Need advice re: noisy C44-9

[eja]

After far too long (over 7 years) a Kato C44-9 has finally escaped the closet.  It runs .... but neither smoothy or quietly.   

I know it probably just needs a little lubrication, but after removing the shell, I can't figure out how.  Do I need to take the frame apart to get to whatever I need to lub? 

Comments and suggestions appreciated......

[AVR Mark]

No need to disassemble the frame. Put a drop of oil between each bearing block and the worm gear next to it. The motor also could need to be oiled. If so, you can put as much as you like on the end with no brushes. Put the smallest amount you can on the end with the brushes. I use a toothpick. You don't want to get oil on the commutator and brushes. If this doesn't take care of the problem, then you may need to take the frame apart and inspect the drive shafts for "flash".

Mark

[tehachapifan]

Yep, Mark's got it. I've heard stories of people putting too much oil in the flywheel shaft where it enters the motor and frying the motor. So, be careful to use only a tiny amount like Mark says (tiny as in a tiny droplet on the end of a small wire). I use LaBelle 108 "lite" oil in the places Mark mentioned and a small amount of 102 Plastic compatible "gear oil" on the gears whenever needed.....which is not very often at all, if ever.

[garethashenden]

Have you tried just running it for a while? It may very well need lubrication, but it also might just need exercise.

[bobdobbs]

+2 to bearing lubrication.

[peteski]

I would totally disassemble it, clean all the parts in ultrasonic cleaner, then lubricate it and reassemble it.    But then again, taking locomotives apart is on of my favorite aspects of this hobby. I look for any excuses to take a locomotive apart - sometimes I don't even need excuses! 

[Kisatchie]

Hmm... that loco blowed
up... it blowed up real
good...

[eja]

Thanks guys   ... I'll try that tomorrow.