RC Tank Warfare community hobby forum

Might be a strange question but do the HL motors have a usage life? I aske because I noticed my Pz111 had slowed down over time. I changed the engines today and it was back to it's old speed. I wondered if they have a usage life and if so has anyone else noticed it or whether it was just wear and tear on my engines.

Dave

They ceretainly will wear out in time, but I guess it would be a very long time.  If you are up for a challenge you could take the motor apart an check the commutator for dirt (material from the brushes) - this is the most likely culprit.  These motors are difficult to get back together though because the brushes are heavily sprung and have to be seperated to get back over the commutator.  To be honest, for the price of the motors the bin is probably the best alternative.

Thanks, I did strip one of them down last night and there was loads of oilely metal dust in there. I've had this tank for getting on 2 years now and it has got a lot of use. Your right about putting it back together again and it did end up in the bin.

Cheers

had seen a post on rcu a while back about breaking in the motors using a couple of batteries to run them at a "no load" speed to break them in not sure as ive never done it myself but the motors were supposed to be better after?

a good clean with wd40 everynow and again may help?

I wouldn't recommend WD40 since it leaves a deposit for the grime to stick to.  Better to use a solvent cleaner, electrolube or Badger airbrush cleaner.

Running in motors from new wears the brushes to the profile of the commutator thereby improving surface area (conductivity).  Causes less sparking and brush pitting so smoother ride.

Way back from when I ran a Tamiya Frog dune buggy out camping, I used to clean it by pulling the motor, then running the motor freewheeling in a glass of water off a battery pack. I'd then pull it out, blow the water out with compresed air, then put 3 in 1 oil on the bushings. You would not believe the black crud that washes out.

all carbon dust

Every electric motor has a life span it depends on the motor and how long and how it is used but eventually they will lose some power.
Stevie