LGB Stainz 2020D - Motor Problem

C

ceejaydee

Big Trains
Been experiencing problems when running my Stainz 2020D as it keeps slowing down and cutting out.
Checked the LGB 0.5amp controller and track and don't experience the same problems with other locos.
Using a different controller I experienced a similar problem but instead of cutting out the loco runs at a constantly
slow speed regardless of the controller setting.

A complete strip revealed nothing obviously wrong except an excess of grease everywhere in the gearbox.
Motor ran ok on test leads without load but felt lumpy when turned over by hand.
Loco came in a starter set which I bought new around '95 and has never run at slow speeds but I always assumed
this was more to do with the controller rather than the loco.
After reassembly the loco ran better from slow speeds and sounded quieter in both directions however after around
an hour of running the problem of stop-start reappeared.
Swapped controller and better running resumed for a few minutes then back to slow running regardless of controller
setting.

Another strip today and the motor runs very erratically on test leads and regularly stalls without load.
So I'm thinking that a new motor is needed - can anyone advise me as to what type I need?
Loco is mid 1990's Green Stainz No.2, Buhler double ended motor marked '122101', shafts protrude 20mm each end.

I am also interested as to what could have caused the failure as the loco has seen very little use during it's life.
Maybe the lack of slow speed running hints at a duffer from day one?
As it was my first and only LGB loco until this last week I had nothing to compare it to.
I bought a late model Stainz 2nd hand this week and it is a world apart in terms of running quality - smooth, quiet
and very good at slow speeds.

Any advice or information would be much appreciated.
 
ceejaydee said:
A complete strip revealed nothing obviously wrong except an excess of grease everywhere in the gearbox.
Click to expand...
That's the problem.
I've seem many motors that have 'failed' due to lubricant contaminating the commutator. It allows the carbon dust from the brushes to accumulate in the commutator slots and short out the segments.
Older motors had easily accessible brushgear and could be quickly and simply degreased and the commutator slots cleaned out restoring them to full health.
Modern can motors need more brute force including removal of one brass worm with risk of damage to it.

The replacement motor is the standard short shaft 62201 used in most locos.

http://www.dragon-gscale.co.uk/lgb-62201-standard-motor-with-short-shaft-2557-p.asp < Link To http://www.dragon-gscale....short-shaft-2557-p.asp
 
Thanks for the reply Neil.
Amazing how something so simple as over lubrication can be fatal to the motor.
Even more frustrating that it came like that from the manufacturer.

I'll order a new motor.

Thanks again.
 
You may not need to replace it, just give it a good cleaning!
 
Spule 4 said:
You may not need to replace it, just give it a good cleaning!
Click to expand...
Whilst cleaning the wheels and gearbox of all traces of old grease in the kitchen sink my good lady reminded me that I mused sometime last year about buying an ultrasonic cleaning tank for such tasks...... now my motor may be too far gone for this but would such a process be suitable if the motor was thoroughly dried out after?

I have read of a modeller who advocates immersing the whole chassis of his handbuilt OO9 models in an ultrasonic bath as part of his maintenance schedule with complete success - exception is cast whitemetal parts as I believe the ultrasonic action can cause air pockets in castings to 'break out' destroying them in the process
 
No idea on the ultrasonic bath, I guess it depends on what is actually used.

What I have used on small electric motors in the past is electrical contact cleaner and a toothpick. Seems to work wonders on a lot of motors. Such a cleaner can be found at most automotive parts stores in the US, I assume the same in the UK?
 
No problems getting some contact cleaner over here.
Hardest part is that you cannot see the commutator - only what I assume to be the backs of the brushes, and the motor is more or less a sealed part.
 
Ah, one of the newer ones, that may be a problem....or....if you plan to buy a new motor, what could be lost?
 
Spule 4 said:
Ah, one of the newer ones, that may be a problem....or....if you plan to buy a new motor, what could be lost?
Click to expand...
Indeed; certainly worth a try with some cleaner before I part with my £40.00 for a new motor, even if only as an experiment.
 
Yes, on the early ones, the brushes come out.

I also have an ANCIENT Siemens motor in one LGB loco. Really should be replaced....
 
ceejaydee said:
Spule 4 said:
Ah, one of the newer ones, that may be a problem....or....if you plan to buy a new motor, what could be lost?
Click to expand...
Indeed; certainly worth a try with some cleaner before I part with my £40.00 for a new motor, even if only as an experiment.
Click to expand...
Chris, you may find my recent additions to the topic below of interest.

http://www.gscalecentral.net/tm?m=1237&high= < Link To http://www.gscalecentral....?m=1237&high=

I, for one, would be interested to hear how get the loco sorted.
 
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