Proto 2000 Loco Help.

tetters

tetters

Rail Spiking Fool!
Jan 21, 2005
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0
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Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hey folks,

I'm having some trouble with a loco I just got running again.

It was one of the Proto 2000 locos with the infamous cracked gear problem, however that issue has been corrected with new wheels which arrived yesterday. I replaced all of them. However, when I run it and begin to increase the speed it whines like screaming banshee (ok not that loud but...) and I can see that it lurches at bit. Very subtle, and actually more amplified with the shell on. And it only makes the whining sound in one direction. It's a great looking loco...just runs like cr*p right now.

Not sure what to do here. Obviously my next step would be to take it apart and inspect the gears and all. Perhaps I just need to clean and lube it? I also wondered if perhaps I need to properly break it in? Unfortunately I run point to point so I can't just let it rip around the track for a dozen laps or so. Just back and forth. :rolleyes:
 
I have a gp 30-2 Proto 2000 that did the same thing, especially going down grades and only on deceleration. After lots of running it finally went away.

Loren
 
If it's making a racket like that, continuous running will wear it out, not in! ;):-D
I'm not familiar with those locos, but check for bent or misaligned wheel wipers, gear case covers not fastened properly in place, or something rubbing on the driveshaft or flywheels. If you just put in new wheelsets, did you lubricate the axle bearings, and, are they properly seated?

Wayne
 
I used to have a fair number of Proto 2000 locomotives in the CN black,red & white scheme before I switched to modeling CN steam. I had a few that did the same thing when the gears were replaced. I would check for the things Doctorwaye suggested first. If that does not help you may have to do as I did.
I ended up tearing down both gear boxes ( trucks ) and washing all the factory grease and oil off everything. All gears were checked for molding flash and then everything was reassembled and lubed with Labelle grease and oil. I also used so light oil on the motor bearings ( small drop on each ) and made sure the motors electrical contacts were clean. After that my problem locos ran real well and were quiet. They were also a lot cleaner as some of mine were really well lubed from the factory. Even in spots that did not require lubrication.:eek:

If you do decide to tear down the gearboxes make sure you make notes to which truck goes where and where each part came from. On my first couple of locos I did I did one truck at a time.


Wayne R
 
Thanks everyone. I started to disassemble the loco last night. I actually have another one which does the same thing, although not as pronounced as this one. So I'll have two to look into. I'll have to make a trip to the LHS to get some proper lube.

I ended up tearing down both gear boxes ( trucks ) and washing all the factory grease and oil off everything. All gears were checked for molding flash and then everything was reassembled and lubed with Labelle grease and oil. I also used so light oil on the motor bearings ( small drop on each ) and made sure the motors electrical contacts were clean. After that my problem locos ran real well and were quiet. They were also a lot cleaner as some of mine were really well lubed from the factory. Even in spots that did not require lubrication.
Click to expand...

This is good to know. The trucks are literally dripping with oil which I thought was not right from the get go. I don't think I even use that much oil on my mountian bike chain. sign1
 
Someone should double-check this, but I'm pretty sure these will fit the Proto drive. I seem to remember doing an emergency repair on a friend's Proto loco with an Athearn axle from the junk box.
 
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