Slike a lot of overrevving in loose traction conditions causing it to over heat. Do you have a method for checking temp? On board temp readout, IR temp meter, laser temp, etc... The nice thing about most on board temp readouts is the max temp function. You're only guessing what the problem is until you have the data to back it up. Traxxas recomends a normal opertaing temp around 270 not to exceed 300. Good luck