Replacement motor for LL plastic E8

[ClubberLang1]

I have an older Life-Like E8 which, up to recently, was great even though it was from a past generation.  The motor has gone dead as a door nail.  I was hoping someone out there can perhaps have some insight as to what a good replacement motor for this could be.

Basically, I was intending to install a new motor in the same mounting as the old.  I tried a few Atlas & Kato spare motors I had but they are too long for LL frame mount.  Thus, I was hoping someone may have idea which motor may fit the LL plastic frame mount.

Even though a newer, more modern E8 would be ideal, I would prefer to keep this one going.

Thank you all in advance.

Regards,
    ClubberLang1

[Lemosteam]

@ClubberLang1 PRivate message me.  I think I can help.

[peteski]

Motors usually don't die unless the windings burn or the commutator melts (both very rare occurances).  Maybe the commutator is simply clogged up with oily brush dust or maybe the motor just needs new brushes?

Do you recall how the motor died?   What I'm saying here is that maybe the motor can be fixed.

[u18b]

I agree with Pete.
These are great motors and don't usually die.  So if yours is indeed dead, that would be unusual.


However, what is VERY very common in these locos is that the rubber tubing that connects the flywheel to the worm shaft gets hard, brittle, and no longer grips the shaft.   

In answer to your question, the Life Like SD7 uses the same motor- but with smaller flywheels.

By the way, these motors are so good, that I have bought up old plastic frame E8s cheap just to get the motors.

[Lemosteam]

I agree with Pete.
These are great motors and don't usually die.  So if yours is indeed dead, that would be unusual.


However, what is VERY very common in these locos is that the rubber tubing that connects the flywheel to the worm shaft gets hard, brittle, and no longer grips the shaft.   

In answer to your question, the Life Like SD7 uses the same motor- but with smaller flywheels.

By the way, these motors are so good, that I have bought up old plastic frame E8s cheap just to get the motors.

So.   @u18b YOU'RE theo one I'm always trying to outbid on Ebay for them!  LOL!

[cjm413]

In answer to your question, the Life Like SD7 uses the same motor- but with smaller flywheels.

By the way, these motors are so good, that I have bought up old plastic frame E8s cheap just to get the motors.

Aside from the lack of flywheels, is this the same motor that was used in the plastic frame FA-2 or GP18?

[nickelplate759]

I just remembered that there were two different generations of LL E8 models.  The first generation had a plastic frame, the second generation had a split metal frame.  You can put second generation bodies on first generation chassis without modification, but not the other way 'round.

Which generation do you have?

Beyond all the other advice here (check things besides the motor), if you really do need a motor, and if it's a first generation unit, I'd just go buy a used unit somewhere (auction site, etc.) and swap motors.   Note that the LL E7 and E6 (A units only on both) had the same motors (but different trucks, so don't just swap bodies and call it done).

George

[u18b]

Aside from the lack of flywheels, is this the same motor that was used in the plastic frame FA-2 or GP18?

It's possible.  I don't have any FAs.   But the motors in others are the same--- except for flywheels.

I may try to upload a photo tonight.

[ClubberLang1]

UPDATE

Taking Peteski’s suggestion into account, I took apart the entire motor.  As it turns out, to my surprise, apparently one of the brush springs had been compacted down to a “brick” making have K factor of 0.

Now, I need to find a replacement spring.  Looks like a µtrains coupler spring could work but it is a bit long.  Not sure if the extra spring force this exerts on the brush would have an adverse effect on the commuter or motor.  Any thoughts?

Thanks to all.

Regards,
  ClubberLang1

[u18b]

Effect- only mild.

Will wear out that brush a bit faster.

[peteski]

I don't have one of those motors handy - maybe someone else ( like @u18b ?) can confirm: the brishes and springs on many different motors are very similar or identical. You might be able to pick up a set of springs (often included with replacement brushes) from Kato, Atlas or some other manufactures selling replacement parts. 

[u18b]

I was about to scramble to get photos up....

And then I thought,  Wait..... Spookshow!

http://www.spookshow.net/locolist.php?diesels=6&nonbrass=3&sortby=2&Submit=Submit

Scroll down to the Life Like section.   Notice that about all the plastic frame locos use the same motor.

[rrjim1]

I have used Atlas motor brushes and Springs in the original FA2 plastic frame loco motor. If the E8 used the same motor they will work just fine!

[Doug G.]

Just cut the spring down to an acceptable length.

Doug

[mmagliaro]

I looked at Spookshow's page. 

It's THAT motor?  Isn't the the same tried and true Lifelike motor from the 1990s era F units? (except with flywheels on each end).