I'm looking for some info as to possible reasons why. The truck is an SCX10. I recently (before the esc fried) installed an Epic motor (not sure the turn, got in a trade, probably 45t) with 30* advanced timing. 3s battery, Axial AE2, Castle bec.

I used the truck for a few hours the Saturday before with no problems, no overheating either. While cleaning the truck, I noticed the endbell was loose. The endbell screws were not secured to the inner ring, so I had to remove the endbell. Once i got it all back together I tested it with the 3s battery and the esc smoked as soon as I accelerated the truck.

This was the first time I messed with a modified motor with timing. I was thinking it might have been how I rebuilt it. A friend said with advanced timing and 3s it was too much amp or watts for the esc to handle.

Basically I'm looking to learn from my mistake so it doesn't happen again. I'm not even sure it safe to use the modified motor. Any help/opinions are appreciated.

any help would be very much appreciated

Sounds like something probably shorted in the motor and contributed to the ESC frying. On my AE2 I ran a 35t on 3s and now I'm runing a 55t on 3s along with a Castle 10a BEC. Mine is 3 years old and still going strong.

Pick up a Sidewinder 3 to replace it, it is water proof and can run brushed or brushless. Alos get yourself the Castle Link so you can easily program it. You will also be able to use the castle link to program your BEC.