Scalextric slot car motors that smoke

We frequently are presented with older Scalextric cars that emit smoke when power is applied.  Very often the motor runs slow too.  The common interpretation is that the motor is “burned out” which is far from the case.  This mostly affects the Scalextric RX motor, Johnson 111 motor and the Raymond motor.



The smoke is caused by oil burning off which is heated by the electrical current flowing through it.  The oil has become conductive as it has been mixed with carbon dust from the motor brushes.
The answer is very simple.  Dismantle the motor and clean away the oil / carbon material.  With this done and the motor re-assembled, 90% of motors come back to full health.  A small, half drop of light engineering oil should be applied to the motor bearings.

Another great insight from Scalextric Car Restorations