Servicing a 2245W Whistle Tender

Hey Noswad,

Just from what I've read & learned, I'd would lubricate sparingly. However, I'm not a Prewar guy, so my advice come more from gut feel than gospel.

I did a little searching that may help you move in the right direction.

Start here: (Hopefully these links will work for you. They are working for me.)

http://olsenstoy.com/searchcd2x.htm (Features diagrams of Prewar whistles.)

1) You have your WS-37/752 Bananna Whistle here: http://olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=1063

2) Here's the WS-85 Whistle: http://olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=1062

3) Here's the WS-19 Whistle: http://olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=1061

4) The 616 Whistle: http://olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=1064

5) Parts List: http://olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=1059

Those links will help you ID the whistle you are working with in your 2245W.

Then try: http://olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=1065

Here you'll find 6 pages of Service Manual .pdfs, that hopefully can further assist.

Then there's this, a break down of Postwar Whistles & Horns. It will take some digging, but there could be some guidance with in these pages: http://olsenstoy.com/searchcd2k.htm

I wish I had some practical experience or hints to offer, but hopefully you'll find further clarity in the links above.

Best of luck getting her back to "just exactly perfect"!

Good advise from Makeithappen77.

Lionel whistle motors have two bearings.

Your whistle motor probably is one of the first two listed above.

The WS-85 has a bearing staked onto the whistle chamber cover plate.

If you have this style plate, I suggest placing the tender chassis on its side so the bearing is facing up, and placing one drop of oil on the ball bearing in the center. Then let it soak in for a while. If the oil all soaks in, add 1 more drop, and let it soak in.

Since your whistle was working well, this should be plenty.

Wipe away the excess with a rag or paper towel.

The other bearing is in the brushplate. There really isn't any bearing at all, just a hole through the fiber board.

Lionel instructed customers to use oil, but I like to use Labelle 106 grease. Unfortunately, this requires the wires to be unsoldered from the brushplate so it can be removed. I use a toothpick to put a light coating on the inside of the hole, and a light coating on the armature shaft.

I usually clean the brushes and commutator plate while the motor is apart.

I use odorless mineral spirits on a Q-tip, and a fiberglass eraser (if necessary) on the commutator plate.

The brushes and commutator plate should never have any lubricant on them.

Many thanks to all.  I had used the Olsen Library before, but for some reason couldn't find it when I went looking for whistle info.  Thanks for all the links.  Looks like it's a WS-19.  This information should be all I need. 

Gene