Do you oil your motor pods? What oil do you use?

Jake J · Mar 28, 2016

I have had my solo for a few months now. I haven't used any oil on these stock motor pods even once yet. I do notice that the pods get "warm" after a flight but certainly not hot. Do these motor pods come shipped with a long lasting motor grease that shouldn't be "washed" out with cheap oil product? The "mechanic" in me thinks I should be at least using some kind of durable oil at some sort of interval. What do you guys use if anything and how often?

LarryF · Mar 28, 2016

Some will tell you that the motors have sealed bearings and not to oil them. Others will tell you to perform preventive maintenance and oil them, it doesn't hurt.

I oil my Solo motors every 10 hours of flight time. But be careful what oil you use. Don't use 3-in-1 oil, sewing machine oil, or WD-40. I use Boca High-speed Bearing Oil (made for motors). One syringe will last forever.
http://www.amazon.com/Boca-Bearings...d=1459204934&sr=8-1&keywords=boca+bearing+oil

RichWest · Mar 28, 2016

I've been using Slip from Avid RC, so far so good. Very thin stuff, seems to just leave a film once applied. I prefer film type lubricants as they are less likely to pick up dirt. No spec on what the material is however, could be silicone for all I know.

Avid Racing Concepts LLC | RC Bearings and Accessories for radio controlled vehicles

I like the 10 hour idea if only to flush the bearings.

Jake J · Mar 29, 2016

Thanks for the suggestions, I can't fight the feeling that I need to be oiling these pods, I will definitely take a look. Surprising I can't seem to find anything official about maintenance. I guess they do say to expect to replace your motor pods after 150 hours, maybe that is their maintenance plan?

PdxSteve · Mar 29, 2016

Oh, your ears will definitely tell you lol. Solo bearings seem to really NEED to be lubed at least every 30 hours. Mine started squealing so loudly I could hear it approaching for blocks.

indonesianpilot · Mar 29, 2016

Can someone make a video tutorial about how to apply this oil thing? Because i dont have a clue where to start

RichWest · Mar 29, 2016

fwiw, our resident motor expert, @RolandS888 suggests Tri-Flow, which is a Teflon based lubricant.

Triflow - Tri-Flow Pin Point Lubricator

And reading the description from Avid, theirs is also a Teflon based lubricant....

Mr_Chris · Apr 2, 2016

PdxSteve said:
Oh, your ears will definitely tell you lol. Solo bearings seem to really NEED to be lubed at least every 30 hours. Mine started squealing so loudly I could hear it approaching for blocks.

Yeah, if you arm Solo with no props on an just slow/stop each motor for a tiny moment, the howler will be obvious.

yhax · Apr 3, 2016

indonesianpilot said:
Can someone make a video tutorial about how to apply this oil thing? Because i dont have a clue where to start

Second this! Thanks

EA Hendrix · Apr 5, 2016

What about turbine lubricating oil?

Steve S. · Apr 7, 2016

Would powder graphite work? Or would White Lightning work too. It is a chain lubricant for mountain bikes and leaves a slick residue that is formulated to not pick up dirt or dust.

Jake J · Apr 7, 2016

RichWest said:
fwiw, our resident motor expert, @RolandS888 suggests Tri-Flow, which is a Teflon based lubricant.

Triflow - Tri-Flow Pin Point Lubricator

And reading the description from Avid, theirs is also a Teflon based lubricant....

I think I will try this. Hope I can find it easily around here. Would be nice if we could order it online through that link.

SurfnSkate81 · Apr 12, 2016

Jake J said:
I think I will try this. Hope I can find it easily around here. Would be nice if we could order it online through that link.

I have been using the tri-flow as recommended by @RolandS888. Been working great, I take and do whatever Roland recommends. He really knows his stuff.

muzz3256 · Jun 16, 2016

Hate to be that guy to dig up an old thread, but I can't seem to find how to actually do the lubrication. I have triflow, just need to know where to lubricate.

SurfnSkate81 · Jun 16, 2016

1. Remove the motor pod.
2. Use the tri-flow pin point lubricator.
3. Put one drop on the bottom bearing (pretty much in between the circlip)
5. Wait 20-30 seconds for it to sink in.
6. Spin the motor by hand in both directions for about 10 seconds.
7. Flip the motor over and do the same for the top bearing.
8. Repeat for the remaining motors.
9. Put motor pods back into Solo.
10. Power up Solo (without props).
11. Wait till Solo arms or go to Fly: Manual.
12. Run the motors up for 10 seconds.
13. Wait for a minute or two for the oil to settle.
14. Run the motors up for 30 seconds.

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Lastduik · Jun 17, 2016

I've been told definitely do not use any oil on motors!

SurfnSkate81 · Jun 17, 2016

Your call. I've been oiling mine for months and no problems. I take @RolandS888 advice and run with it. He knows his stuff. Check out the T-Motor replacement post its discussed there.

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