Hi guys, I am now working on the Lionel postwar UP 2023 alcos and have taken them apart. I am looking at the thrust bearings and thrust washers, I am wondering if I should just replace them, since these are engines from 1950, or just clean them and reinstall. Is there anything to look for on them that would indicate its time to replace? My inital reaction is to replace them, just because this is a complete rebuild and why not?
Thanks in advance for helping!
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If they were dry and showed rust yes.
If you want to just replace, that is never a problem they aren't that expensive.
I believe Jeff Kane - at the Train tender has the parts _
The thrust bearings are not what carry the load of the armature, they just keep the armature from moving too far in and out, depending on the rotational direction of the armature. What is more critical is the two bronze bushings, one in the end of the motor case, and one near the rotor part of the armature. If these seem snug and the armature has very little side to side play when the armature is installed, I would use light grease on the armature shaft, and oil the thrust bearings and all the parts in the motor. Once the motor is completely assembled, oil the bronze bushings and the thrust bearings lightly. Takes longer to describe than it does to do the job. I think keeping everything clean and oiled is helpful in a good running motor.
Hi Ben,
Thanks, I think I was just looking for a good reason to order more parts from Jeff! I am in the process of building an order and it makes good sense to have a few spares on hand.
Luke, those are very helpful comments! Thanks.
Looking for stuff to order from Train Tender?
While your thrust washers and bearings probably do not need replacing. You might want to keep some of the washers on hand. They come in handy for other purposes.
Perhaps some motor brushes too.
What CW said, I would replace the brushes and lube the rest if no significant wear is present. Fresh brushes and springs are new life.
Please list some sources for the brushes for postwar engines. Thank you.
I have purchased brushes from Train Tender, George Tebolt and Town & Country. The last time I compared them, they all looked identical, probably from the same source. I could be dead wrong, but I think the market is too small for the Lionel parts guys to be duplicating their efforts on most items.
I do enough work to justify buying my brushes in bulk. All three of these guys give a good discount for larger purchases.
Thank you!
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