Hi everyone, I picked this MTH PS2 switcher at the local train show and brought it home, put it on the layout and the front wheels just spin. Thought it was a traction tire problem so I changed them out this morning and same problem. I realized the rear set of wheels would only turn for a couple seconds then stop and the front ones would sit there and spin!
I really need help as I know nothing about what to check next.
Here is a shot video.
Thanks in advance!
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Mike, check the wiring to the motor. Maybe it is not getting power. The flywheel seemed to move when it was being dragged so it didn't seem like there was anything binding...........Paul
Turn the flywheel by hand to see if you have any binding.
Check the motor mount screw to make sure it is tight.
Paul 2, the rear motor would spin briefly then stop while the one with the tech tape would keep spinning and the wheels spinning. What is a good way to check power to the rear motor?
Joe, I will go back out and check if its binding when I try to turn it by hand.
Hi Guys I just spun the top of the motor and there seams to be some binding. I guess it was just the grease setting up, after turning the top of the motorawhile in both directions the switcher runs just fine. Pulled an 6 car coal train around the n layout a couple times in both directions!
Thanks for all your help!
If that is the case pull the motor out by loosening the screen on the bottom of the truck. Maybe the gear on the motor shaft was not properly set in the truck against the gear in the truck. While inspecting check for a burr on any of the gears........Paul 2
Mike, Most of my engines are second hand, and some sat on the shelf or in the box for years and never run admitted the sellers. You are right the grease can get stiff, and I have one that I suspect has the problem Paul just described. That one is a steamer, and I took the boiler off, but haven't delved any further.
Mike,
Did you also check to see if the motor mount screw was tight? Hold the truck in one hand and try wigging the motor with the other hand to see if it is loose.
Mike- all of my engines are second hand. I usually give them a quick test on the layout and then into the shops for a full teardown and service. Old grease gets replaced, axles oiled, wheels and pick up rollers cleaned.
On a PS-2, the battery may need to be replaced too.
Any cosmetic issues are addressed as well.
Bob
Hi Guys, thanks for all the advice! Now that its running I don't want to tear into it as I don't know enough about them and don't want to damage it!
Brian has been nice enough to trade with me and with it running nicely now I don't want to mess anything up! Joe, I did wiggle it and didn't find anything loose!
Thanks again everyone!
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