BJ26 caught fire!

[frdvschvy]

I was running my BJ26 on Friday and it caught fire about 2 minutes into a run . Looks like the ESC is the source and it charred the insides a little but I was able to get the fire out before there was some major damage. I am running 5s but I added an external BEC to try and avoid this issue. Looks like the ESC still cooked even with the external BEC. Those running 5s or more should take caution.

So now I need to buy an aftermarket ESC. Any suggestions on a quality piece at a low price?

[HappyOne]

I just ordered a 120 amp Turnigy one from Hobby City for $70. I think their 180 amp one is on sale to members for $85.

[785boats]

A quick question only because you didn't mention it.
Did you disconnect the BEC in the ESC, by removing the red wire from the receiver plug, before you plugged in the external BEC unit?
If not, that would most likely be the cause of the failure.
Paul.

[Meniscus]

Good call!

[frdvschvy]

A quick question only because you didn't mention it.
Did you disconnect the BEC in the ESC, by removing the red wire from the receiver plug, before you plugged in the external BEC unit?
If not, that would most likely be the cause of the failure.
Paul.

Yes, the red wire was removed from the plug.

[785boats]

I thought you would have, but I had to ask.
Well I guess it's the higher voltage that did it, or a high current. What size prop did you have on with the 5s setup?
Was it the first run on 5s or had it been run like that several times before without any problems?
Paul.

[frdvschvy]

Running an X642. It appears that running an X642 with 5S on a stock ESC is a bad idea

[6S HYDRO]

running 5s on a x640 with stock bec for over a year now, no problems no heat issues.