Gradually losing power as 120sr gets older

[cquillen]

When I first got my heli it would hover at around 35 to 40% throttle. Now that I've had it a couple months it takes around 60-65% throttle to hover on freshly charged battery. Flight time has not decreased however, just the apparent amount of lift.

I have 6 hyperion 550mah batteries. I don't think I've mistreated them. My timer is set at 6:30 and they take back right at 440mah during charge on my icharger 106b. That's right at 80%, so I haven't over discharged them.

I did lvc one cell when I forgot the order I was using them and connected an already discharged battery and thought it was full. That cell has some damage and won't fly as long anymore. But all the others have never LVCed.

I have also noticed that the motor is much hotter after a run than it used be when new.

This is my first heli so it's taken many many crashes as well. I crash less now, but when I do they tend to be much harder than when I first got it.

Any thoughts? Is it possible for the motor to wear out?

[Heli-cat]

it's not only "possible" for the motor to wear out but INEVITABLE

yes, I'd say it's time to drop in a fresh powerplant...and I'd pick up another tail motor while you're at it

[GSPI]

And to also think about lubricant too, I know that these motors last a little longer if you lube them at the bearings...and yes they can and will wear out.

[cquillen]

I got a new motor and my throttle stick is back down to around the center again. Seems you guys were correct!

[HopSkipFlop]

I would also keep in mind the main bears need attention too. Just a drop every 3 or 4 batteries. If these bears start to become harder to turn they will add the load to the motor and this will increase current draw that makes the motor hotter. Hotter running motor is detrimental to the permanent magnets. Thus the motor is not as strong nor fast as it was once before. Might also let the motor have a cool down time between batteries if you are currently flying back to back.

[Heli-cat]

Like batteries, the motors are considered "consumables" on these things and you can figure on replacing them every so often...It's usually the tail motors that go out more often than the main. I always keep at least one spare of each on hand at all times..

Murphy's Law says the most likely time to have a motor crap out on you is a late Saturday afternoon (about a minute after the LHS closes until Monday) on the most beautiful flying weekend of the year. ...don't be caught with your motor down

[hifinsword]

Originally Posted by HopSkipFlop

I would also keep in mind the main bears need attention too. Just a drop every 3 or 4 batteries. If these bears start to become harder to turn they will add the load to the motor and this will increase current draw that makes the motor hotter. Hotter running motor is detrimental to the permanent magnets. Thus the motor is not as strong nor fast as it was once before. Might also let the motor have a cool down time between batteries if you are currently flying back to back.

Is 3-in1 oil OK or do you recommend a particular brand?

[cquillen]

What type of lube do you use?

[airshot]

People use a lot of different things such as sewing mach oil, 3in one oil, but your best and safest bet is to go to your LHS and get a bottle of R/C bearing oil, not expensive and made for these little high speed bearings, you will thank yourself.

Airshot

[Pfloyd]

Originally Posted by cquillen

What type of lube do you use?

This:

[Chris.S.]

Originally Posted by hifinsword

Is 3-in1 oil OK or do you recommend a particular brand?

3in1 is the brand, they have one formulation for electric motors and it's perfect for rc stuff.

I'll try and find a link for ya.



*EDIT

This is the one I use:
http://www.3inone.com/products/motor-oil/

[dsuida]

I remember reading in J. Salt's book that having a hair or thread wrapped around the main shaft can cause this same behavior.

[My98stang46]

It's a good idea to clean and lube ALL the bearings on the heli. If you've had it flying long enough to wear a motor out then you're long overdue if you've never done it. Main shaft bearings, swash plate bearings, swash ball, worm gear on the servos, shaft on the tail motor and the shaft on the main motor. You'd be surprised how much better your bird will fly afterwards


Prôtos 500CF FBL Vbar
Blade 450FBL Tarot ZYX

[hifinsword]

Originally Posted by Pfloyd

This:

Originally Posted by airshot

People use a lot of different things such as sewing mach oil, 3in one oil, but your best and safest bet is to go to your LHS and get a bottle of R/C bearing oil, not expensive and made for these little high speed bearings, you will thank yourself.

Airshot

Originally Posted by Chris.S.

3in1 is the brand, they have one formulation for electric motors and it's perfect for rc stuff.

I'll try and find a link for ya.



*EDIT

This is the one I use:
http://www.3inone.com/products/motor-oil/

Originally Posted by My98stang46

It's a good idea to clean and lube ALL the bearings on the heli. If you've had it flying long enough to wear a motor out then you're long overdue if you've never done it. Main shaft bearings, swash plate bearings, swash ball, worm gear on the servos, shaft on the tail motor and the shaft on the main motor. You'd be surprised how much better your bird will fly afterwards


Prôtos 500CF FBL Vbar
Blade 450FBL Tarot ZYX

Thanks for the good advice. My first motor is showing signs of low power. Too late for it but from now on they will get regular lubing.
Don

[Squenards]

Has anyone used powdered graphite? It's dry and therefore won't attract dust and dirt. I thought that might be a good way to go. Thoughts?

I use that Finish Line dry lube on my mountain bike. Good stuff. Probably sold at most local bike shops.