Thanks gentlemen, I'll verify whatever I use is plastic safe first. 

The gear lube was kinda "gunky", but I could still turn it with my finger, as I could the motor.  Given the sparks flying when I jumped the motor directly with power, I'm guessing the motor may be the true culprit...

-Jim

I have a tube of hobby lithium grease on hand, but after reading the instructions again I see that they recommend dipping a toothpick in a light oil to lube the gears, that sounds good to me.  I cleaned everything with quick dry electric cleaner, seemed to work really well and get into the tiny areas of the gear teeth.  I'm a gearhead too, and swear by Rislone, maybe I'll use that oil since it's pretty thin.  I just want to prep it properly before putting it away for next year.

I also just ordered the new motor too, should be here later next week I'm guessing...that should just drop in w/o any prep work I presume too?   Thanks again!

Quick question, since I cleaned out the old gear lube, I was thinking to just put a small amount on my finger tip and smearing a little on the gears - the hobby shop cautioned me not to go overboard and have the same thing happen again.  He indicated that often the factory (China) sometimes overdoes it too.  Would anyone agree?

Hi Regy,

Same thing happened here, I suspect the engine is burned out as mine would light, but wouldn't move either.  I took off the shell and manually rotated the shaft, the engine turned over, (which is supposed to be a good sign), but sparked and smoked a little when I put the power to it.  A local hobby shop told me the gear lube can harden from sitting, so I cleaned it up before I did anything else.

For my model, a replacement motor is $10.00, worth it in my opinion. 

-Jim

Agreed that a new one is the obvious choice, and hopefully the difference in part #'s doesn't mean anything.  The gear lube was likely hardened from sitting for two years (that's my theory anyway).  Sucks that it's about 6 years old, but only used for a few holiday seasons...

I did buy another engine, as this happened right before Christmas (of course), a Micro - wow, what a price difference! I paid $100.00, I hope the quality matches the price!  I will still buy the Bachmann replacement motor to use as a back up though, seems worth it for $10.00 (and whatever tax, shipping, etc. will be). 

The quick feedback is much appreciated everyone, thanks and have a great New Year!

-Jim

Hello!

I have a GP50 diesel with a burned out motor, it may have been from lube in the gears, so I cleaned it out and was able to turn the shaft in the motor.  When I tested the motor (at half throttle or about 8 volts), it worked, but immediately began sparking and smoking.  I understand per the instructions that came with the engine, that the motor should have a lifetime warranty, I hope this applies?  Any help would be appreciated.

If I were to send it back, would I need to send the entire engine, or could I just send the motor?  Also - I see a new motor is only $10.00, but the part # on this site is 9902 vs. the part # in my instructions of 9915.  I do believe it's the same motor from the photo, but curious why the # variance?
 
Thanks in advance, Jim