Metal Gearbox

[caddyshack]

Hi ..

Enjoying the tiger 1 ...all but this really cheap kiddies toy friction sound coming from the Metal 3:1 Gearboxes.

Its so loud its overpowers the speakers almost (When listenign to the tanks on youtube they don't sound like this). i know tanks in real life are not quite, but this sound is horrible.

I have tried greasing them but made no difference, the gearboxes were factory fitted

is there any mods you can do..or is there a better gearbox i could buy (don't know the make as they were pre-fitted).

Thx

[Tankbear]

Caddyshack,

You need to run the gearbox in, even the factory fitted ones. Some say add cutting paste and run for ten minutes, dismantle and wash/clean every bit of paste out, then lube.

I'm sure if you run the tank on a box (so tracks can rotate freely) for some time this will also bed in the gearbox, but will take longer.

I've got nylons gears so ok. although just ordered metal gearbox so will have same issue when it arrives.

[caddyshack]

hi Tankbear

Sounds like i have a noisy run in to do lol..

When looking at the cogs the 2nd one in from where the motor drives from is not looking round when spining..seams to have a small hump in it..

the box i have is on this site http://www.tankzone.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; part no:-TI30189RR...

Do you know what the diff is between TI30189RR and TI30389HG.. just woundering if the 2nd box is a better one than i have fitted?

Thx
Caddy

[Dietrich]

Hi Caddy, :~
Wow!!!! ....... that was hard to find the items on the site as there is no 'search' box that I could see for parts...so I googled it in the end !!
Apart from the £10 difference in price. If you look at the enlarged image of the TI30189RR gearbox you will see that the side plates that actually hold the gears and bushes in place are just the standard 'Pressed and bent' thin sheet steel plates and all the gears after the first brass looking one appear to be the grey cast alloy / metal that Heng Long usually use.
The TI30389HG is a different thing all together. Looking at the enlarged image, the side plates are much thicker and are made of aluminium. The gears all appear to be made of Brass and a darker metal, maybe steel. All the gears appear to have been machined or at the very least are much better made than the 'Grey Heng Long' metal gears. Unfortunately some of the Heng Long metal gears do leave a lot to be desired and can be of poor fit and quality. Lumps on gears, gears wobbling as they turn and spinning on their pressed on shafts are commonish faults.
If you can afford it, and of the two examples then buy the TI30389HG......BUT shop around....Tank Zone is NOT the cheapest by far.....Ask Forgebear ( Dave) on this forum and see if he can advise you or at least sell you a set cheaper, Welsh Dragon Models are also worth a look as they have good prices and are on the forum but they have a web-site in their name.
Alb.

[caddyshack]

Thx Guys for the help

As for those gearboxs..well how lovely they sound..grinding paste may not be enough, possable bag of builders sand going in

Will try the paste bit if no good will fit Asiatam improved metal gearbox, from what i understand these seem to be a better quality.

Thx again

Caddy

[Saxondog]

I run the older Asiatam as my Tiger is older,but the run in process made alot of difference in the sound and the drain on the motors. But the noise issue is a problem that as yet is unresolved. Several people have made different drive systems,but to mass produce them as a product has yet to happen.

Cam grinding or Valve grinding compound is what I used,their are many opinions on this subject . So I am just relaying what I did,one other point,it is a hassle to do this correctly,and messy as well. The sound level and performance will improve,but as a percentage 20% at best.

[caddyshack]

Well i gave my old gearbox a good chance at bedding in, only for the left hand box to keep locking up now and again.

well today i put the Asiatam 1:3 box in..all i can say is its like night and day from the old one.

It runs soo smooth and very quiet..very happy with the product

[Tankbear]

well today i put the Asiatam 1:3 box in..all i can say is its like night and day from the old one.

It runs soo smooth and very quiet..very happy with the product

That's good to hear.

The Asiatam gearbox and metal hull are next items on my mod list.