Help. My Kato SD40 is screaming at me.

[diezmon]

This thing is screeching like all hell when it's running.   Seems to be pressure on the bearings when the halves are together...

I tried rotating the bearings 90 degrees, just for grins, but still screeches.   It's driving all the neighborhood dogs away.  Any idea what's going on here?

[nightmare0331]

a drop of light lubricant at each point the gray worm bearing blocks meet the worm shaft.

Hope this helps!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[diezmon]

a drop of light lubricant at each point the gray worm bearing blocks meet the worm shaft.

Hope this helps!

What do you use for lubricant?  Would graphite work?

[Missaberoad]

I wouldn't recommend graphite. Personally I've always used Labelle 108 oil. Don't over lubricate a little goes a long way.

https://labelle-lubricants.com/shop/labelle-108-fine-oil-for-z-n-and-small-ho-locos/

[nightmare0331]

What do you use for lubricant?  Would graphite work?

on bearings?  no...terrible idea.

light oil such as labelle 108 or Phoenix Industries Excelle light bearing oil.

None of those around?  in an absolute pinch, apply a drop or two of 10w30 with a toothpick.

Enjoy!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[mmagliaro]

Yup.  ONE small drop of oil at the bearing blocks, and if you still have screeching, ONE small drop right where the shaft exits the motor at each end through the metal motor bearing.  That is classic dry bearing screech.  Since the bearing blocks are all plastic, I would actually bet that it's the motor bearings rather than the bearing blocks.  That dry metal-on-metal sound you are getting really sounds like motor bearings.

[mplsjct]

+1 on the bearing block lubrication, I have scored several deals on Kato locos because of this noise.

[Steveruger45]

Sounds like motor bearings to me too. 

[Tom Todd]

If your repair is unsuccessful, a benefit still is there.  You won't have to cleanup the dog droppings on your lawn from the neighbor's pets.

[diezmon]

Thanks fellas.  I'm ordering some oil