New To Nitro

[Freon]

Hello, I am new to nitro cars, I recently purchased a used Duratrax maximum st truck ( Don"t Laugh). it has a torq .12engine, thats all I know. I was told it's about 3yrs old, I'm not sure but it seems to run fine mechanically, I only ran 1 tank of 10% fuel through it. except for some worn out wheel bushings. worn tires, worn clutch bell, and clutch shoes show some wear, my question is , the owner told me he never used after run oil, once in a while he would use wd-40, he said after -run oil was a glorified name for wd-40, but I hear different from everybody else. Do you think this damaged the engine in anyway? second I looked up some prices on tower-hobbies.com (Seems like the only place I can find parts). It's going to cost about $60.00 for the parts I need, Does anybody think it would be a waste to invest in this truck or just buy a new. I didnt realize it needed all this stuff till I started taking it apart and giving it a cleaning it never had before, any comments, tips, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[wdavidhicks]

Three years could be a lot of wear and tear on that vehicle. Although it sounds like he took relatively good care of it for all that you've found immediately wrong. "They" say that an engine could be ready for a rebuild after three gallons of fuel. Normally, that would involve a new piston, sleeve and conrod. If the engine wasn't properly cared for "after run" your crank might be worn beyond acceptable tolerances as well. Nitro fuel is hygroscopic. It attracts moisture and promotes rust if isn't purged, especially on polished steel surfaces like crankshafts and bearings. This rust does its damage when your engine turns over for the first few times after it's been setting a long time. It never hurts to pop off the air cleaner and glow plug, open the throttle, then blow WD-40 into the carb and spin the engine a few times when it's time to put her to bed. Shampoo, Rinse, Repeat. She'll love you long time. It doesn't hurt to run the engine out of gas beforehand to make sure you're not drawing in more fuel while you're flushing the case. WD-40 = Water Displacement formula attempt #40 = good stuff.

 

[SilentHunterKellen]

I have two tips for you. Switch to 20% nitro fuel, and get rid of those bushings. Bushings=Gay.
Bearings are a must. But the Duratrax Maximum ST isnt a BAD Truck to start off with, but I wouldnt put money into it for racing purposes. The engine (torque .12) isnt all that great.
[move]-Kellen[/move]

 

[Nitroaddict]

freon - there are two ways to look at this. 1. invest the money into the truck. 60.00 is far less than it will cost to purchase a new setup. the duratrax is an excellent beginner truck, and if it is running good now, then most likely no damage has occured. i would not however, spend an enormous amount of money on it. 2. a new ST by AE or Losi which is capable of performing at the club level racing, will set you back somewhere around 400.00 , if you got the ST in order to race, and have expendable income, than scavage it for all u can, ie-radio, servos, ect, and invest in a good quality product. If all u want to do is have a lil fun in the back yard, or construction site, then keep what u have, spend the 60.00 and have fun with it until it breaks something big. congrats - and welcome to the best RC forum!

 

[RobH]

Freon,

I also have a Maximum ST.

Like nitronewbie said, if you want to screw around with it, put the $60 into it and bash away. If you want to head out to the local track and race, save up for race-worthy nitro R/C.

If the bushings are worn then I'd bet there is a lot of play in the wheels. The bearing completer set will hook you right up in that department.

Whatelse is on in your cart for tower? I can't think of $60 worth of parts you could put into a working Maximum ST.

Let me know if you ever want to sell it. Even if the engine is blown and you want to keep the radio, I'd love to have the spares.

-Rob

 

[Freon]

your comments and tips have been very helpful, also lifted a weight off my chest. I dont plan on racing this truck, just weekend playtime with the kids. does anybody know where to get pars for a duratrax, esides tower-hobbies, I tried to go to duratrax homepge but keep getting page unavailable??

 

[Nitroaddict]

freon - where do u live? the best place to get any part is from your LHS (local hobby shop). Support them, and they will be an invaluable resource. As for online, there are many places to get the parts, but tower has the best reputation, best pricing, and best in stock supply. So unless they do not carry it, u are better off getting it from them if your LHS doesn't have what u are looking for.
Once again - welcome to the site, and to the hobby

 

[Freon]

I live in Scranton Pennsylvania, believe it or not, there are only 2 hobby shops in my area 40 mile radius, they only carry traxx's and x factor, I found a guy about a good 50 minute ride to and from, I drove all the way down there today to find out he didnt have anything I needed, in stock of course, but at least he was willing to order anything I needed.

 

[SilentHunterKellen]

Originally posted by Freon
I live in Scranton Pennsylvania, believe it or not, there are only 2 hobby shops in my area 40 mile radius, they only carry traxx's and x factor, I found a guy about a good 50 minute ride to and from, I drove all the way down there today to find out he didnt have anything I needed, in stock of course, but at least he was willing to order anything I needed.

can't you just order it yourself?
BTW: if your not gonna race, the Maximum ST is a great choice!
[move]-Kellen[/move]

 

[Freon]

bushings to bearings

Hello again, I am going to order online myself, the guy was a little pricey with spare parts. Question, I have all the original bushings that came with the maximum st, I'm considering switching to bearings, do the bearings just slide into existing wheel husbs, not sure whats entailed with the procedure.

 

[SilentHunterKellen]

The bearings-If made specifically for the Truck-will probably include everything needed for sucessful installation. I'm glad you made the switch. I can't handle bushings, bearings run so much smoother. You can really tell the diffrence when you run on-road. And I do believe they just slide into the existing hubs or something like that.
[move]-Kellen[/move]

 

[RaCinJason399]

I got one.. I like the truck... get the right setups and ull be rockin.. take a look at mine in the gallery.. Its a pritty durable car but i would suguest to buy a new motor.. i blew that .12 in a month of riding and i got a os .15 and now its amazing..

 

[Freon]

fuel tank

ooopps!! I busted my fuel tank right off the truck, there is is a small hole in the bottom and I have the piece that broke off, can this be repaired?

 

[Nitroaddict]

yes, but u should never repair a fuel tank, only replace. go buy a new one.

 

[RobH]

Freon, you live in scranton?!?!?!?

I'm like 30-40 min south of you! We drive to scraton to see movies. Cinemark, "the best seat in town".

You have to check out R&W Hobbies in Wilks-Barre! (570) 283-3066

It's a great place and they have a track too. He does stocks Traxxas, Kyosho, and Ofna parts. He also makes calls to great planes (towerhobbies) every monday. He can order you stuff and you don't have to pay shipping.