Loco maintinence - The Whistle Post

sdkid · #1 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 08:59 PM

I did not know where to put this, so its here. Please feel free to move it somewhere else if approppriate. I got my track set up and did a little run with my loco's. They run a little and then stop. Sometimes they will restart with a little push. They throw alot of sparks from the wheels. They have sat in the closet nearly 10 years. I hope a cleaning is all thats needed. So I need to know what I can lube them with and where. I am hoping to find an oil that is available in regular stores. I have no LHS. What can I use? Is there anything else I can do?

ak-milw · #2 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 10:19 PM

SDkid,
I would first take a paper towel or soft cloth and put some alcohol on it and wipe down my track to get any film off of it. Then I would take a papertowel with alcohol on it and lay it on the track, take your loco and set the wheels on the paper one truck at a time, make sure you are holding the engine good and tight and turn the transformer on low speed, this will clean the wheels.
As far as oil, I use a good 3 in 1 oil or sewing machine oil, you can get these at any hardware store.

sdkid · #3 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 10:32 PM

Thanks Andy. I'll get some rubbing alcohol and oil tomorrow and try that.

ak-milw · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 10:44 PM

One thing to remember with the oil is you only need a very small amount. I use a few drops in a plastic cap, then dip a toothpick in it so I get one small drop and then put it on my engine.

sdkid · #5 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 10:56 PM

Thanks again, Andy.

Trainman1965 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 08:27 PM

I did not know you could use 3-1 oil on a loco. I have always been told to use a Plastic compatible oil. I guess 3-1 must be just that if it is not eatting up the plastic on the loco's. Thanks Andy i will keep that in mine to.

ak-milw · #7 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 10:49 PM

TM,
You can buy fancy engine lube oil and pay a bunch .But I found that 3 in 1 oil or sewing machine oil is the same thing.

Trainman1965 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-14-2007, 10:50 PM

You know that is cool. I can get 3n1 for a lot less money.

CPRailer · #9 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 09:22 PM

New transmission fluid works great too. It's plastic compatable and doesn't get gummy with time.

lyates · #10 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 09:58 PM

Also wirth gears that you want a product to stick to go to your local hardware or auto supply store and get a small tube of lubriplate No. 105 waterproof lithium based grease use a toothpick and place a tiny dollop on one gear and it will spread to all the rest and provide lubrication for a couple of months.