createaforum.com

(DIR) Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Lionel Trains
(HTM) https://lioneltrains.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
(DIR) Return to: Lionel Maintenance &amp; Repair
*****************************************************
#Post#: 2144--------------------------------------------------
303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: rep Date: June 18, 2019, 3:01 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I have a American Flyer model 303 steam engine purchased in late
50s I'm trying to get running again after setting for 50 yrs. I
do have power on the track but the engine motor won't run. I
would like to repair it myself but need help on what I need to
do.
#Post#: 2145--------------------------------------------------
Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: TrainLarry Date: June 18, 2019, 6:50 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Here is the parts view of the #303 locomotive.
(HTM) https://trainrepairparts.com/diagramParts/4/american-flyer-300-series-4-4-2-atlantic-locomotive
Take it apart, and clean out all the old oil and grease with
Naphtha. Clean all the wheels with Naphtha also.
Lubricate all the gears with a model train grease, and oil all
bearings with a model train oil.
The reverse unit in the tender may need servicing also. See here
for a tutorial on servicing them.
(HTM) http://www.portlines.com/portlinesclinic23.htm
Here is a video showing general repair procedures.
(HTM) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a552TVMFQqQ
This should get you on your way to getting your engine running
again.
Larry
#Post#: 2146--------------------------------------------------
Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: rep Date: June 18, 2019, 7:06 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Thanks I'll try this is there another type of grease and oil I
can use I'm not close to a train shop.
#Post#: 2147--------------------------------------------------
Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: TrainLarry Date: June 19, 2019, 7:22 am
---------------------------------------------------------
This is what you need.
(HTM) https://labelle-lubricants.com/product-category/train_lubes/3-pack-kits/
Order it online. It is the right product for model train
lubrication.
Larry
#Post#: 2148--------------------------------------------------
Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: djacobsen Date: June 24, 2019, 6:17 am
---------------------------------------------------------
rep
Hello & Welcome to the Forum.
It s wonderful to bring out the vintage trains and get them on
the track again.
Unlike back in the day when your train was produced and
lubricants were 30 weight oil, grease & 3 in 1 oil, there are a
variety of lubricants to choose from today. What is important
is that the lubricant you choose is plastic compatable. I use
Mobile 1 Synthetic oil, buy a quart and it'll practicly last you
forever... Most auto supply, hardware, sporting goods stores,
fabric stores(sewing machines use high quality, plastic
compatable oil & grease) or that little bait shop down the road,
will have will have greases and oils that you can use on your
trains.
Happy Rails!
dave
#Post#: 2154--------------------------------------------------
Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: rep Date: July 2, 2019, 2:43 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I disassemble cleaned & lube reassemble and the motor still
won't work I ran power leads from transformer to terminals on
motor it still won't run. Is there anything else I need to check
on the tender car buzzes and hums when it is on the track.
#Post#: 2155--------------------------------------------------
Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: TrainLarry Date: July 2, 2019, 6:07 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Make sure the engine is wired correctly. Here is a wiring
diagram for older American Flyer locos.
(HTM) http://www.portlines.com/images/steamwiring.jpg
The top diagram for locos with 4 wires is the one you need.
If the engine still does not run, isolate the motor, and wire
the motor manually as follows:
Disconnect the 4 wire plug from the tender to the loco.
Unsolder the wires to the smoke unit.

The motor wires to the plug from left to right:
1- Field #1
2- Brush #1
3- Field #2
4- Brush #2
Hook one transformer lead to one brush.
Use a jumper wire to connect the other brush to one field
wire.
Hook the other transformer lead to the other field wire.
Apply power, and the motor should run.
Reverse the wiring to the brushes, and the motor should run in
the opposite direction.
If the motor runs this way, but not with the reverse unit hooked
up (put the plug back in), chances are the reverse unit is in
need of service.
Larry
#Post#: 2162--------------------------------------------------
Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: rep Date: July 11, 2019, 4:06 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I did what you instructed but the motor still will not run in
ether direction it will buzz but that's it. There is no wiring
plug on my tender unit the wiring is solder directly.
#Post#: 2163--------------------------------------------------
Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: TrainLarry Date: July 12, 2019, 7:01 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Here is the parts view of your locomotive.
(HTM) http://myflyertrains.org/gallery/album209/303_2
Remove the brushplate (#21) and turn the armature by hand. You
may need to lube the gear in the loco and oil the wheel bearings
until everything turns freely.
Unsolder the wiring from the tender to the locomotive to isolate
the motor from the reverse unit. Reassemble the brushplate and
power up the motor as previously posted to see if it runs.
If it still does not run, you may have a bad motor, possibly the
armature.
Larry
#Post#: 2164--------------------------------------------------
Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.
By: rep Date: July 12, 2019, 3:08 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I got wheels to turn freely with the armature turning clockwise
at each of the piston stroke it take more effort to turn. When
you turn the armature counter clockwise it will stop when the
piston is on the full bottom stroke. I didn't think about this
before there is no brush springs so I will need to get them the
brushes were no more than 1/4 in. long I don't know if I need
them. I didn't attempt to run it without the springs which
company would be the best to get the springs from.
*****************************************************
(DIR) Next Page