Wet ESC survival and throttle input

[BHChieftain]

If an ESC gets wet or submerged (say it was not waterproofed at all), could the ESC stand a decent chance of surviving if one cuts throttle input before taking on water, and refrains from throttle input until the unit has dried out? Or is that just wishful thinking?


Chief

[monojeff]

It is possible provided it drys out quick and doesn't corrode anything.
If you blow it out and spray something in it like corrosion X or similar to displace water then let it dry out you stand a better chance of recovery.
Even shaking it dry will help.
Just like when you wash something in the washing machine and let them dry out they sometimes work and sometimes dont.....

[JimClark]

let it sit in a bag of rice for a few days

[Chilli]

I've had many a wet esc over the years and none of them got damaged unless I tried to use them within a few hours. My recommendations pretty much follow what Jim and Jeff prescribe. Flush it out with WD40, Corrosion X or alcohol and let it dry for a few days. I put mine on and heater/A/C vent for a few days. Cutting the heat shrink tubing helps also.

[RaceMechaniX]

Yes, there is a chance. When this happens I have throughly washed the esc with rubbing or isopropyl alcohol and let dry in the sun or near a warm source. The alcohol absorbs water and helps the drying process. I will leave the esc alone for several days to insure it's completely dry. This has worked on several esc's that were not underwater too long. When they have been submerged for a longer period usually galvantic corrosion permanently destroys some of the circuits.

TG

[Rocstar]

let it sit in a bag of rice for a few days

+1 I have resurrected a few water logged ESCs and servos this way.
I have also tested and used Water Resist from KBB with good results.

http://www.keithbradleyboats.com/?wpsc-product=water-resist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5059f1A1f0U