Smoking clutch on new 1/10 Nitro

[newbenitro]

Hi all,I am new to rc nitro, I purchased a new 1/10 nitro yesterday, and following tutorials I started to break in my engine, after about 2-3 figure 8 movements, my clutch has started to smoke and get extremely hot, could anyone tell me if this is normal or if there is anything I need to look at?

 

[olds97_lss]

They do tend to run hot when new as your breaking in the engine since the engine runs at a relatively low RPM for most of the break-in. You can try taking the engine off, clutch bell off, then cleaning out any oil that may be in the bell/on the shoes. Also rough up the inside of the bell and face of the shoes with some mild sand paper.

Can't say I ever had one smoking though... Have gotten a few really hot which blue'd the bell.

 

[moe7404]

if your frame has a dirt shield on the same side as the clutch, be sure its on, or the tire dust will get into the clutch.

 

[Rolex]

Driving slowly never fully engages the clutch, so all that slipping will really heat it up. There's no reason to fully empty a tank, so shutting it off several times per tankful will give it time to cool down.

 

[newbenitro]

Thanks for all replies! I think I am driving too slowly, just waiting for the weather to clear then will take it for a good run, not fun having such a nice new toy but can't play with it!

 

[newbenitro]

I have taken my car out for a decent run and yes it was me driving too slowly causing the clutch not to engage properly, it's all good now and having a ton of fun. Thanks for the input!