Motor Specifications for 9V Train Motor (#530)

[Dufflefan]

Does anyone please know the specification for the motor housed in the 9V train motor (This part: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=590#T=C)?

I have recently rebuilt my Freight Rail Runner (Set #4564) which I have had since my childhood. While I hugely enjoyed getting the set out of the box again, the motor has very weak performance. The motor will run perfectly by itself, but when built and pulling the wagons it will complete about half a circuit of the track before slowing to a complete stop after about one full circuit.

I am fortunate that having kept it stored in the original box, everything is in excellent condition - the only exception is the weak performance of the motor. I have cleaned all the track to ensure good conductivity, and I have read other threads about repairing the unit. However, while I could (and am willing to if necessary) purchase a replacement part, I would like to try replacing the actual motor. I have been able to find some excellent information online (including this site which looks to have some very thorough analysis of the motor: https://www.philohome.com/motors/motorcomp.htm), but I cannot find the full specifications of the motor itself.

Does anyone please know what the specifications are? Or perhaps know where I can find an exact replacement motor?

Thanks!

[CaL]

A lot of Information about all Lego Motors you find here:  https://www.philohome.com/motors/motorcomp.htm

[Toastie]

Did you see this thread?

I believe a DC motor does not stop like that because it has gone bad. I may be wrong, though. Nevertheless: Instead of replacing the motor, I'd check the things mentioned in that thread first and then, if nothing helps, focus on the PTC first: You can simply remove it and then see what happens.

Best,
Thorsten

[Dufflefan]

10 hours ago, CaL said:

A lot of Information about all Lego Motors you find here:  https://www.philohome.com/motors/motorcomp.htm

Thanks CaL. I've read the page, and while it's very helpful, it doesn't provide the full specifications needed to find the correct replacement motor. The motor actually looks like a very standard unit used in a lot of toys, but while size and physical design are helpful, more information is needed about specifications to ensure I find exactly the right unit. I could be using too much caution, but I don't wish to damage anything! I think it's better to be too careful than too cavalier with these things!

6 hours ago, Toastie said:

Did you see this thread?

I believe a DC motor does not stop like that because it has gone bad. I may be wrong, though. Nevertheless: Instead of replacing the motor, I'd check the things mentioned in that thread first and then, if nothing helps, focus on the PTC first: You can simply remove it and then see what happens.

Best,
Thorsten

I did thanks. I agree that the behavior of the motor would indicate another issue, but having gone through a process of elimination with all other things - cleaning, speed regulator testing, etc., - it now seems the issue is likely internal to the part. Therefore I suspect it is either the PTC or the motor. I'm thinking I might purchase two replacement parts: an inexpensive one to practice opening the unit, and a second in excellent condition as a potential replacement. I then might be brave enough to open the original! I'm just apprehensive about the old plastic being somewhat brittle as despite the good quality it's 28 years old!

Thanks again for the help!   

[HoMa]

Isn't it possible to open a Powered Up motor (the box is not glued and torx screws are used?) and get the motor out? The open the glued 9V motor and replace the motor inside. I just know this idea in theory. Maybe someone here did this an can tell if it works? 

[XG BC]

i think someone posted a video on youtube on how he repaired a broken 9v motor by using a pf train motor as a sacrificial unit. it should work the same with the pup train motor.

[dr_spock]

 

 

[Dufflefan]

Thank you very much @HoMa, @XG BC, and @dr_spock. This is fantastic information.

Aside from my apprehension about possibly breaking the plastic of the original part in some way, it seems there is definitely a way to fix the part with the above information. I appreciate the help.

[davidzq]

One minor bit of information about swapping PF/PU motors into 9v, which I haven't seen addressed in any of the videos. 

There are actually two versions of 9v motor. The older, far more common motor produced from 91-05, which are shown in all the guides and is certainty what OP has. And the newer 05-06 motor, which used the same exact motor as the PF/PU motors but with the 9v contacts soldered on. These newer motors have a slightly larger tip, so require modifications for use in the older 9v shells.

Photo of motors

As for identifying what type of motor your 9v shell uses, there is a quality control code on one end of the bottom.

The older style 9v usually have a four digit code, the newer two digit code.

 

 

[Dufflefan]

Thank you very much @davidzq; that's great information. I appreciate the help.