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Newbie with a blown up Maxx

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Jason84

Jason84

RCTalk Member
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Location
Montpelier, Ohio
RC Driving Style
  1. Bashing
Hey guys i just joined the site today and have a question about my new Tmaxx. I bought the truck on saturday and blew it up on sunday..lol
Its a .15 pro and i was running 20% in it. Ran good for about 5-10 minutes then it wouldnt hit 2nd and started stalling out when i hit the brake. Messed with it for a few days and all it would do is idle but had no power. It kept eating up glow plugs and having air bubbles in the fuel line.
So we tore it down last nite and the top of the piston was all chewed up, the sleeve looked torched, the piston ring was gone and looked like the crank bearing was missing about 5 balls.
Right now i plan on rebuilding it but wondered if there is anything i should watch out for or if anyone has any killer deals on a good .15 or 2.5.
 
I wouldn't recommend putting any money into the .15s,I've done it but I was never happy with any of those engines. Check the ones listed in the 2nd post in THIS thread. I'm using an HPI .18 in the Maxx my son has,it's became a much nicer truck since the swap.
 
Yes those engines are pretty easy to tune Randy I agree. I put a OS .18 in mine and it was a great engine. I really liked it, held a tune all day...plenty enough power but did not break stuff.
 
hmm....might have to look around and see if i can come across one for a decent price. Took me a long time to talk the wife into the $180 i spent on this, then blew it up the next day so she aint very happy. Having 2 boys and 1 on the way moneys tight
 
Sounds like you ran it way too lean. Seal the next engine before installing it. Make sure you have a temp gun for monitoring the temps. Maintaining a certain engine temperature is especially important during break in. Follow the manufacturers instructions for break in. Take your time during this process and you'll be rewarded with a good running engine.
 
thanks guys....i was looking into the traxxas trade for the 2.5 but then its an extra $25 for the conversion kit. I know $110 is not bad at all for a new engine and kit, but right now just dont have the $$. Maybe i could put it on the christmas list...haha
Its gonna be $50 to get the .15 rebuilt, then $25 for a gun so hopefully this will last and i can actually enjoy this damn thing.
 
In my opinion, the .15 is about worthless. But if it's your only option, go for it. It is about the cheapest route for you to go at the moment. It will get you going. Gearing down and/or slightly smaller tires will help with it's performance. When funds allow, listen to Joey. A .18 is where it's at with the older Maxx's. My OS .18 is plenty fast, and my drivetrain hasn't minded the new engine a bit.:)
 
just a quick question, what is a good price on a os .18? anyone have one cheap that needs a rebuild?
i would hate to dump money in the 15 if its not a good motor, just wish i had some extra cash to play around with.....
 
alright saw those os 18's are in the neighborhood of $150.....Right now i'm just thinking about saving my pennies all winter and see where i'm at in the spring. I would hate to spend the $$ to rebuild the 15 and not be happy with its performance, and the Traxxas trade-in is a great deal, i would be stupid not to spend the extra bucks and get the 2.5......so now its just a waiting game, but winter is almost here so the truck would be put away anyways
 
If you decide to go with the trade in program, skip right past the 2.5 and go with the 3.3. The 2.5 is just too small for a mt. They leave a lot to be desired. The 3.3, with a davis con rod and good bearings is a pretty decent mill, but it's no OS. I think you have the right idea by waiting the winter out. Nitros hate cold weather, and it gives you plenty of time to find a smokin' deal.:)
 
I know with the 2.5 i need the conversion kit for the exhaust and carb setup, but what all is needed to make the 3.3 work? I heard i would need a 3.3 trans
 
All you'll need is the linkage post and linkage. You may have to drill a hole in the chassis for the post, and the pipe hanger. That's it. The 2.5 and 3.3 are configured the same way; the 3.3 is a direct drop in for a 2.5. The tranny will be fine with a forward only conversion. You'll want to upgrade to 4908 driveshafts eventually. My 2.5 Maxx holds up fine with an OS .18. All I have added is 4908 shafts, carriers and turnbuckles. The diffs haven't seemed to mind a bit.
 

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