Corrosion X on speed control

[J Robbo]

Hi all
I just received a new Swordfish 220amp PRO PLUS and would like to waterproof it and my receiver.
I also have a large bottle of Corrosion X and a tube of Kafuter 703 RTV Silicone Sealant.
Do you guys see any problems with soaking it in Corrosion X and then sealing the ends of the heat shrink up with Silicone?

[Jlov]

I sprayed my ESC with Corrosion X. Just make sure to let it hang and drip dry over night. Not sure about sealing ends with silicone may not have anyway for heat to escape then...
My Popeye just sank with a Swordfish Pro ESC and I had waterproofed it and it still fried. Prevention is good but best idea is just to make sure inside stays dry....

[JimClark]

If the silicone is neutral cure then it would be ok but I wouldnt use the silicone

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[Fluid]

Two problems with the silicone. One it may not stick to the coating of CorrosionX. Two, as Jim alluded to many silicones release acetic acid when they cure - that is highly corrosive to the ESC components.


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[RaceMechaniX]

An alternative is using a spray on conformal coating. These coatings are intended for electrical components and do offer some level of protection. They can also be removed with alcohol or other thinning agents. I believe some are silicone based, but obviously work with electrical components. I have coated several Castle and Schulze ESC's with no problems, but I would limit this statement to drops of water not full submersion.
TG

[Jlov]

Yes TG I agree. Had used Performix clear liquid tape on my Swordfish ESC that got submerged overnite in my sunken boat. I let it dry out and it was still fried. I'm sure they can take some moisture when conformal coated but not total submersion. Jeff

[Fella1340]

I the brand of silicone the op purchased is safe for electronics and work similar to a thermal compound. They sell it at rc boat bitx . Someone with more experience using thermal compounds may be able to tell us if it's Ok to use on esc's. it looks like it should be a good product to have around

[Fluid]

Note that actual thermal compounds can be tricky. Many have high concentrations of silver and are slightly conductive - in other words they might short-out ESC components which are placed close together. The makers of one of the thermal compounds I use caution not to use it if the risk of shorts is high.

"Sealing" the ends of an ESC where the wires exit is questionable. Over time the movement of the wires will break the seal and allow water to wick into the ESC - but you won't be able to see it. This is one of the secret reasons why some "waterproof" ESCs go boom.


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[RaceMechaniX]

When I conformal coat, I remove the case or shrink tubing and mask the wires to about a 1/2" from the board to keep overspray to minimum. I will coat using 2 light coats followed by two heavy coats. After each coat I tilt and shake a little coaxing the coating into the nooks and crannies and then hang it vertically to dry using a clip. Adding a ton of conformal coating is not any benefit. You are looking for a nice even coat.

I would agree on not sealing the ends with silicone. If it does get wet, you want a way to drain it.

TG

[Fella1340]

Not my thread but thanks guys for the information. I have a pile of this work to be done about my confidence level is much higher for getting this work done

[urbs00007]

I sprayed my ESC with Corrosion X. Just make sure to let it hang and drip dry over night. Not sure about sealing ends with silicone may not have anyway for heat to escape then...
My Popeye just sank with a Swordfish Pro ESC and I had waterproofed it and it still fried. Prevention is good but best idea is just to make sure inside stays dry....

was the esc sprayed with corrosion-x? did you attempt to run it while submerged? did you spray again with corrosion-x before running it again after submersion?