Only thing I've seen -measure batt voltage, then hook it up and turn rc on - measure voltage at the motor leads - if esc is OK, it will be nearly full batt voltage, if not, then you have a prob with esc. If you have full voltage, then its supposed to be a motor prob.

You can also check to see if there's continuity between phases across the motor wires. Anything other than continuity is a prob with the windings. Since yours are runninmg briefly, I suspect its a prob elsewhere.

Have you tried running this at a lower punch than 100% since you've been having the prob? I would call Castle and see what they could suggest -

http://www.castlecreations.com/support/contact.html