Bachmann class 04 running erratically with smoke from the motor !

[brian777999]

I have an old split chassis Bachmann class 04 diesel shunter which used to be a very smooth runner but started to run erratically and then stopped all together. I stripped it down and found that there was a lot of oil/lubricant all over the internal mechanisms including the motor. After cleaning off all the oil, I have got it running again but it is very rough and occasionally a puff of smoke appears from the motor. Does this mean the motor is burnt out ?

[Dagworth]

It probably needs new brushes, the oil will have softened them (assuming the oil was inside the motor?) if not then make sure you haven't got a cracked gear somewhere.

 

Andi

Edited November 13, 2020 by Dagworth

[DCB]

Probably needs the armature cleaned and new brushes. Except from memory you can't get brushes and can't get the motor apart without breaking it.

I had this issue and bought a Mainline 03 chassis for £2  as a temporary bodge 10 years ago, but after adding pickups from chassis to the back of the rear wheels it ran so well I never bothered to fix the Bachmann chassis. Its called planned obsolescence and works really well, its why Hornby Dublo went broke, too well made and still running 60 years later.

[brian777999]

Yes, there was a lot of oil inside the motor. No cracked gears so, assuming it is the brushes, then nothing can be done. I might try putting some white grease on the gears and see if that helps at all.

Edited November 13, 2020 by brian777999

[brian777999]

It now runs smoothly once it gets going but getting it going is the hard part ; it needs a burst of electricity to overcome that initial starting resistance. I sometimes have this problem with new locos too. I am not sure what else can be done but suggestions are welcome.

Edited November 14, 2020 by brian777999

[DCB]

Have you tried giving it a blast round a continuous run?   My 94XX spends virtually all its time shunting but it gets sluggish from too much low speed stop start and so benefits from a good blast round towing a track cleaner every now an again.  I have been known to leave locos running while I have my tea.   If you don't have a continuous run 8 X 3rd Radius curves on the dining room floor will get the job done.

[brian777999]

I ran it continuously for 6 hours per day in both directions for 5 days and that seems to have solved the problem. I incorporated an oval of track in my small layout for that pupose.

[David13]

You could try dipping the motor in methylated spit and letting it dry off.

I did this to my Bachmann Standard 4MT tank and it ran great after.

Dave:)