Motor Brushes Wore Out - Way Fast

[vtlandcruiser]

Quick question to check/verify the reasoning behind this occurrence.

Is running a 3s Lipo the cause of this?

Is it just simply just to much voltage going through the brushes?

I've heard this is normal and that putting 3s to a brushed motor will do this 'naturally', if that's the case fine but thought I'd double check with the consensus -

Thx -

[Olle P]

What motor is it?
How did you break it in?

[JohnRobHolmes]

Also, gearing, rig, and timing is important

[EeePee]

And a definition of "way fast"

[JesterSpec]

and did you run it a lot in water?

[vtlandcruiser]

Its a Tekin 35t HD motor I got with the FX-R esc/motor combo.

I broke it in by running it in water, multiple glasses as the water turned gray and varied the speed periodically through a couple/few 6 cell NiMH packs.

Set up is in a Gmade R1, running a 18t pinion (stock is 12t), the 18t is within the chart in the manual.
Timing is stock, however it was from Tekin.

Definition of 'way fast' is within 3 weeks of moderate running, maybe 10hrs at the most.



I intentially left the details vague because yes, even though I know they're all very relevant, I was looking for the general answer about - "is 3s to much voltage for a brushed motor"

I suspect it may be but wanted to verify, I also suspect gearing could be a tad much.

[vtlandcruiser]

Originally Posted by JesterSpec

and did you run it a lot in water?

During breakin? Yes, submerged totally and changed for clean as the water turned gray.
Cleaned to motor out after the water breakin with electronics cleaner also.
Maybe that was wrong? Can't imagine but I'm certainly willing to hear all...

A lot of water when out using it? No but lots of snow - lol
Never ran the R1 through standing water though, no.

[EeePee]

It's fine to run a brushed motor on 3S in proper applications, which crawlers are. Lotta, lotta people do.

The water break in, especially if it really was a couple battery packs worth, probably killed half the brush life right there. Water acts as a slight abrasive which accelerates the wear. I've broken in a lot of motors in water but it only takes a few minutes at most.

[Crank]

Originally Posted by vtlandcruiser

During breakin? Yes, submerged totally and changed for clean as the water turned gray.

That gray wasn't dirt it was the brushes.
For your next set of brushes or new motor use Holmes recommendations
no water just low voltage.

*This is straight from HH*
Motor Break In
Place the motor on a stable surface, or remove the pinion if motor is installed in a vehicle. Allow motor to spin with no load. Apply between 2.5 and 3 volts to your motor for three to five minutes with six to twelve degrees timing. The brushes should be “seated” with at least 90% of the brush face touching the commutator. Slow motors such as 55 turn TorqueMasters may need more time to fully break in. Some brush types may require more time. Visually inspecting the brush during the process will ensure you see the changes and know the condition.

[vtlandcruiser]

Originally Posted by EeePee

It's fine to run a brushed motor on 3S in proper applications, which crawlers are. Lotta, lotta people do.

The water break in, especially if it really was a couple battery packs worth, probably killed half the brush life right there. Water acts as a slight abrasive which accelerates the wear. I've broken in a lot of motors in water but it only takes a few minutes at most.

I don't doubt I burned through a lot of the brushes right there, thx - great info to share & know.

Originally Posted by Crank

That gray wasn't dirt it was the brushes.
For your next set of brushes or new motor use Holmes recommendations
no water just low voltage.

Yeah knew it was the brushes material... just Didn't know when to stop apparently.
Thanks for the HH info, going to try that approach next time.

*This is straight from HH*
Motor Break In
Place the motor on a stable surface, or remove the pinion if motor is installed in a vehicle. Allow motor to spin with no load. Apply between 2.5 and 3 volts to your motor for three to five minutes with six to twelve degrees timing. The brushes should be “seated” with at least 90% of the brush face touching the commutator. Slow motors such as 55 turn TorqueMasters may need more time to fully break in. Some brush types may require more time. Visually inspecting the brush during the process will ensure you see the changes and know the condition.

I found a good thread (old one) about the FX-R, says 3s will not be an issue and Tekin will stand behind the warranty.

[JohnRobHolmes]

I would suggest you add a bit of forward timing to the motor, 6 to 12 degrees will almost double your brush life if you were at zero or slightly retarded. Water break in is unneeded with the brush compound, rpm, and power levels used in a crawler. Are they laydown brushes, and do you know the comm size? Tekin has changed specs a bit here and there.

[spookyseven]

If you use the water break in you need to use distilled water. The minerals in normal tap water is what is so abrasive.

[Wade]

Originally Posted by JohnRobHolmes

I would suggest you add a bit of forward timing to the motor, 6 to 12 degrees will almost double your brush life if you were at zero or slightly retarded. Water break in is unneeded with the brush compound, rpm, and power levels used in a crawler. Are they laydown brushes, and do you know the comm size? Tekin has changed specs a bit here and there.

Soooooooo let me get this straight, if your mentally challenged then you will double your brush life

[Olle P]

Originally Posted by vtlandcruiser

... running a 18t pinion (stock is 12t), the 18t is within the chart in the manual.

"Is within the chart" doesn't mean it's good for your motor and driving style.

I'd be sure to check the motor temps after gearing up 50% above stock...

[vtlandcruiser]

Originally Posted by Olle P

"Is within the chart" doesn't mean it's good for your motor and driving style.

I'd be sure to check the motor temps after gearing up 50% above stock...

I said stock but only because that's the pinion gear supplied in the bag.
Nowhere does it recommend any specific gear or motor combo.

...but yes temps will be paid attention to.

I suspect it was a combo of 'too much' water break in time and the fact that it wasn't distilled water that was used.

The good part is that I did find out that the 3s can stay