Model Railroading > PK2 E-8 Gear Noise

Folks:

I have a PK2 E-8 that I purchased a couple years ago, I am finally getting away from "armchair model railroading" and building a layout. When I run the engine it has excessive gear noise, grinding. Sounds like my 30+ year old Tyco Alco something. I took it back to the dealer where I purchased it and he says it sounds fine, and some hobby shops wonder why they lose customers. Do I look that stupid, don't answer that! I don't want to return it, I just want it to run properly. All of my other PK2's, PA's, SD7-9's sound fine. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks in advance to all who respond.

Randy in PHX

Randy,

Send it back to Life-Like. It will cost you $14.00 I think because the warranty is out but it is well worth it. I have a SD9 that would not pull more than three cars. Sent it back to Life-Like with the required funds and they returned it in 2 weeks. Runs like a charm. Be sure to put a note inside the box detailing what is wrong with your return address. Insure the package and send it delivery conformation just in case they loose it at Life-Like.

I agree with you about the hobby shops - they all used to be Buick salesman.

I had one like that and a friend of mine insisted we lube it. It is very quiet now. You might try that first before sending it back. Follow the instructions. You have to partially disassemble it.

I have 5 of these locomotives and all of them have extremely loud gear noise. I have tried lubing them but that made no difference. I don't feel like returning them to Life-Like because I have DCC decoders hardwared into them. One positive note, you don't need a sound system in them to know when they are coming down the track. Not only can you hear them you can feel them coming.

Please post if you find a solution other than sending them back.

All noise is caused by vibration. In a gear train, this is likely caused by a worn bearing, or one that allows a turning shaft to "chatter". Lubrication will help somewhat, if the loose fit is not too great. A new bearing will solve the problem if it can be installed. If not, return to the manufacturer or dealer is the solution. It helps to cultivate a friendship with an amateur machinist who has a lathe and an appropriate-sized reamer.