MTH Proto 3 Engine problem. Chatter noise. — Now runs great !

SteamPossumOGR Forum Member

Hi. The MTH engine is a European Steam Chapelon - O Gauge Proto 3 . With conventional or using DCS remote operation. the engine will start up , whistle , bells work , smokes - etc. However moving forward the engine chatters — noise , and will run forward slowly in a jerky motion. Several months ago it worked fine. Should I change out the “battery “, I know it’s a capacitor- and I have a BCR 2 new on hand if BCR 2 is a correct fix. Is the BCR 2 correct for a Proto 3 engine? I have changed out lots of Proto 2 engines batteries with BCR . Thanks for any advice ! I did try a Factory reset through the DCS remote with no change .

3/7/206:04 PM

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KeystoneOGR Forum Member

As you noted there is not battery in a Proto3 engine. That said a BCR2 is not compatible. I would take a look at the small tach-reader to see if it may have moved slightly away from the barcoded tach-tape in the flywheel.

3/7/206:22 PM

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SteamPossumOGR Forum Member

Do I hand turn or adjust the tach reader, I have seen them - the tach reader — but never adjusted one.

3/7/207:07 PM

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geysergazerOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I'd start with spinning the flywheel to make sure there is no mechanical resistance in the motor and/or drive train.

3/7/207:18 PM

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Engineer-JoeOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

You got some good advice already. I think if you could share a video, more techs could comment.

It could be anything from simple stuff like a rubbing traction tire or lack of lube, to a mechanical or electrical problem (bent side rods, bad tether or wire, etc.).

Make sure the motor mount screws are tight.

3/7/2010:11 PM

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SteamPossumOGR Forum Member

I hope to take the engine apart Sunday to take a look . Thanks -

3/7/2010:19 PM

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GGGOGR Forum Member

Chatter and jerky motion sounds like mechanical, not tach reader or electrical. Look at side rods, eccentric crank, tire off and stuck, plastic brake detail jamming against driver/wheel, etc. If that is all fine, look in side for issues with motor being loose, gear train cover, t bone etc.... G

3/8/2011:16 AM

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SteamPossumOGR Forum Member

Woo Hoo. —- She runs fine now. A look underneath told me I had never oiled the many linkage , wheel , and axle points on this engine. I used LaBelle light oil with the needlepoint nozzle. Thank you to everyone as I did not have to open the engine up ,just oil. This engine is actually the French EST class 241A in gray paint. The detail on these engines are amazing. Made in S. Korea , I am not sure if they are still mfg. hi