Villain EX noisy and chews drive gears

[mikendenver]

I recently purchased a Traxxas Villain EX and have not yet made any modifications. The boat is chewing up the 28 tooth nylon drive gears, I have gone through two sets in just 5 or 6 times on the water. The mesh seems to be right, although I have not changed the adjustments set by the factory. When I test the motor on the stand out of the water, and turn the props via the remote in either direction, the drive train makes a very loud rough noise, much noiser than when the props are set straight. The boat also seems to take in a lot of water in the bottom area of the hull between the two hull pieces. This water is not noticable in the compartment which houses the motors, batteries, etc, but in the area that is drained through the small hole on top of the boat. Has anyone else experienced these problems that may be able to give me some advice?
Thanks,
Mike

[BoatDoc]

i'd start by making sure the drive shafts are lubricated. i'm not familiar with the villain, so i can't really comment on anything else.

[Ron Olson]

Check the amount of gap between the spur and pinion gears. There should only be enough space to get a sheet of notebook paper between them. Too much gap will tear up the gear in no time.
Doc is right, your driveline needs some grease in there.
Let the boat sit in some water, the pond, a pool or a bathtub to find out where the leak is.