Problem with Lionel dual motor WP 2355 F3

Possibly the bearing blocks are in backwards. The holes in the bearing blocks are offset. They're not in the dead center. Possibly somebody pput them in backwards.

Having the same problem. As a newbie, can you give us a bit more detail on bearing blocks?

Thanks

I had the same thing on on an EL f3  Its the truck   That run of F3's all had the same problem   You can mess with it but I would suggest changing the truck    Gears on the shaft come loose and bing against the frame

Got it. Thanks.  Much appreciated.

Even though they look centered in the picture, the hole is actually off centered on both ends. If put in the wrong way, the gearing will bind up.

@Train Nut posted:

Possibly the bearing blocks are in backwards. The holes in the bearing blocks are offset. They're not in the dead center. Possibly somebody pput them in backwards.

Thanks for the suggestion, TN. I took the truck off and reversed both bearing blocks. Tried rolling the truck by itself on the track and the wheels wouldn't turn. I put the blocks back to their original position and the truck rolled freely on the track. While the blocks were out I noticed that the bearing in one block looked like it was worn (almost looked like there was a hole starting in it). I think I'll replace the bearing and possibly the block as the bearing did not want to come out with a casual attempt to remove it. Tomorrow I'll attack it with a little more vigor; I've been told one can fix anything with a big enough hammer. 

Bob

@bluelinec4 posted:

I had the same thing on on an EL f3  Its the truck   That run of F3's all had the same problem   You can mess with it but I would suggest changing the truck    Gears on the shaft come loose and bing against the frame

Thanks for your idea, blueline. At this point I'm going to replace a bearing (and possibly the bearing block as per my response to Trian Nut above). If that doesn't work the truck is next.

Bob

Sometimes it's as simple as the double worm shaft shifting, allowing the large worm shaft gear to interfere with the brass truck frame cover. The bearing blocks being worn or the ball inside having shifted requires new blocks or sometimes just shimming enough to keep the shaft from moving fore & aft.

@ADCX Rob posted:

Sometimes it's as simple as the double worm shaft shifting, allowing the large worm shaft gear to interfere with the brass truck frame cover. The bearing blocks being worn or the ball inside having shifted requires new blocks or sometimes just shimming enough to keep the shaft from moving fore & aft.

Thanks, Rob. I'm going to the Allentown Train Show this weekend and should be able to get new blocks and ball bearings there.

Bob