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Stuck in 2nd gear?? possible?

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Lessen

Lessen

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OK, I've finally had enough of hearing how the 3.3 throws up the front end like crazy. I have a 3.3 in my Maxx and I'm just not seeing results like that. I performed a solid break-in and the overall performance seems ok, but It just doesn't go like everybody talks about. The thing I've been battling lately is the shift point... bassically I can't get this thing to shift into 2nd gear at all. I've been from 2 to about 5.5 turns out on the adjustment and I get nothing. I'm positive that it's not a tune issue. I've spent time getting as much scream as I could w/o running it too lean. That got me wondering if maybe something isn't right inside the tranny. Everything is smooth, it just doesn't shift. Is it possible that it's never starting is 1st gear? I'm running a an RRP 72T standard steel spur and an 18T CB as well as "stock ratio" diffs.
 
Slipper too loose maybe? I had that problem when I went from the 2.5R to the 18TM in my revo. Then I had it again when I went with a BB. I had to adjust the slipper a considerable amount to get the power to the trans.

I ran into a couple joe's while out a month ago and I thought the same thing. The dad had a 3.3 revo, the son had a 3.3 maxx. I wasn't impressed, but then again, I shoehorned a XTM 24.7 into my revo... Even still, I asked them how long they had been into the hobby just to get a feel for their "common RC sense". Two whole weeks... so they didn't have any sense. They asked why their trucks were so slow in comparison to mine. I explained the engine size and whatnot, but even so, they asked if I'd look at theirs.

I tightened both of their slippers a full turn just to keep it from spinning freely when holding the truck stationary on the ground and pegging the gas. It would still slip, but it took more effort. Then I drove it around a bit (after re-tuning and re-adjusting the slippers more) and had both of them pulling wheelies in a matter of a tank of fuel. They were happy.

Wow... that was a lot of words just to suggest checking the slipper...
 
Well to be honest I hadn't really checked my slipper but that sure would be an obvious issue. Don't know why I havn't looked into that yet.:shrug: the only thing that comes to mind about a loose slipper is that I've never noticed the engine sounding like it was going without going.. know what I mean? Isn't an 18T CB a pretty torquey size for a Maxx?
 
It is for the old maxx (2.5). I think the old 2.5 maxx ran a 20/72 stock.

I'd think you'd notice a loose slipper from the RPM note though. Especially since you aren't new to things. Does it bog off the line somewhat?

Have you ever heard it shift? Try holding it off the ground and gradually go up in throttle to see if maybe it's just shifting really early. Or, tear it apart and see if your two-speed mechanism is functioning and your two speed OWB isn't fried. Although, if the OWB was fried, I don't think it would move at all...
 
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Which version maxx do you have? If it is either the first or second it is also possible the tranny two speed adjustment screw is turned too far out and is allowing the truck to go in to second gear at a much lower rpm, thereby making the truck actually take off already in second gear. Try tightening the adjustment screw in the tranny and see if that helps. If you have the new 3.3 truck, I am not at all familiar with that tranny, so what I just said may not apply.
 
Olds- It isn't really a Traxxas tranny anymore, although it was originally a 2.5. It has RRP steel top gears and an FOC. Yeah, I was thinking I would notice the slipping as well.. The steel definately has a more distinct sound that the stock setup. I have not heard it shift at all.

NC- I'm reading what you said there and I noticed that you're saying that the further the adjustment screw is turned out the lower the rpm engagement point? That may be my major blunder.. I thought it was the other way around. Although, like I said earlier I've tried it only 2 turns out and it didn't shift either. I had always been under the impression that stock was 4.5 to 5.5 turns out.
 
Yes, the more turns out the sooner it will shift. The adjustment for the centrifugal clutch is basically a small spring, held in by an allen set screw, the more tension on that spring, hence the tighter the screw, the more rpms it will take to allow the clutch to engage. The looser that screw is the, less tension will be on that spring allowing the clutch to engage at lower rpms.
 
Update!

I've finally got around to tearing this thing down and OH MY! First thing I noticed was a crapload of aluminum shavings inside the tranny. Turns out that one of those pins in the 2nd gear worked it's way out and was milling a groove on the inside of my tranny case (aluminum). No big deal though, just pounded it back in and cleaned everything up. As far as shifting goes... seems I diagnosed it correctly. Either there was no spring in the 2nd gear hub or it was broken. Basically, it was going into 2nd gear right out of the gate. I dug up a small spring in my box o' stuff and cut it to length. Yeah baby! This things got torgue now! Problem is that it won't hit 2nd. Not a big deal though. I'll just have to tear it down and cut a coil or two untill it's in the proper length that I can adjust to.
 
I have a serio.23 on a maxx and can't keep running gear in it. right now it wont shift into 2nd,I know what it is like you,I just get tired of wrenching on this damn thing.I know when I fix it,its gonna be something else.
 
you know what really freakin sucks... I went to my LHS the other day for body posts right... well since Traxxas redesigned them that's allthey have.. well those new Traxxas posts won't fit right with my aluminum towers... ugh! I ended up getting a set of those RPM towers and uprights.. they look like they will take a beating. A T-Maxx is a neverending project I swear..
 
SMaxxin said:
LOL Thats what makes them so fun, I haven't broken anything but I'm still buying hop ups.
Click to expand...

You must have a bone stock maxx,dont start hop ups,you need 3 more hop ups just to perform the 1 hop up you started out doing. Then it keeps going like that fuckin battery bunny.Maybe I can get this thing fixed where its dependable like my other trucks,one day before I kick the bucket or run out of money or parts or patients. I've sold 2 maxxs and can't stay away.My best one was bone stock with RPM arms,towers,skids and bulk.braces.It also had a FOC and was powered by an os.18cvrx. Well maybe it wasn't bone stock but it was compared to my other stuff.If you only knew what all I've put into this .23 serio maxx?!My rs4s dont go there either.but they are awsome,money well spent to me.very fun,dependable,fast and durable.
 
This thing runs great now! Plenty of power for me :thumbup: I chopped 3 coils off of my jerry-rigged spring and got it shifting properly now at 4.5 turns out. It could shift a tad later but it's fine. A quarter turn would fix that I think. Runs good temps too... 250-260 while running a broad range of speeds and still has good power and a strong smoke trail. This is the best my T-maxx has every run... lots of fun. Best of all.. the only thing I've broken in two days of bashing is a tie rod end :D
 
joneser4u said:
You must have a bone stock maxx.
Click to expand...


It's not stock but I don't up grade for show, I try to only put usable upgrades on it.

Lessen said:
This thing runs great now! Plenty of power for me :thumbup: I chopped 3 coils off of my jerry-rigged spring and got it shifting properly now at 4.5 turns out. It could shift a tad later but it's fine. A quarter turn would fix that I think. Runs good temps too... 250-260 while running a broad range of speeds and still has good power and a strong smoke trail. This is the best my T-maxx has every run... lots of fun. Best of all.. the only thing I've broken in two days of bashing is a tie rod end :D
Click to expand...

Glad to hear your enjoying the Maxx now....video time!
 
Lessen said:
you know what really freakin sucks... I went to my LHS the other day for body posts right... well since Traxxas redesigned them that's allthey have.. well those new Traxxas posts won't fit right with my aluminum towers... ugh! I ended up getting a set of those RPM towers and uprights.. they look like they will take a beating. A T-Maxx is a neverending project I swear..
Click to expand...


you could have cut a plastic coat hanger to length and used it for a round body post. you get to pick from all the cool colors to! :ahh:
 
beason said:
you could have cut a plastic coat hanger to length and used it for a round body post. you get to pick from all the cool colors to! :ahh:
Click to expand...

Did that.

They snapped the very first time It landed upsidedown. That's what I get for not having the body on. But anyways, I kinda like the whole RPM setup because now it's not just the posts that take the hit, the towers give some too. I only did the front since I have an SUV body and I need the tall Proline rear posts. My next body will be a standard truck and I'll swap out the aluminum rear tower for the RPM setup... time to go make a vid!
 

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