newbeh w/ questions

[RobH]

I'm new. :cheeky: I've been reading the forums and I figured I'd chime in.

I bought a pre-built DuraTrax Maximum ST and a futaba radio system. I've installed my radio and I'm itching to try it. Before I run out there and crush $300, I'd like to get my head straight.

First, is there a web page for people like me? I need some general advice for the novice nitro R/C user.

I know about breaking in my engine but that’s about it. I installed the radio myself, for example. I'd like to know if I got the linkages right. Any specifics about this truck I should know? Any mods I should make right away? Any commonly broken parts I should have on hand? What typical mistakes do newbies make that I should avoid? What’s the proper way to break in my car? (or are the instructions from DuraTrax ok?) What weather conditions are acceptable to play in?

Bottom Line: I’d like to do whatever it takes to make sure the thing lasts and to ensure I don’t break it... too much.

-Robert

 

[Mayhem]

Get a fuel filter if you can. Helps keep crud out.
Get a temp gauge for breakin make sure it don't over heat.
And for that website click here

 

[x_789]

Well read your manual and set it up just like they say Duratrax know s there vehicle better than any of us.

here is a couple places for links
http://rccaraction.com/rc/articles/index.asp

www.rccentral.com other than that you are gonna have to be a little more specific in your questions. X

 

[RobH]

Originally posted by Mayhem
Get a fuel filter if you can. Helps keep crud out.
Get a temp gauge for breakin make sure it don't over heat.
...

I read some tanks have filters built in. I was going to check out my tank. If it doesn't have one, I'll be sure to get one. thanks

On the temp gauge, the instructions said you can put a drop of water on the engine and see how long it takes to evaporate (under 5 seconds, it's too hot). That work ok? Also if it's too hot, you just stop running it until it cools down, right?

X, thanks for the websites. rccaraction.com seems very electric rc car oriented. The other site has good articles but geared to the advanced RC addicts. The snow proofing sounds cool, but I think I'll save that for next winter.

-Robert

 

[x_789]

Rob you will get no where by shutting it off and letting it cool down. It you put the water on it and it boils off to fast then you richen up the highspeed needle and then run for a few more minutes this is the way tunning works keep making adjustsments while its running.

here try this on for size its all nitro related...
http://www.rcnitro.com/rn/articles/index.asp X

 

[RobH]

x, this is true for break in as well?

 

[NCNitro]

Rob, seriously forget the water/spit test. Go to Radio Shack and spend the $29 and get a temp gun. It will tell you much more than dropping water on your head. You already have a $300 investment, and with nitro RCs that is just the beginning. A temp guage is a great tool if you plan on sticking with this hobby.

 

[x_789]

NRob the way it works on breakin is that you want it running very rich or "FAT" as its called. This is so you have lots of fuel and oil going through the engine to keep it well lubed while you are breaking it in. You also need to Keep the engine hot enough so that it will break in the parts properly if you don't get it hot enough it will not make the parts expand enough so that they will seat in properly.

Also I highly recommend getting temp gauge they are worth their weight in gold. I run a Raytech that runs about 70 now but there is a Radio shack modle that uses a raytech board one of the boys here that use it can link to it for you its about 30 bucks. I promise you that will be one of the best investments you make in this hobby period because it will help you gaurantee premature failure do to overheating or running the engine to cool.

What engine do you have in this truck a .16 ? X

I just looked at these instructions on breaking the engine and they look ok for a typical break in. Just make sure the check the temp atleast once every minute or two. When your are breaking it in I really don't see you overheating, as long as you start with the carb settings they tell you to use. Just keep and eye on it and take your time. IF you are really serious about making this truck last spend the 30 bucks on a temp gauge. X

 

[agm130]

Here is the link to the $30 Temp Gauge At RS

I'm a newbie 2, I've only been doing this for about a month now, but I'm hooked. This is a good gauge, and also an invaluable item when it comes to your Car/Truck Engine. It makes tuning the Engine so easy.

Plus its fun to play with.

 

[RaCinJason399]

hello rob, if you have any questions about the maximum st just pm me because I own one. I love it, it's better than any other rc I have.

 

[RobH]

For $30, the temp gauge sounds well worth it.

Originally posted by x_789
What engine do you have in this truck a .16 ? X

Yeah I got the new .16 version.

Originally posted by RaCinJason399
... if you have any questions about the maximum st just pm me because I own one. ...

I will be sure to keep that in mind. I also found this site too:

http://www.angelfire.com/ny5/maximumst/

He claims you really should upgrade to Ball Bearings. Yet when I read the info page about my truck I see this info:

All Ball Bearing Gear Box (diff. output BBs are 8x14mm, others 5x10)
Ball Bearing Equipped ALUMINUM Clutch Bell (5x10mm bearings x 2)

and under Engine Features...

Precision Ball Bearing That Minimizes Friction

Also I don't see any Ball Bearing listed as an upgrade on the page. Do I need the Ball Bearings upgrade he's talking about or has duratrax added them to the .16 version? or am I (likely) missing something?

Shopping List:

Fuel Filter
Temp Gauge
Ball Bearings?

-Robert

 

[x_789]

Here is the bearing kit you need man http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD027&P=M


here is a nice little filter kit i like to use http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXD753 That should hook you up fine... X

 

[RobH]

Thanks for the leg work X. Now that I have my part numbers, I have to approach the boss (aka wife) about spending the cabage. I have a feeling towerhobbies is gonna have another addict in toe.