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Air leak in nitro engine?

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J

jimc

RCTalk Basher
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hello, I removed my 5.9 to clean OWB and while it was out decided to check for air leakage. I put the fuel line on the carb and thumbed the intake and could hear massive air escape in the vicinity of the flywheel. Does this mean new bearings are in order? Did'nt do soapy water test yet on rest of components as it seems to be a real leakage prob up front that should be adressed first. Bought this truck used so don't really know the history. looks and runs good however.
 
I would seal the engine and put in new bearings. They are probably the originals and it would be a good idea to change them now if the rest of the engine is good.
 
thanks for the quick answers. Called HPI today and they told me to send engine back to them for repair. I assume there will be no cost other than shipping seeing that the truck is only 6 mo old. It's not like I'd be running it any time soon with the weather so why not. The only problem as I see it is that I will gain no experience at this type of repair. They also want my radio and receiver because I told them it is sporadically glitchy. Seems like they are very interested in taking care of my issues. So far I like what I see from HPI regarding customer support. I post a follow up when I get my stuff back.
 
well I talked to HPI today and they claimed to have rebuilt my motor. I say claimed because I spoke to customer service and not directly to a tech so I am not completely sure what was done. The guy I was speaking with was looking on a computer and reading notes regarding my case number but it was a strange conversation. He tells me that it was rebuilt, so I am like, ok does that mean new piston and sleeve? He says yeah, also new carb, bearings and block. I say, oh, you're giving me a new motor. He says no you'rs is rebuilt.
I was unable to clarify with him what the differance is, I guess if they use any parts from the old it's a rebuild. Anyway I am happy with what they did, All free of charge. They claim also to have re-bound my tx/rx so I should no more trouble there as well, we'll see but so far I am very pleased with HPI, product and service are excellant and I would recommend to any and all. Looks like I'll be primed and ready for the coming good weather!
 
Sounds like a total swap out, if you ask me.
Whatever, if it was no charge you're golden. Just remember, you need to do a total break in on it.
 
I've had nothing but great luck with HPI's customer support. I bought a savage xl, and had it 2 months, and it wouldn't run for crap. I asked them about it. they sent me a box in the mail to put the truck in, and off it went. 3 weeks later i got a box and a letter in the mail, 'due to a defective product we are happy to replace your savage xl with this brand new one' even sent new battery's for the remote
 
Every time I have a problem they have hooked me up, diffs, backplate, rotostart. The best customer service I have ever encountered for sure !!
 
Just be sure to seal that engine before you start the break in process. 5.9's are notorious leakers. Seal it, leak test it and then you'll know for yourself that it's ready to go. Also for future reference, bearings make a huge difference in how an engine runs and how long it will last between rebuilds. Boca or Fast Eddy bearings are higher quality than any OEM bearings. Bearings can mean the difference between 5 gallons of engine life to 15+.
 

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