Could someone direct me to a place on the web where it will give directions with pics on how to grease the gearbox on my C50XL-13? I went to the Hacker site, but couldn't find it...
Thanks in advance.
John

I learned to grease mine by taking it apart slowly. Be careful, there are small parts in there.

Billy

John, there is a discussion thread here on RCU or on RC Groups with examples of how to dissassemble the gearbox, clean and lube it. Just do a search on Hacker and Gearbox and you should find it.

Woodie

John,
Here are the links, The Hacker instructions are for the comp motor but will work the same for the setup you have.
Just remember the set screws that hold the gearbox to the motor are through the front mounting screw holes.
let me know if you need anything else.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3474503/tm.htm
http://morten.laugesen.nu/HackerC50.pdf

Thanks Todd, I knew you'd jump in here soon! Good luck at the North Houston meet. Nick and Ed will be there.
John

Okay, back for advice. Remember, I have a C50-13xl and the Hacker grease is in my little mitts as I write this. I'm going to Sears tomorrow to get the strap wrenches. Now, the questions... This thing seems like its frozen solid. Yes, I've loosened the 1.5mm set screws in the gearbox. Are there 1 or 2 in there? Is there any danger of bending the motor with the strap wrenches trying to separate the pieces? Also, if I'm successful getting it apart, what kind of Threadlock do I put on it when reassembling? Thanks in advance, John

PS Is there ever going to be an outrunner motor with similar weights and power characteristics so I can blow this gearbox stuff? It seems the Axi's, Pletti's and E flite's are still fighting with weight and mounting issues as we speak. I eventually threw away all my inrunner stuff on the smaller planes. Just hoping it will go that way with the big ones also.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5169041

I am not sure where you read that Pletti's were heavy, they are as light and turn same or better rpm (30-10 Evo) than the Hacker's that I have witnessed. Problem with outrunners is they have a bit lower efficiency so you will have increased current draw for a given rpm.

I am also not sure what mounting issues there are? I use 1/8" light ply laminated with a single layer of 5.7 oz carbon cloth on each side for a firewall (not front mounted but rear mounted), and have put nearly 1000 total flights on my e-models with that setup and never a failure of the firewall.

All the mounting problems appear to me associated with front mounting the motors, but that is not how Pletti's are setup.

John,
There are 2 set screws and I don't think you are going to bend the motor with the strap wrenches.
After you are done just put the gearbox back on I did not use any thread locker.
One thing just remember the wavy washers under the gears and don't lose them.

John, to add to Todd's suggestions, here's a tip I got from Earl. Wrap the gearbox (and motor if it helps) with masking tape. This greatly helps keep the rubber strap wrench from slipping.

The first time you do this you think to yourself "You've got to be kidding, I'm going to break this thing!!!" I know I felt that way. But as long as you've loosened both of the set screws (Todd's correct, there are two) and the motor doesn't slip and fly across the room, you won't break it.

I've not used locktite when re-assembling either.

Keith B

Did it! Kind of easy once I figured it out. The only problem I had in conceiving the fix is the printout is for the Comp motor which uses screws and my motor threads the gearbox directly on the motor. (Like was mentioned in the directions on the other thread). I didn't see the "wavy" washers that Todd mentioned and I was extremely careful to watch for them. I did see some C-clips under the gears, but no washers. Oh well, maybe I'll send it in next time so they can check it out and see if those washers are missing.

Thanks again for all of your help.

John

Dang Chad,
The pletty is pretty light.
I wish axi would come up with something like that. Then again, my new ship is 10lb 2 ou with the F3A motor and 3700's. But dang, that pletty is light!!
Plus I heard you had more power than anyone at the nats. Hope to give that some competition this year if I can afford to go.

Grease?? Gearbox?? What are you guys talking about???

Just kidding. The hacker is great also!!! Just love the "no maintenance" thing..

Chris