Outrunners and water?

[BP-Revo]

Alright...well, as some of you know, I'm looking to get a new E-Maxx so I can have a waterproof vehicle. At first I was going to leave it stock, but based one what the new Titans and waterproof EVX-2 fetch on eBay, I'm thinking of making it brushless...

I also want to try an outrunner setup, and I heard someone else mention using an AXI outrunner in their new E-Maxx on 20/38 gearing or something.

Now I think I want to do the same, but I don't want to lose the waterproof ability of the E, and thus will probably buy an MGM because they are waterproof. Now, my question is, how will the outrunner hold up?

Any comments?

[suicideneil]

BL motors arent waterproof by design, though some people say they have no problems running theirs in the snow or rain. Personally I think the only good motors for that use are brushed ones, since they can be broken in underwater, so rain and snow isnt an issue.

[lutach]

They might be some what water proof. The wires have a varnish coat on them and the only part that doesn't goes to the end which they remove the vernish.

I don't think brushed motors would be any better off in water than BL, in fact probably the opposite. The brushes wear down much quicker when wet which is why people dunk them in water to break new motors in. Add to that, water is conductive and there's a lot of exposed current carrying metal in a brushed motor.

Agree with lutach. Most BL motors will probably be ok in water if you seal the motor connectors. Salt and/or dirt could be an issue though.

[BrianG]

If you insist on running the motor in wet conditions, an outrunner might actually be preferable than an inrunner because the water can more easily drain out of the holes and dry up faster. Water isn't very conductive, but IS corrosive over time.

[aqwut]

shall we try running it under water to see how long it lasts?.. :)
I'm sure it'll be okay.. I've run brushed motors under water many times.. I just dry them and oil them...

[GorillaMaxx360]

it is not the water that is conductive, but the iron and minerals in it that makes it conduct.

[lutach]

DuraLube or WD40. I use to love those infomercials.

[johnrobholmes]

No problems in water, as long as you relube the bearings and dont get it in mud. In this case a cheaper outrunner would be the better choice.

[MetalMan]

Originally Posted by GorillaMaxx360

it is not the water that is conductive, but the iron and minerals in it that makes it conduct.

Correct, pure water does not conduct electricity. If substances (like salt) ionize in water, then the resulting solution will conduct electricity. Snow shouldn't be very conductive, if at all.