Stock Motor Care

[tenacious]

I was wondering what are the basics for taking care of stock motors? Motor spray, sewing machine oil? I heard if you use the motor spray too much it'll make rust inside. Also, when should motor spray be sprayed on, once its cooled off or right after a run?
Thanks,
:)Tenacious

[Cain]

You will want a comm stick, motor spray or mineral spirits ( i believe that is right ) and a comm lathe to keep your motor running at peak levels. Also a brush hood tool and fiddlestick would be a good pickup for maximum performance.

When I do a teardown of my motor, I usually cut the comm, inspect the brushes and clean them up if they are still usable, clean up the hoods, relube the bushings or bearings, reseat the brushes to the comm or breakin new brushes and reset the spring tension. Also make sure your armature is spaced properly.

A good guide to have if you are learning about motors is Big Jims Motor Black Book.

[mardigan]

The book is an excellent reference, I actully have a copy here at work with me today....

http://www.team-paradigm.com/accessories.shtml

[highroller]

Basic maintenance on any motor is to clean with a motor spray; some use automotive brands of electric motor cleaner or brake cleaner (I feel certain brands of brake cleaner too harsh for electric motors) which can be more cheaper. For lube an RC brand or good inexpensive alternatives are 3in1, Marvel Mystery Oil, lightweight brands of sythetic automotive oils. A comm cleaning stick or an eraser (cut to right size) for removing the glaze on comm and brush surfaces. That's all that's needed for backyard and entry level RC racing. Start by gearing motor correctly for it's use to minimize wear, invest in an assortment of pinions and spur gears, change brushes whenever you notice a decrease in motor performance, severe discoloration or a significant decrease in the size(length)change brush springs around the 5th or 6th set of brush changes. Another alternative to cleaning a motor especially people who has bad reactions to certain chemicals is to use plain soap and water on motors that can be disassembled (rebuildable). Take motor apart keeping items in order they were as you remove them, clean the armature, endbell and motor can then rinse with warm to hot water and pat dry or let air dry then reassemble and lube. If you are in a hurry use some rubbing alcohol to aid in drying up the water drops or just dip parts in it.

As you get into or should you get into the upper levels of rc competition would a comm lathe or any of the other items be of any benefit.