A couple of minor problems.

[PlagueWulf]

First of all I really love my Savage 25 (complete noob), but there is a problem with the brakes and possibly related to the oil from exhaust also. The problem is it takes 15 - 20 meters to come to a complete stop after WOT on tarmac, and I have the dual stainless steel ones from HPI.

I ran my finger across the disks and there was some black residue on there, will some oil from the engine have that heavy impact on braking power?

After that I dragged the brake lever manually as hard as I could without breaking it and the wheels would still turn easily, but if its on the ground and I manually drag the lever and push the truck it seems to work as it is supposed to.

How would you suggest I adjust it to get optimum braking power and is there supposed to be much oil on the same side as the exhaust when running three tanks? (its a little cold so I guess its a bit more rich then what it will be when summer comes)

 

[jon2]

Did you make sure you scuffed the brake pads so they are grime free? They should'nt be glazed.

 

[Candyman]

There can be a few things to look for. First make sure the brake discs and calipers are clean. If there's grease or anything it can have an impact. Also make sure the actuator is able to apply full brakes. If not, check the setup to make sure the calipers are actually able to make strong enough contact with the discs. Check for glazing on the pads or discs. Use a simple Scotch Brite pad (green scrub pad) to take off some debris if there is any. Then move on to the servo/linkage. If you are able to apply full brakes manually without trouble, you should be able to get decent stopping power with the servo. Sounds to me like there's a problem where the brake setup isn't able to fully engage the brakes or there's something on the brakes. I'd clean them up and make sure the whole mechanism is set up right first.

 

[PlagueWulf]

Well I think that did it! I screwed the thing on the end of the brake pushrod and lowered the lever a half inch (for more travel) and now the brakes are WAY to strong! lol I have to reduce the power a little I think but thanks for the help.

The other remains unresolved though, is it normal to get so much oil on one side of the truck after running three tanks? And will it be better in the summer (less oil)?

 

[jon2]

If you are breaking in the engine then yes. You need to run the engine rich to allow the piston and sleeve to work with a lot of lubrication. To reduce this get a Dubro Exhaust deflector to route the exhaust away from your ride.

 

[PlagueWulf]

No sorry, didnt give enough information. The engine has been broken in and has a couple gallons through it, the thing is I just got into this hobby right before christmas and have no experience with nitro (or RC cars in general) and the temperature has always been cold. This makes me think it needs some extra fuel to run safely, it was 6 or 8 degrees above freezing one day and then it seemed to run a little quicker when I leaned it out. But had problems starting it when the temp dropped again so I gave 1/8 turn richer on each needle and it ran good but not perfect.

Also I run 16% nitro fuel, will the nitro content affect starting at winter? (more nitro easier to start? I know it has more power, but how about starting in cold temperatures?)

 

[Candyman]

Cold temps cause all sorts of effects which you have already seemed to sort out. Typically you do need to richen your carb settings to compensate for the increased air density at cold temps. Nitro content shouldn't have too much impact on cold starting. It's moreso the temp of the engine when you're trying to start it. If your engine is cold, warm it for a few minutes with a hair dryer or heat gun. That should make it easier.

As far as the oil goes, you will find there will be oil on the truck even after just one tank. When the fuel burns, not all the castor in the mix burns and gets spit out the exhaust. That's ok. Castor is what lubes the engine. So you want it in the mix. Sadly, cleaning the unburnt castor off every little inch of your truck is one of the care issues you just have to get used to.

 

[PlagueWulf]

Well thanks for the clarifications, I dont mind cleaning it after each run I just wanted to see if it was normal that all that oil gets smeared all over the trucks right side and under. Before getting this Savage I only have some experience with electric planes (4 GWS parkflyers) and this nitro stuff is all new to me.

Infact I think its slightly amusing to do all this maintenance between runs, you get a better understanding of the parts each time you go over it and also you get a good view of any parts that might be damaged (not happened yet) or screws that are loose.

Here is another question: How long between each suspension oil-refill? Or do you rebuild them when they get "sticky" (dont move well)?

 

[Rolex]

Welcome to RCNT, PlagueWulf. I'm in U.S.A. but my father was from your neck of the woods, near Kristiansand. Mosby, to be exact. Mit mor fra Oslo.
Ja, eg er ekte Norske. Maybe you're one of my cousins. Anything to help a relative.
For quick cleaning of oil from the car or the brakes, put denatured alcohol or rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. The alcohol breaks down the oil.

 

[PlagueWulf]

Thanks, yes Mosby is only 15-20 minute car ride from where I live, I have been there a couple of times nice and quiet place. I live a 10-15 minute walk from the city center on a mountain (Tinnheia), and I do all my flying at Grim stadium, nitro gets run everywhere until someone complains about the noise :boxing: then we move on to the next location.

The cleaner I got is 99% (NAFTA) petrolium and is for real cars, can I use this stuff or should I look at my LHS for the denurated alcohol? Well I have already use it 3 or 4 times, I sprayed it on the oily/greasy bits and after 3 minutes I sprayed it with a water bottle (carefully) and wiped clean. I was very careful not to get it on the electronics and the shocks (because it dissolves oil) and it seems to work but if there could be damage from this in the long run I will stop using it.

 

[Rolex]

I'm not sure about the cleaner you're using. Strong cleaners tend to damage plastic, and some even dull anodized aluminum. Denatured alcohol can be found in any hardware store.

I'll drop you a PM so I don't derail your thread asking you a few questions about Norway.