AAAARRRRGGGGHHH !!!!!!!!!!Soldering prob.

[Bondonutz]

Ok, I'm a very avid solderer,definitely nothing new for me.
I've tried at various temps and several different solders and 2 different fluxes and I can't get the solder to stick to some clean virgin copper wires coming out of a 540 sized BL motor ????? I've soldered on this motor twice already and had it hooked up and has ben thoroughly used in 2 different trucks, Just decided to shorten the wires a little and solder on some fresh ends for a new install into my buddys Slash. I can't get anything to stick, I even rinsed the exposed wire with brake clean and rubbing alcohol,I also tried soldering with and without fluxes,nothing ?

I guess I'll check radio shack for a different flux ?

Any ideas ?

[Bondonutz]

Also tried cooking the wire ends with a micro torch. Still didn't help. WTF ?

[BrianG]

Typical motor wires are simply the extensions of the coil wires and so have an insulating varnish coating on them. Makers leave the last ~1/2" unvarnished to solder, but if you cut that off, you are gonna have a heck of a time soldering to them. You will need some kind of solution to dissolve the varnish off the ends. Just be careful to keep the solution from wicking up into the motor, because if that happens, the only thing it would be good for is a refrigerator magnet.

[rchippie]

Originally Posted by BrianG

Typical motor wires are simply the extensions of the coil wires and so have an insulating varnish coating on them. Makers leave the last ~1/2" unvarnished to solder, but if you cut that off, you are gonna have a heck of a time soldering to them. You will need some kind of solution to dissolve the varnish off the ends. Just be careful to keep the solution from wicking up into the motor, because if that happens, the only thing it would be good for is a refrigerator magnet.

Brian my understanding is if you cut those wires coming out of the motor ( stiff wires) . That it affects the way the motor runs .

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by rchippie

Brian my understanding is if you cut those wires coming out of the motor ( varnished wires) . That it affects the way the motor runs .

That can be true. Remember, motor wires are comprised of multiple strands of wires, each with that coating. If the varnish is not removed from every one of them, the motor will run very poorly or not at all. So, even though the strands on the outside wires look good, the inner strands can still be coated. Not only is running a motor in this condition bad for the motor, but it also can draw HUGE amounts of current from the ESC and can kill it.

[Bondonutz]

BrianG, I discovered the "varnish" coating looking through a Jewlers glass. I decided scraping the wires with a razor blade was best. Time consuming, but in the end it worked. Thanks !
I'm actually happy about this happening because I done learndid sumthin'.

I read your last post, I better make dam sure there all very clean then, Thanks.

[BrianG]

For best results, you should scrape off what you can, and then also dip the end in that solution I was talking about. Otherwise, the wire is not totally clean and may have a poor solder joint even though it looks good. Also, make sure the inner strands are done as well.

When you are all done, run it carefully monitoring ESC, motor, and battery temps.

[Bondonutz]

What I thought was going to work , MEH.
I guess I just screwed myself out of a motor cause I still can't get solder to stick worth a dam. I scraped the wires down till they were all really shiny and clean I even torched the wire ends to glowing red and quickly wiped the resin off with a towel. Can't seem to get it all off. SH*T !
I'm stumped,again.

[Bondonutz]

OK, I think I got it whuped now. Excessive heat with a torch till the varnish is black and burnt to a powder that scrapes easily from the wires w/a tiny screw driver. They look cleaner they way than previous 'cleanings" and they readily except solder now.
GAH, WAPITA ! ! ! !
All this work because I wanted a cleaner wire arrangment, next time I know better. Hard leason learned but one I'll never forget.

Thanks for help and giving me some insight.
Jeff

[lincpimp]

"It is only through other's failure that I will ever be able to truly understand my intrinsic greatness."

Write that down!

I had to do this to a motor a while back, I bought it and the seller decided to do me a favor and shorten the wires before he shipped it to me. I got my money back, and fixed the motor as well.

[What's_nitro?]

Gotta love that 200*C insulation....

[Bondonutz]

Originally Posted by lincpimp

"It is only through other's failure that I will ever be able to truly understand my intrinsic greatness "

It would make a great bumper sticker if it wasn't such a mouthfull, the quote.

It always warms my heart to know that my misery brings others happiness,fulfilment and above all else,humbleness.

[maxair45]

Originally Posted by BrianG

Typical motor wires are simply the extensions of the coil wires and so have an insulating varnish coating on them. Makers leave the last ~1/2" unvarnished to solder, but if you cut that off, you are gonna have a heck of a time soldering to them. You will need some kind of solution to dissolve the varnish off the ends. Just be careful to keep the solution from wicking up into the motor, because if that happens, the only thing it would be good for is a refrigerator magnet.

VERY VERY good to know. Thanks for the info.

[sikeston34m]

What motor were you working on? Brand/size/kv?