Running motors 'wet' ??

[steveuk]

I'd like to ask .. are there any pitfalls with running motors 'wet'

Currently I am putting together a R/C submercible and the motors are outboard, quite simply running in the water with a prop. There doesn't seem to be any corrosion, the motors (Mabuchi 380's) seem to be made largely of non ferrous materials.

So, is it fine to run motors 'wet' or are there some issues I don't know about

[Guest]

I think you'll find you

I think you'll find you get increased brush wear, plus running in brackish water is a no no for obvious reasons.

Andy

[raalst]

I have a trumpeter kilo

I have a trumpeter kilo running wet.

three years, second motor still functioning. And the first one was replaced
because slowly decreasing performance.
I use(d) the boat in chlorinated pools and freshwater.

The terminals tend to corrode a bit, but that's about it.

I employ the motors from automatic car door locks.
I believe one critical factor is to use motors without
ball bearings.
(and to use cheap ones )

just build for easy replacement !

[steveuk]

Andy, Brackish is not a

Andy, Brackish is not a problem for me as my local lake is very ...non salty.


I did wonder if some type of electrolysis would cause a build up on the -ve brush or something like that.


Ronald, yeah thanks for those words. So it really isn't quite so bad for them, and as you say - keep them easily replaceable. I figure even one year of good use is acceptable.
Trumpeter kits again - I wonder if they ever realised their kits would end up r/c'd so often. Do you have a thread showing pictures of your Kilo I would like to see

[raalst]

t'aint much, but...

http://home.vianetworks.nl/~raalst/kilo/kilo.html
it's now a

t'aint much, but...

http://home.vianetworks.nl/~raalst/kilo/kilo.html

it's now a static diver using a 50ml syringe as piston tank


I posted a few photo's of the old motor here ]http://www.rcboot.de/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1058&highlight=[/url]

[steveuk]

Thanks Ronald.

I enjoyed reading

Thanks Ronald.

I enjoyed reading your Kilo build. I have a lot of ideas exactly the same eg using drainpipe and making end caps on the model lathe.

The autopsy of the old motor was also very interesting.

[Guest]

Hey Steve A secret trick

Hey Steve A secret trick that works

Try dipping the hole motor in Plasti Dip or somthing similar that is a plastic liquid that dries flexible.You can also add a o ring and small stuffing box to realy keep the water out all at one time when appling the plasti dip.It comes in many colors and I have used it for years with great succes,its cheap and readily available at most hardwear stores and is normaly used to rubberize tools and anti skid aplications in marine use so its good stuf.On motors it will seep into large openings so just use tape to cover openings and let it hang dry for several hours.You will have a watercooled motor that is well protected and wont corrode or draw exsesive current from the armiture shorting out or the bruches arking in water not good.Also works great in insulating open cercuits from water ect.And thanks for your great replies about my Alfa,wait till you see my Typhoon!

Best regards from the Amur Ship Yard Dave

[Guest]

Also works great waterproofing servos

Also works great waterproofing servos just add a O ring on the shaft.
One servo I have still works in the water now for some 15 years!

Dave

[steveuk]

Hi Dave, that sounds also

Hi Dave, that sounds also interesting.

I guess a coat of latex rubber would also do the trick.

How did you make your small stuffing box which holds the O ring

[Guest]

Hello Steve

Find the right size

Hello Steve

Find the right size O ring and grease the shaft a bit but not on the outside of the o ring ,get the stuffing box that is the right size for the O ring and use 2 O rings one at each end of the stuffing tube alowing enogh shaft to atach your prop then dip the hole asembly in the liquid ruuber and thats it,the rubber is strong enough to keep the tube from rotatting when dried.I like to instal brass bushings for the shaft along with O rings,available at Small Parts .com

Let me know how it goes ,try Plasti Dip its stiffer and works well.

Dave