replacing idler gear lionel 8633

No, you don't want to bend the tongue.  There should be one screw in the top of the shell and two screws securing the metal plate under the steamchest.  The plate secures the front of the motor into a clip.  You can swing the plate away and pull out the drive rods/crossheads from the guides and the motor and smoke unit (if equipped) will fall out.  It is suggested to remove the drive rods for easier assembly later.  The rear truck and drawbar will tilt out of the shell bracket as the motor is lowered.  The small cluster gear (8040-118) that is closer to the motor is secured with bracket and two screws or rivets and the idler gear that contacts the drivers (8040-117) requires removal of the wheels to facilitate replacement.  The Train Tender  (www.ttender.com) can supply parts.

I think you completely have to separate the two halves of the motor steel shell you will have to pull the engine wheels off and separate to get to the parts you want. checkout the following diagram and print the one you need to see the breakdown ok and good luck!

Alan

 

http://www.lionel.com/media/su...ent37/37Complete.pdf

 

  

The Lionel supplement for your loco is #32, avalable at Lionel's site. You do not need to pull the motor housing apart, but you do need to pull off the wheels to replace the idler gear. Reinstalling and quartering the wheels is another problem you need to be able to handle.

Larry