At this point I don't think it's a air leak. I honestly think it's the fuel and plug. And the linkage not set properly. Trust me it took me a while when I first got my Tmaxx 2.5 yrs ago... just got to have patience when it come to nitro. It get very frustrating I know. But when you get it tuned...
That's a long plug.. that is one of the problems. You should be running a OS LC3 hot or P3 Ultra hot plugs.. to hell with the traxxas plugs they are crap. And the fuel. Only good for break-in. That's it... and the 1mm slide gap is to much should be .
.5 - .7 no more.. its probably running...
That 1mm gap is way to big
.5 -.7mm is the most you want. And what plug are you running? The tops fuel really isn't helping either.. need a better fuel with less oil content. Then the traxxas top fuel.
Look for fuel with a 8 - 10% no higher then 11. 12% lubrication.. bones brew or odonnnells...
Well that too. But if tuned and set up rite shouldn't have a problem. I mean I don't have one on either of mine 2.5 or 3.3. But the TRX is a bi*ch to get just rite. Alot of patience and runs to get it just rite.. and not to use top fuel except for the break in....
It also might sound like your...
Is it a new or used 3.3. What factory setting did you set it to?Did you check the exhust o-ring. Is there a head gasket under the head? Almost sounds like the idle screw is out to far.. the carb boots/throttle cover is good? You can cheek the idol gap. Pull off airfillter and see how open is...