Maintenance of HO engine motors - Model Railroader Magazine

If, indeed, this motor, the "pancake" style, it might not be repairable. I had a older  Bachmann unit (circa Late 1980's to very early 1990's ) that was given to me with this same motor. After a while the brushes cracked, it started with just arcing, but it finally totally burnt itself out. 

Check the lube, as mentioned, and a thorough cleaning (By thorough cleaning, removing all old lube, and relube, and then clean wheels) to start. Also, make sure wires are tight. To my best knowledge, these style motors do not have much in the way of available maintainance that can be done easily, but this can be.

For the grease inside the truck on the gears, Just pop off the truck's bottom plate (carefully. Do not break it! Do not ask how I know it can be broken either...) and check the lube. (If it's of a few years without being used, the lube indeed could be hard as rock. Clean out all of this as best as you can.) As was mentioned, lightly lube, gears light grease, motor bearing light oil. (And by light lube, both viscosity and amount. And very lightly lube it, most manufacturers put in WAY more than needed. Just a toothpick drop for the bearings, and just a very thin, light coating for the gears. For oil, 3-in-1 oil or Labell oil [I use Label light oil] is recommended. Must be plastic compatable. Grease, I use Labell light grease, but others use a light weight automotive grease.) 

If, after this, it will still not move, best removing motor and making a "dummy" unit. (Allows you to keep it in active roster, just must always be coupled with another unit. Great way to start with MUing.) Repowering is optional. (Lots of work, so unless it's really got sentimental value, cost to repower will be more than retail value of working unit of same make and approx. year.) 

And yes, this would be F series, but actually marketed as a F9. (That is assuming, that the one in the link is in appearance what you have.) 

EDIT: And, be very careful of getting any chemical style cleaners in that rear truck. The motor will be damaged beyond repair if it gets the cleaners inside of it, and it is (usually) not detachable on this style drivetrain.

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

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