Orion 27T Stock Maintenance

[randhart]

Hi there!

I have a Orion 27T stock that i run in my TT01. I was wondering how I would go about maintainngthe motor. I do not have a Lathe but I do have Comm drops and a Comm Cleaning Stick.

I run it on a Carpeted track with the 58T Spur and 22T pinion. it seems fast enough but other guy's with the same motor and stock gearing seem to out gun me.

Regards

[sosidge]

If rebuilding is not an option, cleanliness and correct lubrication are the key.

Comm drops don't clean the motor, generally they just gum it up! So I don't use them myself.

Comm sticks are OK at cleaning the comm. I use a cotton bud soaked in motor spray instead. What is important is to flush the motor through with motor spray after using the comm stick, you will be surprised at how much debris will come out.

Then, the bushings at each end should be relubricated with a little oil. The oil should not get inside the motor.

The people at your track may be able to show you how to prepare a motor for more speed, but essentially you need to be looking at three things...

1) Mechanical efficiency - With the brushes removed, the armature should turn with only the magnetic field as resistance. If you can hear squaking or feel rubbing then the bearings may need attention or the shims may be in the wrong place. The arm should have a tiny bit of float either way.

2) Brushes - should not be discoloured and should be long enough to reach the comm without the springs losing efficiency. Generally once a brush is 2/3rds worn it needs to be replaced.

3) Commutator - skimming is the key to good motor performance throughout its life. Skimming creates a true, clean layer of copper for the electricity to travel through, making the motor as good as new. You don't need to do it every race, but if the commutator is discoloured and shows clear signs of wear, it will make a difference. Best to fit new brushes at the same time too, although you can reuse the old ones if they still have some life left.

Hope that helps.

[XanderP]

Modelsport mantain motors http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=...tegoryID=301040

[randhart]

Is WD40 good enough to use on Electric motors .. for cleaning and lubrication or should i use a purpose bought Bushing oil such as those made by Orion or fastrack?

When racing it's not passible to lubricate the bushing closest to the pinion without taking the motor out of the car, is it alright to lubricate it the day/night before a race and then again after the meet (4/5 races) when cleaning the motor?

What is a mootrs life expectancy .. and when do you know it's had better day's ... are there signs of motor burnout I can look-out for?

[bender]

quote:Originally posted by randhart

Is WD40 good enough to use on Electric motors .. for cleaning and lubrication or should i use a purpose bought Bushing oil such as those made by Orion or fastrack?

When racing it's not passible to lubricate the bushing closest to the pinion without taking the motor out of the car, is it alright to lubricate it the day/night before a race and then again after the meet (4/5 races) when cleaning the motor?

What is a mootrs life expectancy .. and when do you know it's had better day's ... are there signs of motor burnout I can look-out for?

---

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I would stay away from using WD40 as either a cleaner or oil, it's not really good for either.

The best oil to use is simply a good quality regular synthetic motor oil, however it's usually more convenient to buy a small "proper" r/c bearing/bushing oil from your local hobby shop.

For cleaning the comm use any brand of r/c motor spray (as has been suggested) or alternatively look for carburettor cleaner from you local auto store, or electronic cleaning solvent from you local electronics store - it's essential the same stuff.

A motor will last a long time if it's well looked after and not abused. With any re-builable type motors you can change brushes, and re-true the comm many times, however when the comm gets too small in diameter, the it's time for a new motor.

As for oiling the bushing in hard to reach places - ideally you need to oil it every run. You could always swap it for a ball bearing - which requires much less maintenance. However for stock class racing, bearings aren't allowed so if you're racing you might have to check with the club. []