Signal Stat model 312 W3-80

[Eventos]

Hi there! I have got myself an old Signal Stat model 312 beacon. It is NOS, so it has barely been used. When firing it up, I can hear a type of grinding noise on the gears. Therefore, I suspect that the lube has dried out. Does anyone here know how to open up and lubricate the gears on this beacon?

Best regards from Norway.

 

[cmb56]

@Eventos
This is the Signal-Stat version of the Dietz 7-40 that they sold after that they bought Dietz in 1990.

Where did you see the SAE approval number SAE W3-80?

That approval was on the Dietz 7-40 when they changed from 4416 to 7400 sealed beams and went to a darker blue colour than earlier.

This one should have a SAE dated 1990 or later because the motor and gear box is changed to a cheaper type.

Unfortunately I can not help you because I have never opened any up even that I have this light in my collection.

Michael

 

[Eventos]

Hi, @cmb56 ! Thank you for the information! The SAE W3-80 can be seen on the retainment ring.

 

[cmb56]

@Eventos
Without knowing but guessing, I think it is an older bezel used on a newer light.
Probably a use-up of parts in the transition between the old Dietz motor and gear box and the new cheaper one.
I believe that the later lights did not have any stampings on the bezel that was a Dietz thing.

Michael

 

[Eventos]

Then it looks like they must have done it on more than just my beacon. Have a look at this one currently listed at Ebay:

 

[dmathieu]

Message Skulldigger for repair.

 

[Eventos]

@dmathieu I live overseas, so that will be a bit expensive for me. That's why I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to open the gear assembly.

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

I am not seeing a gear assembly I just see a motor, you probably will need to unmount the motor to get to the gear assembly.

Remove the 3 phillips pan head screws (on top) that appear to me holding it to the underside of the beacon.

This should then allow you to drop the motor and see how its done.

 

[dmathieu]

I believe that is what is refered to as a sealed gear/motor assembly with peaned over fasteners. Letting it heat up while running may help. Pretty sure the 2 screws will allow you to take the back of the motor off only.. Be careful before you take anything apart. These gears may not be so easy to reassemble. There are probably some tiny plastic gears in there as well.

 

[Eventos]

Thank you so much for replying to my thread! I am in contact with Skulldigger now and he has given me some advice with this beacon. Once again; thank you

 

[Crownfire]

Sadly, the quality on these went way down in the later years or production. I had a NOS 4-bulb beacon that appeared to be a Dietz 211 / 7-11. It was branded NAPA and made in Mexico. Same grinding noise you describe. Complete junk. Fortunately the sealed beam bulbs and the dome were worth what I paid for the whole thing.

 

[Eventos]

It works perfectly fine now after Skulldigger told me how to lubricate it.

 

[coop359]

Can you share how you lubricanted it.

 

[Eventos]

I just sprayed WD-40 inside the marked area and it rotated way cleaner and more quiet

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

interesting, WD-40 is not really a lubricant, so I expect this issue probably rear its head again after some time.

Might possibly want to use a graphite lube spray or something that wont evaporate off over time.

 

[shues]

Yes, WD-40 is a decent degreaser.

 

[Maxim2Eng]

Water Displacement—40th formulation
It has some lubrication properties and yes, it will need to be reapplied. I have a balky and sqauwky motor in one of my FS mod 15 that I spray at least once a year. I’ve tried all sorts of lubes and WD—40 is the only one that gets rid of the squawk.

 

[coop359]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have a lot of beacons that sit on shelves. Some are NOS new but some make noise. I will try it

 

[Eventos]

I have used WD40 on my Federal Signal Model 14's, my Streethawk, my NASIG 312 and now on my Signal Stat. I agree with what you say; it has to be re-applied frequently as it is liquid based. But in my opinion, it works great.

 

[stansdds]

The solvent in WD-40 will evaporate and what remains will be sticky and gooey. I do not recommend WD-40 as any sort of long term lubricant. I'd recommend graphite or white lithium grease.