Packs puffing

revo61 · 08-09-2009, 07:30 AM

I got 2 packs I raced twice a month, both less than a year old. I balance charge them each time. Both have never been over discharged. I club race and packs only get 2 runs a piece. They both are puffing. The newer pack more so than the old one. I run tem in my 10.5 brushless, TC5. I have receipts from the websites I got them from and pics. One pack I got Jan 12, 2009 and the other March 6, 2009.

galland1 · 08-09-2009, 08:16 AM

Well, there are two possibilities misuse or defects. Sounds like from your description you got bad packs. Call the company send 'em in. Check to make sure you have LVC set properly. After you get your replacements be sure to stop running before you hit LVC if possible. Check pack voltage before and after charging. Balance packs often. Double check your charging procedure's etc.

nexxus · 08-09-2009, 05:51 PM

Is it me or is it almost EVERY hardcase Lipo I see puff is SMC branded. I am paranoid about Lipo safety so I read up on every lipo puff issue I can see to see if I am doing anything wrong, but I have to say, these SMC packs seem so much more prone to failure than any other brand it's crazy.

What's the story?

revo61 · 08-11-2009, 01:59 PM

I email SMC and so far they think its my fault since I have 2 packs puffing. I answered there questions. I hope they will do something for me. If not I will be changing brands. Packs barely last half a year.

nexxus · 08-11-2009, 07:08 PM

Last I heard they were blaming the climate of some areas on pack damage, I dunno, never used SMC myself and if their attitude is to blame the user without investigating the matter, I don't feel inclined to use them at all now.

Maxamps V2?

revo61 · 08-11-2009, 07:15 PM

I am in North Florida, we have some 90+ degree days lately.

joe_p · 08-12-2009, 05:20 PM

2 Days ago I went into my "TOOL BOX" and found both my SMC 4100MAH batteries puffed out as well. they had been sitting in there for about 6 weeks. I Had modified the cases to fit my jrx-s type r sedan. I had been running the batteries since jan 09 till may 09 and never had a problem. I would have camplained to SMC however since the cases were modified i figured the wasnt no point. It really sucks. Seems that everyone that i know has to modify the cases to make fit the jrxs. I had bought a cheap japanese battery before the smc that i sold to a friend because it fitted his can better. his battery is still ok. luckily we found them on sale and are planning to buy 4 of them. no mods required to fit the jrxs.

thats my 2cents about SMC

revo61 · 08-12-2009, 05:38 PM

They told to send them back with 80 bucks and the will send me a 4500 28c and a 3200 40c. They don't make the 4000 anymore.

joe_p · 08-12-2009, 06:08 PM

the packs only cost me 60.00 each shipped. also it would be hard to mail packs that are oozing out fluid and not to mention that i had cut the cases to fit my car as well.

RCFred · 08-13-2009, 03:41 PM

I will not be buying any more smc packs..took me a while to catch on..but I have had four of them puff..I use the same charger and run them the same way that I charge and run my orion batteries...the orion batteries are fine and I have had them longer...smc batteries are junk..

oldsprintfan · 08-14-2009, 10:51 AM

It's human nature to be more vocal and intense when things are not going right than when they are. I have 3 SMC packs, 2 Lightening Volts 2S 5200 24C and 1 C Max 2S 5200 40C. These packs have performed flawlessly and are a big improvement over the NiMH packs I was running. Since I'm returning to RC after a nearly 20 absence the new technology is somewhat daunting. Since the information on Lipo use and maintenance is all over the map I've talked to the folks at SMC on several occasions. They have ALWAYS spent whatever time necessary to answer my questions and offer advice and suggestions. Each call ended with an invitation to call anytime I needed help. I don't think you can ask for better customer service than this. I've also noticed that on this forum by far the majority of posters who start off upset and complaining end up complementing SMC on their customer focus and the overall quality of the product. Just my tow cents.

Frank

revo61 · 08-19-2009, 10:09 AM

My packs and a money order were delivered to them on Friday. I sent them a email asking for the status of my order and have not heard anything back. Wonder why I have not heard anything?

revo61 · 08-19-2009, 10:21 AM

I just got response, they will ship today. I may have them in time for the next race.