resistance between the cebter rail pickup and the frame: 33 ohms

Does anyone know what could be the problem? This motor sure is stumping me!

Make sure motor is correctly wired, armature in series with field. Will the motor run any better if you bypass the e-unit? If not, suggest you check the armature for uniform continuity between all three faces of the commutator, also check for grounds. Check field winding for proper resistance and no grounds.

Check that the gears aren't binding under load from excessive wear etc.

Streamlined Steamroller posted:

@Popi Thanks! I will defiantly keep that in mind. One question, is it a smoking motor?

I think we have a fix. Ill need to dig through my tubs of trains and find her and then ill ship it out.

I love this place, this is what its all about. I know that if somebody needs something in the toy train market, that this is the first place to go. Thanks for all the help.

There's one other thing to look at, and I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet.  Check the axles and the shafts on which the gears run.  Wads of dust, lint or animal hair can get wrapped around them and make them difficult to turn.  You might have to use a strong light and a dental pick to get at them, but all traces of fine crud need to be removed to keep them turning properly.

If you have not solved problem more 1 thing to check if e-unit is working properly.

Take off brush plate the take out armature it will come out once lined up correct with wheels then look inside bottom toward the eunit and make sure there are no wires that can rub on the armature as it spins.

Very recently i purchased 1 marx 333 non smoker running poorly and that was the problem a insulated wire touching just enough on armature side plates to slow it down and run poorly but now running great.

Also bought a marx 333 motor not running that had a bad e-unit .

I took off brush plate and then the 2 screws that hold top of frame off slipped a thin screwdriver and worked the e-unit out ,it all went together with no bending of frame and now working nice.

It takes patience but they are fairly easily to work on.