I have an Eflite mini Edge ARF, with a Park 400 inrunner and Eflite plastic gearbox. This is the power setup recommended by the instruction manual. I have stripped the plastic spur gear on three gearboxes. The total flight time on those three flights total approximately thirty seconds.

I have installed the gear boxes per the instructions, used the plastic shipping bag as a gauge between the pinion and spur gears, lubed the pinion and spur, etc. etc. I am obviously doing something wrong, but obviously I can't figure out what it is.

I would greatly appreciate any and all input regarding this problem. Thank you in advance for your assistance!

What happened in those "30 seconds"? If you had a prop strike, the gear is gone as they are junk!

If the gears are stripping at start up , try setting your ESC to soft start.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS BUY A GEARBOX FROM MAXX PRODUCTS.
WALT

Walt:

On the first two "flights" I felt that I may have had a minor prop strike, although there was no visible damage to the prop. I realize that any pressure on the prop, no matter how slight, will probably cause the cheap plastic spur gear to strip. On the third "flight" I held up elevator as I accelerated throught the take off in order to avoid a prop strike. This "flight" lasted only slightly longer than the first two.

I really have no idea on how to program the ESC for a "soft start". I would think that the factory recommended setup would be able to withstand a full throttle take off, but maybe not?

I plan to order a gear box from MAXX PRODUCTS, as soon as I determine which one will fit my motor. I have two more of the gear boxes coming from Horizon which I will return. Trying those again will just be throwing good money after bad!

I greatly appreciate your input and advice, Walt!

Regards!

What brand ESC? If you don't have a manual (usually just a leaflet type thingy) you should be able to get one through product support.
Walt