Lubrication Needs Of Giant Scale Outrunners

[Robert Youens]

I ran into an issue with some bearing noise in the rear bearing of my HXT 63-74 200 after about 20 flights. I am using the motor in a 3DHS 85" Katana. I did some research on what manufactures are recommending for lubrication and it seems most recommend lubricating the bearing every 10 flights and some even sell a bearing lubricant for thier motors.

Since the only thing I had readily available at the house was 3 in 1 oil, that is what I initially used. I flew 6 more flights before adding a few drops of 5w30 Mobil 1 synthetic oil on the bearings. The tone of the motor changed and bearing noise is almost not noticable; the motor continues to run cool. I figured the synthetic oil should be able to handle more heat than most lubricant and should work well.

I am interested in any comments others may have regarding thier experience with bearing failures, lubrication and recommended lubricants.

Robert

[rebell]

I saw some manufacturers recommend to oil the bearings and others don't. I think the difference is that some use sealed bearings and oil will not penetrate to the inside of the bearing, so it is of no use to try oiling it. If the manufacturer recommend to oil the bearing is obviously not sealed and will get dry after some use, causing damage to itself with subsequent failure. So it is wise to oil the bearings like you do.

I have motors with sealed bearings running for 4 years now and it is still running good on the same factory installed bearings.

[Robert Youens]

I saw some manufacturers recommend to oil the bearings and others don't. I think the difference is that some use sealed bearings and oil will not penetrate to the inside of the bearing, so it is of no use to try oiling it. If the manufacturer recommend to oil the bearing is obviously not sealed and will get dry after some use, causing damage to itself with subsequent failure. So it is wise to oil the bearings like you do.

I have motors with sealed bearings running for 4 years now and it is still running good on the same factory installed bearings.

Not sure if my bearings are sealed or not. I warm the motor up prior to oiling and hope the cool oil is drawn into the warm motor, just as water is drawn into a boat trailer bearing while in cool water.