A 9V train motor that doesn't work

[legotrainfan]

Hi everyone!

Just today I noticed that one of the two 9V motors that power a Santa Fe engine each does not work. I have no idea why since the light of the affected engine is on. So there is electricity going through the cable that is attached to the motor at one end and to the light brick at the other. But the motor doesn't move. If you push the motor, it stops after a few centimetres... if you are lucky... although the speed regulator is set at full speed. And even it it moves for some centimeters, it isn't fast.

I have no idea as to what could cause the problem and how to solve it. Just several days ago it still worked. But as I said: Electricity seems to go through the motor, otherwise the light brick wouldn't go on.

[Lazarus]

sounds burt out from my experiance i had 3 motors like this some that would run for a few secs and stop and some that would go for like 5 mins.

replace the internal motor if you can find one if not time for a new 9v motor.

like you said its not going to be a power issue.

this is what happens to 9v motors over the year. try and get a replacment 2nd hand one but i would recommend asking the seller to test them with load for about 30mins before shipping. i have been sent 2 duds before though brick link as they worked ok on there own with no loco but as soon as you put load on it they over heat.

It will be the bushes in the motor they dont last forever.

[Commander Wolf]

There's another thread that hints at a possible replacement for the internal motor, but I don't know if the OP actually tried to buy it and install it.

[1974]

It's not a burnt out motor. If it was burnt out, it would not move at all So the vital parts are okay

Sounds like a bad electrical connection and/or a mechanical/friction problem. Check both commutators (that means taking the actual motor apart) and friction in the gears/axles. Also the electrical connection from the wheels to the actual motor

This can be fixed

[Lazarus]

no if the bushes on the motor of almost dead it will act this way.

I was going to try and put a PF internal motor into a 9v motor but not got around to doing it yet.

Edited May 19, 2013 by Lazarus

[JopieK]

you can also do another test. A motor also acts like a dynamo, so connect a volt meter to it, turn it around and see if it produces juice.

[Desmopowerrr]

You might fix the motor by removing the thermal fuse (little silver disc) as described in railbricks no. 4 page 46 (http://railbricks.com/magazine/issue-4/). I fixed one of my 9v motors that way, it showed the exact same symptoms as described in the OP.

[legotrainfan]

Thanks for your tips!

you can also do another test. A motor also acts like a dynamo, so connect a volt meter to it, turn it around and see if it produces juice.

Since there is electricity for the light brick, doesn't that already indicate that there is "juice"?

Edited May 20, 2013 by legotrainfan

[dundarach]

No didn't try it yet - as cleaned mine up and it worked, however what you need (I think) is:

http://www.conrad-uk.com/ce/en/product/229021/Motraxx-Electric-motor-X-Train-263-H0-Idle-speed-229021

See my discussion at: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=82447

[alainneke]

Thanks for your tips!

Since there is electricity for the light brick, doesn't that already indicate that there is "juice"?

What 'JopieK' meant, is that the motor itself will generate electricity when you spin it (without using a speed regulator): put a light brick on top of the motor, and just push the motor along a table. When the light brick lights up, the motor should be ok

Edited May 20, 2013 by alainneke

[legotrainfan]

That motor just makes me look like a fool! I've just tried it again, and guess what: Now it works! Maybe it's a loose contact. 1974 has already pointed out that the problem can probably be put down to a bad electric connection.

[Lazarus]

Will taking out the thermal fuse do any long term damage if the motor does over work itself?

Also just ordered the older RC 9v motor to playing. Going to do an internal motor swap into a 9v motor and see what happens.

As i cant see or find any real info on if this has been done.

Cost of NEW RC and PF motor about $10 > cost of used old 9v motor $50

So replacing the internal motors on these old 9v babys is the way to go.

If i fail with the old RC motor i will then move onto the PF.

Even if the RC motor works i will move onto the PF as these are ment to have more power than both the 9v and RC motors.

From photos the internal motors look very close at most i am hoping a bit of soldering.

I will also test if i can run a RC and PF motor piggy backing off the power connecter ontop of the 9v motor.