New Traxxas Jato 3.3 break-in questions

[ReeV0]

Hi all,

I've just finished breaking in my new Jato 3.3, but had some overheating problems... I followed the Adam Drake method and idled the first couple of tracks very rich, keeping the engine hot.

However, the engine temps increased drastically when just idling very rich? Sluggish acceleration and slow top speed, wouldn't shift into 2nd gear. The engine would also sometimes cut out when accelerating to WOT. Lots of blue smoke using kyosho hotfire 25% nitro. Spitting fuel out the exhaust.

The HSN 4.5 turns from closed (factory is 4 turns)

LSN 1/2 out from flush (factory is flush). Takes about 4 secs to shut off after pinching the fuel line.

Temps on 1st glow plug - 139c (266f)

Temps on 2nd glow plug - 144c (291f)

I opened the fuel tank to see how fuel much was left, and noticed the fuel was bubbling. (On a side note, Is it bad to open jato fuel tank mid-running? Will it lose pressure? It's ipossible to see how much fuel is left as its central in the car and not on the edge like the Revo).

Temps didn't read above 120c at the glow plug using an IR thermometer, but the ez-start glow plug wire may have been getting in the way. Actual engine casing was measuring around 50c, but it's a different material so the IR thermometer may not have been reading it correctly

Have I ruined the engine? Lol

 

[CertifiedMike]

If you are just sitting, no air is flowing across the head. No cooling is happening. At all.
Use a fan, test again.

Buy a QUALITY temp gun.
Rely in that more than Traxxas app, imo.

Take your temps WAY more often than you are checking them. WITH THE NEW GUN!!!

Your plugs look fine for short runs I think.

Fuel tanks get presurized by the hise to the exhaust and sort of 'time' the fuel intake with the output of the exhaust... it causes a cycle or rythm that the engine runs on.
Fuel tank being sealed is VERY important to proper tune, run...
Don't open it!
Aside from that, your exhaust is blowing dust, dirt... it can easily end up in your tank.

Block off your air inlet rather than pinching the fuel line.
Cutting off the fuel cuts off the lubrication to the engine too... obviously, a hot engine is going to last longer if its well lubed ALL the time.

Might as well tell you to use after run oil.

ALWAYS set your engine to BOTTOM dead center so piston is at lowest point.

ALWAYS run your car out of fuel. Be sure the tank doesn't sit with fuel in it. It gets old, gunky and causes problems.

On a personal note, I'm a bit baffled as to why you stopped at Kyosho fuel and not bought the buggy to back it up!!!

KYOSHO RULES!!!!

 

[ReeV0]

Thanks for the reply. So an idling nitro engine will always overheat if left to idle for more than a few minutes?

I like kyosho but already have buggies, and wanted something with a 2-speed

 

[BustedAw11]

I've always preferred kyosho's Mike Cradock's videos and methods on break in.

Running nitro for 30 plus years.. I've learned there are a million different correct ways to break in an engine. Just depends on who you ask and how they have had good luck doing it.

Heat cycles are always important.


Don't trust the traxxas app for anything imo. Get yourself a temp gun as suggested.

 

[CertifiedMike]

I can't say for certain you have no other issues but without a fan, the motor will def overheat.

I have a Jato too.
I like it but need a football field to run it in.

It IS fast.

Also, get your 2 speed set and don't just keep your throttle pinned at WOT, esp in low, looking for speed.

 

[CreepyQuarryCrawler]

I am just curious, why did you not follow along with TRX's break in process?

I picked up a Revo 3.3 a few years ago to try something new. I found the information they provided with the vehicle to be very well done and easy to follow. Once I was completed the truck ran like a champ.

Their wallet card about carb adjustments is very handy too.

 

[ReeV0]

I am just curious, why did you not follow along with TRX's break in process?

I picked up a Revo 3.3 a few years ago to try something new. I found the information they provided with the vehicle to be very well done and easy to follow. Once I was completed the truck ran like a champ.

Their wallet card about carb adjustments is very handy too.

The Adam Drake method came highly recommended over the traxxas break-in method

 

[zeus r/c]

The Adam Drake method came highly recommended over the traxxas break-in method

Trx motor trx break in smh after break in then change all the needles smh

 

[zeus r/c]

Trx motor trx break in smh after break in then change all the needles smh

After the motor break in process with 5 tanks then you adjust the 3.3 is not a big block engine people it is s big small block engine there for tou should not break it in 1/8scale scale style as thats how i would break in my big block engines not my traxxas engines as they are weaker than a big block juat my thoughts and experience good luck

 

[BustedAw11]

After the motor break in process with 5 tanks then you adjust the 3.3 is not a big block engine people it is s big small block engine there for tou should not break it in 1/8scale scale style as thats how i would break in my big block engines not my traxxas engines as they are weaker than a big block juat my thoughts and experience good luck

I break in all my nitro engines the same exact way. Small block or big.
I've only got 30 years or so experience though so... I'm learning.

 

[zeus r/c]

I break in all my nitro engines the same exact way. Small block or big.
I've only got 30 years or so experience though so... I'm learning.

I mean so do i I'm almost 45 and hsve been playing with these since i was 14 or 15 i would never break in a small block the same way i break in a big block for the simple fact that the guts are not near as strong but hey its your time and wondering why I'm just is it doing this and that maybe thats the reason why anytime i have doubts i go back to factory setting and syart from there

 

[ReeV0]

I'm just gonna run it until it dies, most likely from bearing failure, and then throw in an OS 21TM

 

[CertifiedMike]

That 3.3 should last you a fairly long time with proper maintenance. Its a good motor to learn with. You should try to replace bearings etc too.
Better to learn on this one!

 

[BustedAw11]

If you want the most out of the 3.3 you could always grab an OS 11k carb.

As much as I love my tmaxx's and such- I hate their carbs. I dont think they tune well.. or hold it well...

 

[ReeV0]

Yep I've got a carb on order