Electrical smells

May 22, 2005 4 Replies

Hi all,



I've just acquired a Lima loco that's pretty old (25 years, to be precise). Before running it, I gave it a good clean up, and lubricated it etc. Motor appears to be a Ringfield, possibly 3 pole, bogie mounted.



However, after about 10seconds of running, there is a nasty smell of electrical burning eminating from it, but it still runs very well.



Is there anything I can do to eliminate/minimise the smells ? Can I give it a drive transplant from a newer model (but retain the original for resale etc)



Given it's rarity and age, I don't intend to run it often, just for the odd "specials", but I do want to keep it in good running order.


How and what with did you lube it? Too much oil on the commutator can make the smell you describe.

Steve

You can expect motors to emit a certain amount of smell, and given the age of this one, I think it would take a while to burn off the tarnish from the commutator. If you are sure it is all clean etc, and isn't getting over hot, I would just run it and keep a check on it. My bet is it will subside with use - or burst into flames :o)

Best thing that could happen to a Lima loco!

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