Cleantex, Can you explain bit more your process of removing worm? I used the process described on zscale.org with micro gear puller. Do you use press-drill to push the shaft out of worm? I think it's unavoidable to put pressure on bushing when pulling the worm out. My first 8864 upgrade worked flawlessly aside from brushes break-in confusion. Upgraded loco is pretty amazing in slow speed performance. Z_thek, Thanks for the explanation, that makes sense. Unfortunately one of my 8864 came from ebay in stuttering condition before I even had a chance to "mis-install" worm gears on it. But these little switchers being by far my favorite locos, I'm sending it for a pro service.
