Velineon 3500 Failures - How common are they in this model?

[Captain Loach]

I've been running my Stampede 4x4 on 3S lipo and stock 11/54 gearing since I've owned it and recently had a motor failure during the last bashing session; the magnet detached from the motor shaft and spun freely.

I'm planning to replace it with another 3500, but I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing similar failures? I don't want to continue to replace the 3500 motors if they're not up to the task of powering the 4x4 Stampede.

[Petertje60]

I think overall the 3500 is known as a good motor. Since there are many users, the chance that you hear about problems increases. There are quite some people that chose to upgrade it, but there are also a lot of satisfied users.
Consider that a happy user has no reason to post here...

To my personal taste the 3500 just misses the power that I want in my Pede.

[Captain Loach]

Yeah I do like the 3500 motor as it is still going strong in my Rustler VXL and has been through a lot of speed runs. I was almost thinking the 3500 was undersized for the Stampede 4x4, but I guess that's what I was looking to hear from other owners and their experiences with motor longevity.

[O.G.]

How much use did you get from it? I have a lot of experience with that motor but in 2wd trucks. No problems yet and I've been using them for years.

Do you check your motor temps daily?

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[buduck04]

I did the same thing with one of my 3500 motors. Seperated and broke the magnet in a few pieces which in turn burned out my ESC as well. Traxxas replaced that with no issues, but I ended up selling the new 3500 motor and a replacement one I had for the Castle 2400 mmp combo <--- absolutely amazing combo by the way.

[Captain Loach]

I probably had 10 packs or so through it before it finally gave out. I'm going to give the 3500 one more chance and possibly gear it slightly lower than stock. I wasn't checking temps before but will be now.

[O.G.]

I probably had 10 packs or so through it before it finally gave out. I'm going to give the 3500 one more chance and possibly gear it slightly lower than stock. I wasn't checking temps before but will be now.

I really think the Sl4sh demands a 550 sized motor. It's about the same size and weight as my 1/8 buggy and people would laugh if I dropped a 540 can motor in it.

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[No One]

I think it is a little under size for the 4x4's. I will pretty much drive my truck with a 2s only.

[RC-Fan]

velineon 3500 is good for 2s, or for 2wd vehichles, IMO it is no up to task on 4x4 trucks. No even mention all the vxl-3s esc issues.

[Dknuckles]

I ran mine on 2s for 2 years with stock gearing, maybe up or down a pinion or 2. Sure it would overheat at times. I beat it pretty good and destroyed a bearing inside here and there. But we also ran in water too. Most of the damage I see at our lhs I have to fix is usually operator error in my opinion but no one takes responsibility anymore lol...

[BadMilkMan]

:facepalm: oh man. I blew 3 vxl3s esc before I got in contact with traxxas who the told me that the stator on the motor blew and destroyed the escs. Apparently it over amped the esc and it poofed. I would get a castle motor, you won't have many issues with heat. The vxl I had was always thermaling and couldn't handle much.


New sig: Dr. Octogonapus
BLARG!!!!!!!

[4sdash]

the vxl is a beast in a 2wd it just doesnt have the torque to run 4wd , and 2s just isnt any fun for me if you really like 3s do a castle or tekin and or any 550 can you will be alot happier

[Shaky17]

velineon 3500 is good for 2s, or for 2wd vehichles, IMO it is no up to task on 4x4 trucks. No even mention all the vxl-3s esc issues.

^ So true.But it all depends on gearing and how you drive your truck.3S in this truck stock is a bomb waiting to happen.JMO

[spenniepoos]

I ran mine hard for 2 years on 2s and 3s and it completely died last weekbut have ordered a 4 pole 550 3500kv can and a 120a esc for my pede and it should not over heat no where near as much

[Captain Loach]

I ran mine on 2s for 2 years with stock gearing, maybe up or down a pinion or 2. Sure it would overheat at times. I beat it pretty good and destroyed a bearing inside here and there. But we also ran in water too. Most of the damage I see at our lhs I have to fix is usually operator error in my opinion but no one takes responsibility anymore lol...

Just noticed you're from the QC. I am as well. Do you know of any bashing meets in the area? The race tracks are cool but not really my thing at the moment.

[ROB311952]

I've been running my Stampede 4x4 on 3S lipo and stock 11/54 gearing since I've owned it and recently had a motor failure during the last bashing session; the magnet detached from the motor shaft and spun freely.

I'm planning to replace it with another 3500, but I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing similar failures? I don't want to continue to replace the 3500 motors if they're not up to the task of powering the 4x4 Stampede.

I got my 4X4 6 months ago. I run at least 1 pack a day and 2 on Sats and Suns. In the beginning, I burned up a couple of ESC's under warranty. Traxxas replaced both as a motor/ESC combo and gave me a fan which I installed and geared down to 9 at that time. I've since gone up to 10 and now 11 as long as I watch the temp. I just burned up a motor a couple of weeks ago so it lasted about 4 months. I also have a big heat sink on the motor case.
Since I use it to exercise my dog, it's a very tough application: Constant starting and stopping (dirt, gravel, and some grass) and full bore all the time.
He's a "big block Doberman" and hits 30 mph chasing it. He's actually outrun some deere here and getting muscled up from chasing the Stampede. I think there's probably a market niche for a vehicle tailored for exercising big dogs. Trenchers are a must as well as MIP's to keep ahead of Zeus and not blow things apart on a daily basis.

[Dknuckles]

Just noticed you're from the QC. I am as well. Do you know of any bashing meets in the area? The race tracks are cool but not really my thing at the moment.

Yeah I know of lots of spots. If you have Face Book, I have a group called the Quad Cities Bashers and quite a few of us meet on sundays for sure and any other time we can get together.

BTW it's always great to run into a fellow Quad Citian on here!

[Captain Loach]

Yeah I know of lots of spots. If you have Face Book, I have a group called the Quad Cities Bashers and quite a few of us meet on sundays for sure and any other time we can get together.

BTW it's always great to run into a fellow Quad Citian on here!

Sweet - I'll check you guys out on FB.

[Captain Loach]

I joined the FB group. I'll try to get together with you guys sometime soon. I'm in the middle of my Stampede 4x4 upgrades and still need a new motor.

[Dknuckles]

Np, there is always someone to help you out. Major Art & Hobby has the best prices in town.