Testing an engine

[uss]

How can I test a motor for functionality?  The motor I am looking to verify is from the large scale Christmas handcar.  My handcar does not work any longer, and I need to see if it is the motor or something else.  What voltage/wattage can we safely used for this purpose?

[Loco Bill Canelos]

Hi uss,

Connect leads from your power supply directly to the leads on the motor.   Set the original power supply controller to about half speed and touch the motor leads.  Motor should run if it is OK. 

Loco Bill

[mickeykelley]

Based on personal experience with multiple units of these and others posting here, expect it to be the gears inside.  Just saying........