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Pittman motor question

JF Joe FermaniOGR Forum Member
I have the first issue of the Lionel M1-A. The pittman motor is making a squealing noise. I opened the engine up and put a drop of oil at each end of the shaft. It did not help at all. I then removed the motor from the engine and tested it again using a DC transformer. What I found was that if I keep the motor horizontal, it runs dead quiet. (in both directions). If I move the motor back to the angle it normal is in when mounted, the squealing starts back up again. Does that indicate a bad bearing in the motor? Thoughts for fixing the motor?

I checked Lionel's site and the motor is available but at $76 I would rather try and fix what I have before getting another one.

Thanks
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Dennis LaGruaDennis LaGruaOGR Forum Member
Pittman motors can be repaired but it is seldom that they need repair. My guess is that your problem is a worn bearing. The motors can be carefully taken apart and inspected. The problem should be evident as to what is wrong. Parts in Pittmans can be replaced but very few places seem to stock parts.
If you wish to replace, some of the parts vendors should be able to sell you a new motor for less than what Lionel charges.
N NortonOGR Forum Member
I believe most of the Pittman motors Lionel uses have bronze (oilite) bearings. They are usually assembled with thrust washers between the armature and end mounts.It would be difficult to get oil past the bearings to these thrust washers without disassembling the motor. You might try setting the motor vertical with the gear side up and putting a drop of oil on the shaft a few times a day for a few days hoping it would migrate past the bearing.

Pete
JF Joe FermaniOGR Forum Member
The motor runs fine despite the noise. When I position the motor to run quiet, it does not run any faster it just gets quiet.

I took the motor apart and I don't see anything wrong. I did notice that there are 3 washers at each end of the armature shaft. For grins, I moved one washer to the other side of the shaft to slightly shift the armature in the housing. I was theorizing that shifting the armature might match what happens when I move the motor around. It seems to be quieter but not completely quiet.

Moving the washer back, makes the motor squeal like before so shifting the armature does affect it.
Ralph4014Ralph4014OGR Forum Member
Joe,

Here is another idea. Since you have had the motor apart did you clean it with an electronic motor spray? Plus on the comutator (the copper segments on the end of the arm) look to see if there is a build up of dust from the brushes in between the segments. If there is take a hobby knife and clean it out. Be careful not to scratch the segments.

Some times when the brushes wear and the dust builds up there can cause a squeal.
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