Brushed Motor Maintenance & Care

‪@theoagrc‬
***** Disclaimer*****
I am NOT a brushed motor expert!!!!
I only know the basics. I tried to keep this short, but there was lots to say. Long before brushless motors were all the rage, Brushed motors were king of the hill, from 4 cell nicads to custom 9 or 10 cells Nimh packs we used in Clod racing.
From my first days in RC to racing Clods, I learned that brushed motors can be very delicate, From running them non-stop (till they stopped) to learning from racers I met.
Brushed motors require maintenance frequently (Every 3 to 4 runs). Depending on it's use (the conditions it's ran in, gearing, how many cells, what type of RC....) The list is long, and maintenance changes from usage.
Changing the brushes seemed to be never ending (and there are many, many types of brushes, at that time, from hard carbon brushes to soft silver brushes). The common hard brush was the standard for most stock to mild mod motors and for bashers alike (They were cheap). Silver brushes made the motor run faster but seemed to wear the "Comm" much faster, so cutting the "comm" was needed.
*** If a Brush is half worn, it's time to change them***
Rebuildable brushed motors are easy to clean however, the brushes seem to wear out much faster than "Silver Can" motors (closed endbell type motors).
Any questions, ask. I will try to answer the best I can or maybe someone else will know.

[@n00b247]

Thats one superrare brushed collection. It sure worth A LOT.

[@UncleBobsRC]

Thanks man.... However, its only worth what someone is willing to pay and what I'm willing to take... LOL

[@theoagrc]

You are a legend dude! Thank you so much for doing this and posting up my friend 🙌🏻 I am going to pull that motor apart and see what is going on. 😎👍🏻

[@UncleBobsRC]

Hiya Craig, we never could connect so I thought this would be easier. I did put my calipers on the comm (commutator), it's 7.54mm in diameter, yours might slightly different, HOWEVER, it should not be off by much more than that. If it's way off, between 6mm & 7mm, you might need a new armature (the part the holds the cooper wire windings). Brother I hope this helps & I'm here if you need help. ATB bro & good luck.

[@UncleBobsRC]

How did you make out with that motor? I'm sure you told me but I forgot, old age you know..

[@HaydadRC]

Nice information here Bob! You’ve got lots of know how!👍😊

[@UncleBobsRC]

Thanks man, it's old school tech and now it's a lost art. Brushed motors are mostly a thing of the past but they have a special place for some people (including me). I have few more and always looking for more. This said, You can't beat brushless for ease and convenience, not to mention the lack of maintenance they need, plus they are more efficient and faster. Who want's to tear down a motor after every 3 or 4 runs? LOL

[@robbrennanrc]

Hay Bob. Just found time to watch the vid in one go. Fantastic information and I for one didn't realise there were at one time so many brushed motors with changeable brushes. Will def keep this in mind for when my one or two external brushed motors need a service. All the best and keep 'em coming mate.

[@UncleBobsRC]

Hiya Rob, Thanks for the view & comment!!! I did this cause Craig asked for my help, with his work & every ones life in the way, doing a FB call was hard to do (Not to mention the UK is 5 hours ahead of me). There is more, tons more but I tried to keep it short and simple. ATB my friend!!!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Very cool info! You would completely cringe at my old days of "rebuilding" brushed motors! Some 800 grit sandpaper "motor lathe" and a can of motor spray and back to work!!

[@UncleBobsRC]

Thanks Addam!!! Craig over at The OAG RC asked me for some help on a Tamiya brushed motor he picked up. We couldn't do a facebook call/chat between work & life and with him being 5 hours ahead of us here on the east coast, so I made a "Quick" video. I left out using a lathe, that's more than a basic tuning. Not to mention all the spring tensions, brush compounds, timing...... Your welcome for the flashback man!!!!

[@JF-RC]

Hi there Bob, hope you’re all keeping well. Great hints and tips. I particularly like the motor mount tip, nice a cheap 😂. Good tips on cleaning the commutator, replacing the brushes and placing a sharpie mark to denote the positions of the can, magnets, connections etc….you’re a real guru of knowledge my friend. Take care and best wishes to you and the family 😊😉😁

[@UncleBobsRC]

Thank You John. I have a lot more in my head but no time to put it in. ATB to you & yours as well mate.

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hey Bob! Great video, excellent information right there. And yes, I did watch the whole marathon! Good on you for doing this, mate. Have a great day over there! :))

[@UncleBobsRC]

Thanks man, means a lot my friend. There is a ton more in my head that I just couldn't get out, but for the basic stuff, I think this will do. ATB to you yours mate as well, and how are you doing?

[@MarkBryanRC]

@@UncleBobsRC You sure got enough of it out of your head for one video! But I know what you mean, i have the same trouble remembering everything I want to say in a video. It's so bad that I've started writing scripts for my "talking" videos. Takes ages but I find it really helps. I'm doing ok thanks mate, still got the stomach issues but getting on with what I can. Hope you are good too, dude. :)

[@UncleBobsRC]

@@MarkBryanRC I know that's right.. Sometimes my mouth is faster than my brain. I hope the gut issue isn't anything bad.

[@DustyFingersRC]

Great video 👍🏼

[@UncleBobsRC]

Thanks Man, It's a long video and I didn't even cover all the basic stuff.

[@3TRCGarage]

Hey Uncle Bob, really a great review. I’m putting this in the “watch later” I could only watch the first 6 minutes. I like the jig, never seen that before. I remember using Reedy rebuildable motors 20 years ago when I club raced. Didn’t know the washers were special. Conductor cleaner works well. Again great review Bro!

[@UncleBobsRC]

Thanks Brother, every bit of info is going to help someone. That was just a few of the motors I still have. With some serviceable stock motors, you can change the brushes but you can't take them apart (unless you unbend the tabs holding the endbell on). You can really see the appeal for brushless motors, but this was how it was done some 25-35 years ago.

[@3TRCGarage]

Yeah, these brushless motors are so cool. It’s like an old V8 with a Carburetor instead of fuel injection! I’m working on a 1/10th crawler, but it’s going to be a beach basher. I purchased a brushless system but may change it to a Brushed. Not sure when it will be finished, right now its a bunch of parts in a crate in my garage :)

[@UncleBobsRC]

@@3TRCGarage Man, I think we all have parts/kits & projects sitting around. I have so many cars/trucks that need work/parts that the count is about the same as my running RC's, if not more.

[@rexrcs]

Great info, after this video most will stick to “throw away” or brushless motors lol

[@UncleBobsRC]

For sure man!! The art of brushed motor work is long gone. No one wants skill anymore (other than driving), they much rather pull it out of the box, charge up the battery and run the shit out of it. I did the video for the "OAG RC" cause he has a brushed motor issue so I thought I would try to help him out. I didn't even get into brushes & springs......

[@jspeedrc]

Great video👌🏽

[@UncleBobsRC]

Thanks man, it's a bit long, but so much more could be said and done. Thanks for the view too!!!

[@mikeboutang3146]

😮 I'll be watching this video 100 times. THANK YOU. I'm still wondering how to just change the brushes. Your collection though ....... When you pulled out the Blueprint 427 ...... 😍❤️😮 ..... I've been looking online and see the value of these things ...... Maybe I'll just keep my motors in boxes and rebuild them, then just get a BZ or something for running and maintain that.

[@UncleBobsRC]

Thanks Man, I did the video to help "The OAG RC" cause he has a BZ that needs love. About that 427, I got that in a lot of parts along with a like new (1990) Trinity Speed Works Tony Neisinger motor (just not the right box for it). On to the brushes, some screw on and some are soldered on, screw on one are far much easier to change, you should be able to see/tell if they screw on or are soldered on. The hard part is finding decent brushes for old motors. If you still need help, give me a shout...

[@madmustangrc214]

Great educational video Bob how about one on brushless? OHHH That's a scary one to do.

[@UncleBobsRC]

Brushless motor one is all yours man!!!! I was trying to help out Craig, I hope I did him proud.

[@madmustangrc214]

I'm sure it helped him. Not much to do but clean and re oil.