New member here. I just had to replace a traction belt on Williams SD90. I removed the power truck and then the side frames and the belt was installed with ease. I replaced the side frames with no issues. However when I tried to reconnect the power truck back to the frame, the black screw will not engage no matter how I turn the truck. Does anyone have a suggestion on how I can reattach the power truck to the frame? Thanks for any help provided.
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First you need to make sure the motor gear meshes with the truck or you will have a bigger problem. You need to take off the body then place the motor and frame over the truck with the worm gear fitting into its hole in the truck. Then spinn the counterweight above the motor until you see the wheels of the truck turn. This next part is tricky. With your left( of tight if you are a lefty) hptess hold the motor and the truck together so the gear doesn't slip out and angle that Assembly so with your other hand you can slip on that screw from underneath the truck to the motor base. Make the screw grab and hand tight before letting go of the Assembly. Tighten that truck screw and motor then retest with your hand spinning the counterweight to make sure the gear is. in place and there is no binding in the power train.
This would also be a good time to check on the gear grease before you put the thing back together!
I have about 12 Williams engines and have not had to replace a traction tire, all my engines came with spare tires from the factory. I have replaced circuit boards with other ones. I even upgraded a dummy engine to powered engine.
The most important part is assembling the truck to motor, make sure the motor and gear go in correctly or it might lock up on you if installed wrong. The older Williams before Bachmann had a small notch on the end of the motor that aligns with the truck assembly, try to match that up and the motor should go back in correctly. Spin the top of the motor by hand after installing an see if the axle turns freely, may take 6 turns of the motor to see the wheel turn. Make sure the motor turns freely then put the long screw back in and tighten.
Lee Fritz
Thank you to all who responded. Followed PRRHORSESHOECURVE's instructions and now the locomotive is back up and running. I am an antiques dealer as well as a collector of all things railroading (prototype and models). I sell Post War and modern Lionel in my antiques shop and occasionally I need to do minor repairs to my inventory of previously used items before they go on sale. Many of these items have long since parted ways with their instruction sheets so this forum will be a big help for me in doing this. Thanks again for everyone help and input.
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