Comments on: Engine(s) Drawing Too Many AMPS

By: Hardie Johnson

Hardie Johnson — Sat, 06 Mar 2021 21:44:54 +0000

In reply to Frank B. Cleaning parts with lighter fluid is like using dynamite for tent pegs.

By: Frank B

Frank B — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 01:18:55 +0000

I agree with the first two answers. The most likely problem is dirt and old hard grease in the gearbox, causing excessive friction, resulting in increased current draw.

Inspect all parts of the drive train, including axle mounts, for dust and fluff etc.

Strip everything down and clean gears with mild solvent such as lighter fluid or isopropanol.
Lubricate gears with oil or light grease. One small drop of oil on each motor bearing.

By: Del

Del — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:53:33 +0000

I would do as Dale said also if its possible disassemble the motor check that the brushes are in a good condition and the gap between the segments is clear check for bearing play on reassembly oil just a little on the bearings.

I assume that you have checked that the gears etc are not too tight.

Try on a small piece of test track or a part of your layout that you can be certain that full power is present
Hoping that sorts out your problems

By: Dale

Dale — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 17:44:16 +0000

One of the most common reasons for an engine to draw more power than usual is dirt. Often as an engine gets older dirt builds up in the gears, bearings and armature. This causes the mechanisms to have to draw more power to overcome the friction of the accumulated dirt. The first thing I would recommend is that you (or he) remove the shell and give the internals a good cleaning followed by applying lubrication, sparingly, to all moving parts.