Reassembly of lionel 2363 vertical motor thrust bearing part # 681-121 after lubing the motor shaft

I don't believe it matters. I just tore down and fully cleaned 3 vertical motors (2 from my FM Trainmaster and 1 from my Alco). In each case I closely observed the orientation of the thrust washers and no two motors were the same. That is no guarantee they were that way from original manufacture, since I bought them used 25 years ago.

But after reassembly, I decided to focus the "flat" sides toward the bushing. Been running them for weeks with no issue - but I would love some old timers to chime in and confirm.

The thrust bearing should go in with the open side up. That way gravity will help retain the grease in the thrust bearing.

The service manual shows, and my experience was, the bearing was installed with the balls facing up.

Larry

Thank you David, that makes sense.

Thanks everyone. Found a Lionel 1955 "Streak Liner Set" November 14, 2020 from the Original owner in a local newspaper listing. Out west, we don't see these very often ( 2 in 50 years of collecting). Pics enclosed for everyone's enjoyment.

I had the same question today (two years after the original post) - I found the attached photo in my files. Looks to me like the open end of the bearings are both facing towards the end of the armature shaft... your thoughts?