Real world problem - Child's toy engine

[thomas-anderson]

I am not sure this is the right forum, but thought I would try, and you can flock me if I am wrong =)

I have a real world problem. However, I don't recall ever having studied electromagnetism, thus I don't really have the necessary background to tackle this problem. I tried to speed up my learning, by learning the basics, "north and south" pole for example, of a magnet.

Here are two pictures of the toy.
https://cloud.little-beak.com/s/FEpCMarwqDfGjJm

the problem is, the "turbine" or rotary part of the engine doesn't work as expected. Disassembling it, carefully, I was able to get it to work, but it's still rough. It makes a lot of noise, NOT from the wheels, but from the part inside rubbing against the magnet.

The toy is from a 1983 Lego train set. So, yes, it is older. =)

I think, in theory, the part inside should almost free be suspended, and powerfully in the middle, but I can put it in and out without issue.

I suspect, and from what I have read, magnets can wear out?

But, they can also be recharged? How would a novice find the north or south pole?

Any tips or help in understanding this problem would be great!

 

[Lnewqban]

Welcome!
Rather than a magnet problem, it could be the very common problems of worn bearings that allow the rotor drag over the stator, and/or of worn rubbing parts of the collector that difficult the electrical contact.

 

[thomas-anderson]

Welcome!
Rather than a magnet problem, it could be the very common problems of worn bearings that allow the rotor drag over the stator, and/or of worn rubbing parts of the collector that difficult the electrical contact.

Thanks for the reply. The engine gets power, and tries to turn, but it's very laborious, loud, and it will shortly stop, so that suggests the bears. Which part are the bearings? The metal parts around what appears to be coiled copper? Sorry for my descriptions, I really have no idea about this technology.

 

[DaveC426913]

Which part are the bearings?

The parts on either end that support the rotor. They wear out.
This is by far the most common and most likely source of a noisy, reluctant motor.
You're going to have a tough time if you try to repair this. Replacement is really the option.

 

[Lnewqban]

Could you show a picture of the little carbons with springs?
Let's call @berkeman for his expert opinion.

 

[DaveC426913]

Looking at Lnewqban's pic makes me wonder how standardized these motors are.
My local hobby shop sells those little motors for slot cars.

 

[johntpl]

These motors, known as ‘can’ motors, are very standardized. They are categorized by size and voltage. Measure the old motor and determine the likely voltage by counting the batteries. The trick will be reconnecting the new motor-some soldering will likely be required.