VXL ESC issues

[weswins]

I am running the VXL 3s with 3500kv combo in my 2wd Slash. The issue I am having is why the darn thing blew up. My gear ratio is 23/86 with stock Traxxas tires. My only modifications are the Pro-Trak kit and a body. Seriously, that's all I have done to the chassis as of yet.

For power I am running a Venom VEN-1582 11.1v 20C LiPO.

According to the manual for the Slash VXL, I should be safe to run this battery provided the battery is in good condition (this is the packs 3rd run) and the ESC is in LiPo mode (it still is for all I know).



So here is what went down:

I showed up at the local track to see about registration and a membership and the guy let me out on the track to burn through a pack. Well, I didn't burn through a pack but I did burn through an ESC. The truck flipped (it was a pathetic slow-mo roll onto its lid) and I ran down to the track to right the truck. Upon trying to get the truck out of the way of traffic, it just gave me a stutter and died. I took it over to the bench to see what was the matter and found the pungent odor of burnt electronics. To my great relief, it was not the LiPo but the ESC had burnt out (no risk of fire). I thought at first it had hit thermal shut down so I left it for a few minutes to cool down and then plugged the battery back in. I had only just connected the battery and was reaching for the on button when the ESC started to release the mysterious blue smoke after which electronics no longer work.

The ambient temperature was 14°C and its cloudy. I doubt it was the 'hot' weather.

Any suggestions on what went foul? Bad luck? Warrantable issue perhaps? The battery is fine, no sign of damage or even swelling.

[CarGuy7a]

Well just my opinion but 23/86 is awfully high gearing to try and run a whole 3s pack through it, especially in a big heavy slash. For 3s you should be running around a 16 tooth pinion and even at that you would probably have to stop at least twice to let it cool down.

Call up Traxxas and see what they can do.

[LoudCamZ28]

I run the exact same battery with the same gearing... have no problems! Is your VXL still new (or newer)? Cuz it may have been a faulty esc.

[weswins]

I bought the motor/ESC combo a few months ago, installed it and shelfed it waiting for racing season. I have only run a hand full or 7 cell packs through the truck and its only seen the 11.1v pack twice before this. The last two times were speed runs and doughnuts on pavement with the same gearing in 25°C+ weather. I doubt I was running it harder this time than ANY time before.
I was learning the track so I was taking it slow and then the truck died. This whole "hobby" thing is starting to seem like a huge waste of money even to me but, that's why I love the sport. High highs and low lows. I just wish I had gotten to complete at least one lap.

[LessthanMetal]

Sounds to me like a short. *reads again* yep its a short. hey, How warm was the ESC when you benched it? I doubt that it was overtemp as you said. But what about those 2 other times? I'm sure you had it in LVC mode? I would Call traxxas.

[weswins]

It was HOT!!! I could smell the heat when I first put it on the bench and thought it was the motor, after I plugged the battery back in, it smoked and then stunk like fried electronics. I am going to give the guys at Traxxas a call tomorrow.
And yes, it was in LVC mode but I had only gotten 3/4 of a lap in so that's a bit of a non-issue. I cant check if it still thinks its in LVC or not anymore due to the risk of fire.

[Twilight the Unicorn pony]

Do you run a fan?

[weswins]

No, but the truck was run for just over a minute. The ESC should have been stone cold like the motor was.
I am going to give Traxxas a call tomorrow, today turned out to be a gong show, with fireworks. And black jack. And rock stars.
Okay, there was no black jack. Or rock stars.
And there were no gongs or fireworks either. Today was just hectic.
I will let you guys know whats going on when I know whats going on.