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Problem with GP38s
Shayne writes:
“After 2 years of inaction, I decided to get back into the hobby, but I’m no expert. My 2 HO locomotives, both Bachmann DC GP38s don’t want to run. The lights operate and even after oiling the motors they still won’t go. Do you guys have any suggestions?”
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5 Responses to Problem with GP38s
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Have you disassembled the trucks and checked the gears?
Do the motors run when disconnected from the drive shafts?
Good Day, so are you running DC or DCC? If DC, what power pack are you using? Are these used engines; have they been taken apart? You could run two wires from the DC output on your power pack and just touch two opposite wheels on the bottom of the locomotive to see if the wheels spin as you turn the speed control up on the power pack. Also, try to get the engines to run a short piece of straight track. Let us know how you fare.
Check for dirt and corrosion on wheels, wheel pickup contacts and track.
Take off the body to check for loose wires inside.
Check for hardened grease on the gear train, if ok then touch the motor terminals with about 6V to see if the motors run in each direction.
if the lights work you are getting some power to the engine maybe not enough check the wipers (the little copper pick ups on the inside of the wheels).
Because the lights work, there should be power to the motors. It is very common for the motor brushes to become oxidized when sitting useless for long periods of time. While under power, use something to turn the motor, I like to use a toothpick because it’s insulated. You should feel the motor start to respond, and after a while of turning it, it should start to turn on it’s own. Be sure that all of the other parts are free to move, no dried up grease, preventing the wheels and gears from turning. Be careful not to damage the motor’s windings.