How To Fix A Worn Out Armature

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Is there any last-adventure set up for a shorted armature?

Is there any last-chance fix for a shorted armature?

Gild Ascending
Club Descending

Member since
Jan 2019
21 posts

Is at that place any last-risk fix for a shorted armature?

Posted by panzerpete75 on Sunday, January 30, 2022 xi:16 PM

I was running my Lionel 2056 Hudson at a train guild this past weekend, and information technology appears that the armature decided to short itself out, I assume in the windings somewhere. Using my multimeter, I can see that in that location is continuity between two of the iii segments.

I was wondering that if before I endeavour to get a used (and hopefully good) armature shipped up to Canada, if there is whatever suggestions of a potential prepare for the commutator. I oasis't been able to find a wheel puller locally to pull the commutator out, though the club might have one in storage.

Thanks for any help, this engine was the best running one I owned, since it was the only one that I worked on myself, rather it was done by a train repair shop virtually 3 years ago.

Fellow member since
January 2019
From: Henrico, VA
8,432 posts

Posted by Flintlock76 on Monday, January 31, 2022 viii:29 AM

I hope I'm wrong, but I don't recall there's a set up for a shorted armature,once it'due south gone, information technology'south gone. I've got a shorted coil in a whistle unit and as far as I'1000 concerned it'due south a write-off.

I've got a 2056 myself, it'southward my favorite post-war, a real workhorse! Best of luck on your repair efforts!

I've never had one of those old motors fail, but I have had erstwhile east-units go on me, one died with a shower of sparks! Are you sure the problem's non the e-unit?

Member since
February 2014
423 posts

Posted past Leverettrailfan on Monday, January 31, 2022 9:41 AM

Technically shouldn't there be continuity between segments? It would be bad if there wasn't, considering that would mean that a winding had been burnt out and current could no longer flow through a roll. All the windings are wound in series so that when two communtator plates are contacted past the brushes, the path between them is continued by one of the windings on the armature- simply each commutator plate has two connections- a wire from the winding to either side of it. What you need to measure is the resistance through each winding- if 1 of the windings is significantly unlike from the others... well, there's probably an outcome there.
But the fact yous mentioned that there's a segment that power isn't going through? That suggests to me that this is the source of your troubles.

I would cheque there's no broken wires, just in case perhaps a solder joined failed and you can but reconnect the wire.
If you have a blown winding, the but cure is to re-wind the armature. This can exist done, merely it volition take a lot of time and effort- and you will demand new enamel wire of the same gauge as the original. Brand certain to count how many turns are on each pole (winding) of the motor (should exist the same for all three, so simply count one) so you can re-air current the right number of turns back onto the armature. You should re-wind the entire armature, even if only ane pole has gone bad.
You can likewise send it off to exist rewound by someone who specializes in rewinding motors. The advantage to this is y'all basically end up with a "good as new" armature, and it will probably endure far more utilise than a used original volition.

-Ellie

"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, presume every railroad train for sale requires servicing before use"

Respond

Member since
January 2019
21 posts

Posted by panzerpete75 on Mon, Jan 31, 2022 nine:46 AM

I don't think that information technology's the Eastward-unit of measurement, since the locomotive nonetheless runs with a push, but with plenty of sparking and a little smoke from the motor. I'k hoping information technology may just be a piece of dirt that'c connecting the windings, but I'll need to pull a wheel to check that anyways.

Member since
January 2019
From: Henrico, VA
8,432 posts

Posted by Flintlock76 on Monday, January 31, 2022 11:15 AM

Simply a thought, since you lot've little to lose, endeavor blowing the motor out with electrical contact cleaner (most well-stocked hardware stores should take information technology in droplets cans) and some compressed air afterwards, also available in droplets cans. Theremightbe a foreign object or some crud up in in that location as you surmise.

Ane tip that worked for me in the copier repair field when dealing with malfunctions is look for the simple affair first.

Contact cleaner works well on e-units besides.

Respond

Member since
January 2019
21 posts

Posted by panzerpete75 on Monday, January 31, 2022 xi:57 AM

I was thinking of trying that, since I demand to spend time finding a parts supplier that ships to Canada. I'll have to go to the garage to use the compressor, since I used the terminal of my canned air on my computer. Thanks

Member since
Jan 2019
21 posts

Posted by panzerpete75 on Lord's day, February thirteen, 2022 10:45 PM

Have an update, I ordered a used commutator from a Canadian eBay seller, and I bought a inexpensive "begetting puller" from a disbelieve tools store. It was able to remove the wheel, but I had to employ a minor screw to "extend" the threaded rod, as it was too wide to fit onto the axle. The new function works, now only have to borrow a friends press to reinstall the wheel. I found it easier to pull the cycle with the gear on it, as there was more room between the bicycle and the frame, then pull the other wheel and beam out.