Help: FE Mean Machine Mystery

[Fluid]

No.




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[D&D]

Is there a standard size connector, no. However; many boaters on this forum seem to use the 5.5connectors. I have 8mm connectors from my ESC to the motor, but 5.5 connectors from the batteries to the ESC. Also some batteries, like Turnigy, come with 5.5 connectors and they work well with the 5.5 connectors that you can buy from Steve on this site.

[catboat]

You have several problems:

- The Deans connectors are not appropriate for your setup. They are really a maximum 50 amp connector and will add a lot of resistance to the overall system, increasing heat and reducing performance and run time. Their resistance increases a lot with use as they oxidize.

- You are running the boat for too long. How much mAh are you putting back into the packs? If it is more than 4000 mAh then you are really running too long and are risking battery damage. This is contributing to your motor heat, and 165F has probably damaged the magnets and the motor will begin to damage other components like the ESC. Adding more cooling will do nothing, the motor is too low a wind for that long of run time. I assume you are measuring the heat on the motor endbell, not on the cooling jacket.

- The strut should be at least 3/16" above the bottom of the sponsons. The CG should be about 9" to 9.5" ahead of the transom.

Your speeds aren't bad for that prop and motor, just a few changes and you'll have a better running, more reliable cat. Watch out for that motor though, it may need to be replaced.


.

1. I'll remove the deans, & use bullets.

2. I checked my battery log & you guys are correct. As it turns out, I've been putting 4800-5100mah back in my packs. I've been draing them down to approx 10% capacity.

Regarding the motor temp @ the endbell, are you referring to the front or back endbell?

The temps I posted, where actually the cooling jacket. The portion of the can not covered by cooling jacket gets approx 10°F hotter (179°F). I haven't checked temps at the endbell.

3) Regaring the strut height I'll post some pics but I'm thinking it needs to be up a bit higher based on what you guys are saying.

Thanks again.

[catboat]

You guys are awesome thanks for all your input. I've realized the mistakes I made, but now I noticed another strange issue...

My questions now are:

1) Are the bullets that come with the Turnigys any good or should I use the ones from OSE that Diegoboy reccommends?

2) Does the 5.5MM bullets support both 8AWG (turnigy battery) & 12AWG (cuda 125)?

3) How do you change the prop angle? In my case, I believe I can only move the height up or down.

4) How do I know how many amps I'm pulling on any given run? Is there anyway to calculate that?

See the pics regarding strut height. I didn't think I was running wet, but I'll try raising up the strut & I'll report back to you guys. (PS Regarding the inside pic, it's ugly I know...that's how I got it when I picked it up used).

Strange issue:

I started this post because of my battery temps being greater on 1 side vs the other. After my last run....I just charged my batteries yesterday & here's what I found.

Battery 1 (off the positive lead) : Battery was reading 3.78V per cell, 20% capacity remaing, & after charging I put in 3,487 mah w/ending voltage of 4.2v per cell. (That seems normal to me)

Battery 2 (off the negative lead): Battery was reading 4.16V per cell, 95% capacity remaing, & after charging I put in 187 mah w/ending voltage of 4.2v per cell. (How is that possible...what's going on there...)

Thanks for your ideas...