Inspection

Check the plastic end-cap on the back of the motor. Make sure that the metal tabs are properly bent down into the mating slots on the plastic end-cap. The motor that shipped with my BLADE has very narrow crimps attaching the can to the end-cap. Figure 1 shows the difference between the original motor and the motors that ship as replacements. The replacement motors have a wider crimp that utilizes the entire width of the mating slot on the end-cap. The original on both of my BLADEs have the narrow crimp which uses only about half of the slot width. One of them is still in service but the other had experienced a crimp failure. Notice the cocked end-cap in Figure 2. The crimp failed and allowed the end-cap to tilt which resulted in binding within the bearing. Probably the result of a crash. I've had my share.

Also check the pinion for damaged or worn teeth. Not likely though since the Tail Rotor Drive Gear (059) is plastic. However, a crash can cause damage to the pinion through impact so give it a quick look should you crash or encounter other abnormal situations.

Make sure the Tail Motor attachment screws (032) are secure.

Check the wires for damage, again from crashes more than likely, especially where the wires are soldered. Make sure that there are no broken strands which can cause the wires to overheat and reduce the effectiveness of the tail rotor. Also check the capacitor for damage and secure attachment.

Check the motor can for dents or other deformations which should prompt you to replace the motor.

Removal

Remove the Tail Rotor Blade (057) and the Tail Rotor Drive Gear (059) and Shaft Assembly (065) as outlined above.

Using a soldering iron disconnect the wires from the Tail Motor (064). Remove the two Tail Motor retaining screws (032). The Tail Motor (064) is now free to be removed.

Repair

Carefully punch down the metal tabs that retain the plastic end-cap if you detect any movement of the end-cap relative to the motor housing (can). You must support the motor can as shown in Figure 3 while punching down the tabs. Be careful - if you punch the tabs too hard you will crack or break the plastic end-cap.

Repair nicks in the pinion gear teeth with a jeweler's file.

Replace the capacitor with one of the same rating if it is damaged or broken.

Installation

Orient the Tail Motor so that the capacitor is facing aft. Figure 4. Then align the flat sides of the Tail Motor (064) with the flat sides in the Tail Rotor Gearbox Housing (061) and slide the pinion gear through the hole in the housing. Align the screw holes and install and tighten the retaining screws (032) and washers (060). Figure 5. Don't over tighten the retaining screws (032) - that's a fairly delicate thread in the motor.

Check for proper tail rotor blade rotation then solder the wires to their respective connections on the Tail Rotor Motor (064).

Reinstall the Tail Rotor Drive Gear (059) and Shaft Assembly (065) and the Rotor Blade (057) as outlined above.

If you are installing a new Tail Motor (064) you will more than likely have to adjust the tail proportion and gain settings on the 4-in-1 Controller (023).