Traxxas Email Support???

[ajames942]

Okay i emailed traxxas about my engine that blew the connecting rod and told them i had 2 gallons through it and it broke and this is what they replied.


Hello Austin,

Two gallons is a lot of run time. Average life on a piston and sleeve is 2 to 4 gallons. You should inspect your connecting rod every gallon.

You are welcome to send the engine to us for inspection. Our Lab Techs will determine if it can be covered at no charge. If it cannot they will offer the engine exchange plan.

If you have not already registered your vehicle on our web site, please do so at http://www.traxxas.com/support/register/trx_register_benefits.htm.


Is that true? 2 Gallons is alot of run time??? and the life is only 2-4 gallons?

 

[Rolex]

A lot of engines don't even make it that far, due to improper break in, bad tuning or poor follow up maintenance. Others have gotten as much as 11 gallons through an engine and it's still running strong.

 

[ajames942]

True, but i did break it in right, i broke it in with help from a guy my dad works with that is very knowledgable with these, and have been with them for years and years. Also i always used after run oil and drained the tank. What traxxas didnt know is that i never put the piston at BDC. Still though, everyone i asked said engines last 6-8 gallons and i never overheated he engine. I dont know how they are getting 2-4 gallons.

 

[Rolex]

They are trying to cover their butt for the warranty. Chances are you'll get a fair deal from them. Their customer support is among the best.

 

[MrClean]

Yup, even though a lot of people hate Traxxas, even they say their customer service is among the best of the major companies.

I agree with Rolex, that they're trying to cover their rear. But really, for a lot of people (especially those new to nitro engines) 2-4 gallons is a lot of run time. I know you took care of your engine and did what you were supposed to, but I'd bet 50% of the people who buy these rigs don't do 1/2 the things they should to help protect their engines.

 

[zinkerone]

Well... I don't think that telling them you've put 2 gallons though it helps... But what is done is done.... I've blown 2 TRX 3.3 engines with less than 1 gallon through them.

The first one I had, I never even touched the needle settings when it broke... They replaced that one but tried to tell me that it was cuz it was too lean.

My 3rd 3.3 I've totally abused... I've gotten the temp all the way to 335f. It's never had ARO through it and sat as long as 6 month without being started. It has bad carb leaks and has gone through over 3 gallons... yet it still starts right up!

I can't explain why one lasts longer than another from my expierence.... but with my luck, I'd say 2 gallons is about the average life

 

[ajames942]

Well... I don't think that telling them you've put 2 gallons though it helps... But what is done is done.... I've blown 2 TRX 3.3 engines with less than 1 gallon through them.

The first one I had, I never even touched the needle settings when it broke... They replaced that one but tried to tell me that it was cuz it was too lean.

My 3rd 3.3 I've totally abused... I've gotten the temp all the way to 335f. It's never had ARO through it and sat as long as 6 month without being started. It has bad carb leaks and has gone through over 3 gallons... yet it still starts right up!

I can't explain why one lasts longer than another from my expierence.... but with my luck, I'd say 2 gallons is about the average life

I was being a little sneaky, the engine was just done with its 3rd gallon. and i agree they were trying to save there butts. Does anyone think its worth it to send it back? And what do you think they will do if i send it back?

 

[zinkerone]

I was being a little sneaky, the engine was just done with its 3rd gallon. and i agree they were trying to save there butts. Does anyone think its worth it to send it back? And what do you think they will do if i send it back?

They will probably offer you the ERP

 

[Rolex]

Can't hurt to send it in. You might get a replacement. Then yours gets rebuilt and someone else gets it.

 

[MrClean]

I was being a little sneaky, the engine was just done with its 3rd gallon. and i agree they were trying to save there butts. Does anyone think its worth it to send it back? And what do you think they will do if i send it back?

Well you're considering (last I heard) about using the ERP for a replacement anyway, so I say send it in, they MAY cut you a deal and not charge the full $110, I haven't heard of them doing that, but you never know. If they don't cut you a deal and you decide to go with a different motor, you'll only be out the cost of shipping.