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Athearn RTR motor problem! Journals/Blogs
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Active Member 31 posts nick89 Active Member 31 posts
nick89

Hey everyone!

I today purchased my first HO Athearn RTR loco, its a BNSF Dash 9.

I installed an NCE decoder from another loco so i know it is not a problem, however the motor itself sounds like an electric toothbrush on steroids!!!, even at low speed steps. I have done the first thing i could think of and that is adding a little oil to the areas i think were appropriate.

After doing the previous, the noise was still present so i disassembled the loco and removed the motor and i have turned the flywheels by hand and it sounds like its definitely a noisy motor, and also seems to catch at one point as it is being turned.

Has anyone else had this problem ?, not very happy considering its a brand new loco.

Cheers
Nick.
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Nelsonb111563 Moderator 2,265 posts
Nelsonb111563

Contact Athearn for a replacement

Before you get too deep into it, contact Athearn for a replacement motor.  Explain the problem you have and see what they will do.  They should replace it.  A binding/growling motor could be related to a couple of things; 1) brushes not properly seated and "run in", 2) magnets possibly out of alignment and or cracked.  If the motor is out of the frame, try running it at 10 to 12V on a regular power pack and see if it smooths out.  Do this in both directions.  Keep us posted.

Nelson Beaudry,  Principle/CEO

Kennebec, Penobscot and Northern RR Co.
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Larry of Z'ville Frequent poster 984 posts
Larry of Z'ville

Open frame or can

Because it is new, I would first consider getting an exchange of some kind.  Perhaps a genesis motor at a reduced price.  

Short of that, the options really depend on which type motor you have.  Can motors are really not meant to be taken apart.  I'm sure people do, but they require skill and tools the average guy doesn't have.  So a motor replacement may be your only option.  

an open frame Athearn motor is easier to work on.

In either case, you need to check for radial and axial play in rotor.  See if you can move the fly wheel back and forth or up and down.

Because you can feel the vibration as you turn the rotor, it is likely the rotor and the stator are rubbing for some reason.  If the motor is open frame, post a pix or two and we can discuss options.

what ever you do, do not take the rotor out of the stator.  The magnets in these motors will lose their magnetic flux if you do.  I'm not sure how quickly that happens, but it is best not to risk it.

Good luck, 

 

So many trains, so little time,

Larry

check out my MRH blog: https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/42408

 or my web site at http://www.llxlocomotives.com
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nick89 Active Member 31 posts
nick89

Thanks guys!

Thanks for the help Nelson and Lary.

I have desided to just do an engine conversion with either the Kato motor i have or Mashima, i just have to get my hands on some kato hex flywheels! they seem to be hard to come by over here in Aust. Katousa doesnt seem to have them in stock at the moment either. Ebay is no help too

Regards
Nick.
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