I have an old GP40 with a pancake motor the motor runs but the engine will not move. I have gone to my local hobby shop and did all the recommended fixes and it still does not go. Is there any way that I can upgrade this engine to the new format or do I just put it out to pasture. Yes, I just started getting back into railroading after many years.
Those motors have never been very good. You would be better off buying a new one. No idea if the loco could be replaced by Bachmann and would still be a charge anyway.
Others here will no doubt suggest a good equivalent style Bachmann loco.
Things have changed a lot depending on how long you have been out of model railroading.
Rich
the new gp40s are pretty inexpensive and light years better than the old pancake motor stuff. but i believe the old stuff had a lifetime warranty. contact the service department and see what they have to say. you have nothing to lose.