Daft Question.. (?)

[OrangeSport]

I have heard it is worth lubricating the motor's "comm". I guess that means the shaft/axle from the outside? Pinion end, or wiring end? Or am I totally wrong?

Thanks...

[igbandy]

The Comm or to give it its full name commutator is the copper part of the armature, that the carbon brushes contact.

A very short spray of wd40/gt85/ comm drops will lubricate the comm and brushes and give a little bit more RPM.

[OrangeSport]

Thanks

[digitrc]

"Lubricating" the comm like that also makes the motor very mucky by the end of the run. It will need cleaning out every time.

I dabbled in comm drops a few years ago and feel that the disadvantage in terms of gunk outweighed the advantage of a boost at the start of the race. Others may disagree.

For bashing, I wouldn't do it at all.

[HunterZero]

Do not use WD40 on a brushed motor unless you want burnt comm/brushes. The oils in WD40 form a film that gets very very hot when used in a high RPM motor.

The commutator and brushes typically don't need lubrication, as the material the brushes are made of is meant to be self-lubricating, ie they usually release graphite as they wear. Once in a while you'll need to skim the comm to keep the motor running in top spec.

If you want to lubricate the comm, then only use comm drops, but don't expect it to make a huge difference, and be prepared to clean the motor regularly to remove the residue it leaves.

Again don't use WD40 to spray out the motor. You can get electric motor spray from the hobby shop that's designed to clean electric motors without leaving oils behind, then afterwards you can oil the bushings/bearings.

- James

[OrangeSport]

Thanks everyone.....