Author Topic: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs. (Read 1311 times)

rep · « **on:** June 18, 2019, 03:01:16 pm »

I have a American Flyer model 303 steam engine purchased in late 50s I'm trying to get running again after setting for 50 yrs. I do have power on the track but the engine motor won't run. I would like to repair it myself but need help on what I need to do.

TrainLarry · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2019, 06:50:15 pm »

Here is the parts view of the #303 locomotive.
https://trainrepairparts.com/diagramParts/4/american-flyer-300-series-4-4-2-atlantic-locomotive

Take it apart, and clean out all the old oil and grease with Naphtha. Clean all the wheels with Naphtha also.

Lubricate all the gears with a model train grease, and oil all bearings with a model train oil.

The reverse unit in the tender may need servicing also. See here for a tutorial on servicing them.
http://www.portlines.com/portlinesclinic23.htm

Here is a video showing general repair procedures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a552TVMFQqQ

This should get you on your way to getting your engine running again.

Larry

rep · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2019, 07:06:37 pm »

Thanks I'll try this is there another type of grease and oil I can use I'm not close to a train shop.

TrainLarry · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2019, 07:22:45 am »

This is what you need.
https://labelle-lubricants.com/product-category/train_lubes/3-pack-kits/

Order it online. It is the right product for model train lubrication.

Larry

djacobsen · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2019, 06:17:03 am »

rep
Hello & Welcome to the Forum.
It s wonderful to bring out the vintage trains and get them on the track again.

Unlike back in the day when your train was produced and lubricants were 30 weight oil, grease & 3 in 1 oil, there are a variety of lubricants to choose from today. What is important is that the lubricant you choose is plastic compatable. I use Mobile 1 Synthetic oil, buy a quart and it'll practicly last you forever... Most auto supply, hardware, sporting goods stores, fabric stores(sewing machines use high quality, plastic compatable oil & grease) or that little bait shop down the road, will have will have greases and oils that you can use on your trains.

Happy Rails!
dave

rep · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2019, 02:43:31 pm »

I disassemble cleaned & lube reassemble and the motor still won't work I ran power leads from transformer to terminals on motor it still won't run. Is there anything else I need to check on the tender car buzzes and hums when it is on the track.

TrainLarry · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2019, 06:07:50 pm »

Make sure the engine is wired correctly. Here is a wiring diagram for older American Flyer locos.
http://www.portlines.com/images/steamwiring.jpg
The top diagram for locos with 4 wires is the one you need.

If the engine still does not run, isolate the motor, and wire the motor manually as follows:
Disconnect the 4 wire plug from the tender to the loco.
Unsolder the wires to the smoke unit.

The motor wires to the plug from left to right:
1- Field #1
2- Brush #1
3- Field #2
4- Brush #2
Hook one transformer lead to one brush.
Use a jumper wire to connect the other brush to one field wire.
Hook the other transformer lead to the other field wire.

Apply power, and the motor should run.
Reverse the wiring to the brushes, and the motor should run in the opposite direction.

If the motor runs this way, but not with the reverse unit hooked up (put the plug back in), chances are the reverse unit is in need of service.

Larry

rep · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2019, 04:06:23 pm »

I did what you instructed but the motor still will not run in ether direction it will buzz but that's it. There is no wiring plug on my tender unit the wiring is solder directly.

TrainLarry · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2019, 07:01:15 am »

Here is the parts view of your locomotive.
http://myflyertrains.org/gallery/album209/303_2

Remove the brushplate (#21) and turn the armature by hand. You may need to lube the gear in the loco and oil the wheel bearings until everything turns freely.

Unsolder the wiring from the tender to the locomotive to isolate the motor from the reverse unit. Reassemble the brushplate and power up the motor as previously posted to see if it runs.

If it still does not run, you may have a bad motor, possibly the armature.

Larry

rep · « **Reply #9 on:** July 12, 2019, 03:08:35 pm »

I got wheels to turn freely with the armature turning clockwise at each of the piston stroke it take more effort to turn. When you turn the armature counter clockwise it will stop when the piston is on the full bottom stroke. I didn't think about this before there is no brush springs so I will need to get them the brushes were no more than 1/4 in. long I don't know if I need them. I didn't attempt to run it without the springs which company would be the best to get the springs from.

TrainLarry · « **Reply #10 on:** July 12, 2019, 04:10:02 pm »

A partial parts list for the locomotive is here:
http://myflyertrains.org/gallery/album209/303_3

The brush springs are #25 on the list and are part #PA10757-A and are available here:
https://www.trainz.com/products/af-pa10757-s-scale-brush-spring

The brushes should be changed at the same time:
https://www.trainz.com/products/american-flyer-pa9603-brush

Larry

rep · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2019, 05:41:53 pm »

Thanks Larry I got the parts ordered. I was looking for a repair manual before I finished the order but they didn't show one where can get one for my model.

TrainLarry · « **Reply #12 on:** July 12, 2019, 10:04:12 pm »

The full service manual for the American Flyer #303 engine is 4 pages:

http://myflyertrains.org/gallery/album209/303_1
http://myflyertrains.org/gallery/album209/303_2
http://myflyertrains.org/gallery/album209/303_3
http://myflyertrains.org/gallery/album209/303_4

Larry

rep · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2019, 05:29:29 pm »

I received the springs & brushes today and installed them and hook up the power the armature turned a little bit and stopped. An earlier post you said I probably need a new motor would that be an armature and field only.

TrainLarry · « **Reply #14 on:** July 19, 2019, 07:12:55 pm »

Take off the brushplate and turn the armature by hand. The wheels should turn as you spin the armature.
Double check the wiring. The motor should run if everything has been cleaned and lubed. If it does not run, the armature is usually what goes bad.

Larry

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Author Topic: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs. (Read 1311 times)

rep

303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.

TrainLarry

Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.

rep

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TrainLarry

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djacobsen

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rep

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rep

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rep

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rep

Re: 303 engine won't run after 50 yrs.

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