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.

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

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

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

Here is the parts view of your locomotive.


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

A partial parts list for the locomotive is here:


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

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






Larry

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