[Millstonemike]

I acquired a Lionel 248 electric with, what appears to be, a Lionel 253 double reduction "Super Motor". It has new roller, wheels and gears. After a clean and lube the engine runs very smooth on the bench.

The loco would run sporadically on straights and stop on 0-27 curves. I traced the problem to the wheels being to close together. I spread them a bit and it runs fine. But the gears barley mesh when the wheels move out on that side.

I'm thinking a nylon washer as a shim on the non-geared side between the wheel and the axle bearing. I'd cut a slit in the washer to pop it on the axle. But it may be tricky getting it in there as space is very tight. And I do not want to remove the wheels.

Any ideas?

 

[Lehigh74]

I have trimmed down bread loaf closures and used them for axle spacers. I got the tip from GRJ and he got it from someone else.

If you don't need bread right now, PM your address to me and I'll send you a few.

 

[Millstonemike]

I have trimmed down bread loaf closures and used them for axle spacers. I got the tip from GRJ and he got it from someone else.

If you don't need bread right now, PM your address to me and I'll send you a few.

View attachment 514410

Worked like a charm :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Now to get them out to trim them down ...

 

[Big Ed]

I think it was T Man who mentioned the bread bag things here.

 

[Millstonemike]

I think it was T Man who mentioned the bread bag things here.

Odds are. I did remember a thread where wheel spacing was mentioned, but not enough to attempt a search.

We'll find out. When he hits the board, he'll see the thread calling him

 

[Big Ed]

Odds are. I did remember a thread where wheel spacing was mentioned, but not enough to attempt a search.

We'll find out. When he hits the board, he'll see the calling him

I think he uses them for another fix too.
Can't beat the price.

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

I think that tip originally came from T-Man as I recall.

 

[T-Man]

Well the bread ties idea came from my better half , who read it online. The original use was tying electrical wires together. I collected a few. I do not believe I have used it as a wheel spacer.
So I can admit I am familiar with them but I may have suggested it. The search engine didn't help.

For wheel pressing I keep everything tight. I cannot recall ever needing more space. Maybe it was for an AF motor.

 

[Millstonemike]

...
For wheel pressing I keep everything tight. I cannot recall ever needing more space. Maybe it was for an AF motor.

This was a Lionel pre-war double reduction motor. The wheels had virtually no side-to-side play (but not tight on the bearings). It ran sporadically on the track, stalling, no high speed operation, lurching, etc. Spreading the wheels a bit completely solved the problem resulting in consistent full speed and reliable low speed operation.