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T-Maxx Truck

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Is this black housing access to the Backplate?
 

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  • Traxxas Backplate.webp
    Traxxas Backplate.webp
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Yes, the backplate is usually below the exhaust. There is usually a think gasket. I usually use after run oil. Just don't use WD-40. Try search other threads, some people uses other. Maybe just use some nitro fuel.
 
Not to start a debate, but recently when I decided to get back into RC after a 4 year break, I had 4 Nitro engines that were locked up. I removed the glow plugs and air filters off the carburetors and put WD40 in the cylinders and the crank cases through the carb openings. And then just gently started rocking the flywheel back and forth. They all broke loose fairly quickly. Then after they were turning freely I turned them upside down to get most of the WD40 out, and put in a few drops of 3 in oil as after run oil. Whole lot cheaper than after run oil. Traxxas used recommend WD40 but I don’t know if that’s still the case. Just take it easy when you try to break it loose so you don’t damage anything.
 
Not to start a debate, but recently when I decided to get back into RC after a 4 year break, I had 4 Nitro engines that were locked up. I removed the glow plugs and air filters off the carburetors and put WD40 in the cylinders and the crank cases through the carb openings. And then just gently started rocking the flywheel back and forth. They all broke loose fairly quickly. Then after they were turning freely I turned them upside down to get most of the WD40 out, and put in a few drops of 3 in oil as after run oil. Whole lot cheaper than after run oil. Traxxas used recommend WD40 but I don’t know if that’s still the case. Just take it easy when you try to break it loose so you don’t damage anything.
My dad used WD40 in his RC plane engines. I think the whole after run oil is just another way the hobby industry has taken regular products and charge you more for them in smaller quantities. Look at paint thinner for acrylic paint. It costs an arm and a leg for a small bottle that would last me an hour. Yet I can buy 4 gallons of Fantastik for like $38 and use that, and I have never noticed the slightest difference.
 
Not to start a debate, but recently when I decided to get back into RC after a 4 year break, I had 4 Nitro engines that were locked up. I removed the glow plugs and air filters off the carburetors and put WD40 in the cylinders and the crank cases through the carb openings. And then just gently started rocking the flywheel back and forth. They all broke loose fairly quickly. Then after they were turning freely I turned them upside down to get most of the WD40 out, and put in a few drops of 3 in oil as after run oil. Whole lot cheaper than after run oil. Traxxas used recommend WD40 but I don’t know if that’s still the case. Just take it easy when you try to break it loose so you don’t damage anything.
If the WD-40 touches some plastic parts, it will eat them.
 
If the WD-40 touches some plastic parts, it will eat them.
Not so much. WD40 is actually used by a lot of car dealers to freshen up under the hood of their cars. Pretty much the same plastics as in our RC cars. And WD40 even says you can use it to clean and freshen up plastics. Just don't soak it unless you want to soften the plastic. Plastic dries out over time. It turn black plastic gray. The plastic becomes more brittle. WD40 will bring it back.

It will however affect clear plastics like lexan/polycarbonate. And don't get it on your tires.
 
Not so much. WD40 is actually used by a lot of car dealers to freshen up under the hood of their cars. Pretty much the same plastics as in our RC cars. And WD40 even says you can use it to clean and freshen up plastics. Just don't soak it unless you want to soften the plastic. Plastic dries out over time. It turn black plastic gray. The plastic becomes more brittle. WD40 will bring it back.

It will however affect clear plastics like lexan/polycarbonate.
Just my own experience is different.
 
I tried Rem-oil this evening and it has done nothing. I may try WD-40 and if that does not work, take it apart. Will I need a ring compressor? I guess it has rings? What about a rod or main bearing? Does Traxxas make a cylinder hone?
 
Well, the engine is tore down. I have it soaking in a zip-lock baggie with FrogLube Gun Cleaning solvent. We shall see if that frees it up - she is locked up tighter than a.....
 
Well, the engine is tore down. I have it soaking in a zip-lock baggie with FrogLube Gun Cleaning solvent. We shall see if that frees it up - she is locked up tighter than a.....

Being new to RC, I haven't had to try to unlock a seized engine yet BUT I can tell you that CLP has made the bearings and other moving parts work beautifully on my Losi. I have also been thinking of using Zoom oil as an after run lube. Breakfree or Lucas CLP has made seized parts on my bang sticks (WWI/II) work again after letting it soak overnight. ;)
 
I tried Rem-oil this evening and it has done nothing. I may try WD-40 and if that does not work, take it apart. Will I need a ring compressor? I guess it has rings? What about a rod or main bearing? Does Traxxas make a cylinder hone?
The nitro engines are pretty easy to take apart. You dont need much in the way of special tools. The only exception to this are the bearings. If you have to replace the bearings you'll either need an expensive bearing puller or you can heat up the engine to about 225F in the oven and use a wodden dowl rod to gently push the bearings out. Theyre pressure fit in there so its the only two ways I know of to change them. as for the rest if its seized to badly you could always just rebuild the internals. I mean if you just can't get it unseized.
 
Oven works well on seized engines ,take the start system & carb off first ,I did one to help
get the sleeve out not too long ago ,it also helps on getting the head screws broke loose!..:thumbs-up:
 
Frog Lube worked. It is rotating again. I can see around the crankshaft there is a brown, almost paste like substance - I suspect it is old burnt fuel and oil from it running. I am thinking about taking the piston and crankshaft out and cleaning it up. Thoughts?
 
Frog Lube worked. It is rotating again. I can see around the crankshaft there is a brown, almost paste like substance - I suspect it is old burnt fuel and oil from it running. I am thinking about taking the piston and crankshaft out and cleaning it up. Thoughts?
I would
 
headed for HobbyTown tomorrow, after I do my civil duty in a parade, to get a gasket kit and some other stuff.
 
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