We have been having these problems too and a member of our electrical team pointed out a problem with the fp's provided to FIRST. It seems the brushes, in every fp we have seen, are turned 90 degrees. They are contoured incorrectly to the commutator. This results in low contact and an ineffecient motor with a shorter life span. This can be fixed with a simple trick from the rc racing community. It is questionable as to whether this is legal under FIRSTs rules on motor modifications. Anyhow, if anyone would like i can put you in contact with our electrical guy that can explain how to fix in a matter of minutes. Just email me at
shawny963@wi.rr.com.