Traxxas Revo 3.3 0r 2.5 Questions

[Knightrider955]

I have an opportunity to purchase what I am told is a Revo 3.3. Its two yrs old and doesn't appear to have much run time on it. Kid says he has problems tuning it and wants to stick with electric. Trouble tuning could mean any number of things but I'm guaranteed that it does run and everything on it works. So was the Revo still a 3.3 a few years back? I'm assuming its 1/10 scale? The kid wants 200 for everything, truck, radio, starter, and whatever else he has for it. I'm ok with it being a somewhat of a project. but is 200 a good price? I might put a good tune on it and it might take right off. It might not... I'm not sure what model revo it is either. It does have a built in starter and glowplug wire.

 

[srusinek]

Before you purchase check the compression for the engine by turning the flywheel by hand. If you can move past top dead center then it could be very worn. Also bring some aa's and maybe 2 rechargeable receiver batteries to check the onboard electronics up close and then from away. Lastly have him fire it up if he can get it started and assume the engine is toast as is the case with most used nitros. Ask him if he's willing to take 150 and bargain from there. Don't let the excitement of getting a new rc get it the way of making a sound purchase aka don't fall in love.

 

[Knightrider955]

Before you purchase check the compression for the engine by turning the flywheel by hand. If you can move past top dead center then it could be very worn. Also bring some aa's and maybe 2 rechargeable receiver batteries to check the onboard electronics up close and then from away. Lastly have him fire it up if he can get it started and assume the engine is toast as is the case with most used nitros. Ask him if he's willing to take 150 and bargain from there. Don't let the excitement of getting a new rc get it the way of making a sound purchase aka don't fall in love.

Ill see if he'll do 150 but I doubt it. I will for sure turn on the electronics. Not sure if it will fire up or not. Pretty chilly out and I would be meeting him halfway since we live pretty far apart.

 

[mrbones]

Yes, $200 is a good price "IF" the engine is good and everything else is OK. If the engine is not, then you're going to spend at least $50 for a new sleeve and piston. Usually with a 3.3, if you can't tune it, it means that the pinch is gone in the sleeve and you will have to replace it. You need to see it run and go from there. If you determine that it does need a an engine rebuild, tell him $150 and then $175. You can still rebuild the engine and have a pretty good Revo for about $225 or so. That is usually a $500 truck. I'm seeing one new on Ebay for $450.

I think the settings for the carb are 1 1/2 on the Low speed needle and around 4 to 4 1/2 on the HSN.

 

[Knightrider955]

Yes, $200 is a good price "IF" the engine is good and everything else is OK. If the engine is not, then you're going to spend at least $50 for a new sleeve and piston. Usually with a 3.3, if you can't tune it, it means that the pinch is gone in the sleeve and you will have to replace it. You need to see it run and go from there. If you determine that it does need a an engine rebuild, tell him $150 and then $175. You can still rebuild the engine and have a pretty good Revo for about $225 or so. That is usually a $500 truck. I'm seeing one new on Ebay for $450.

He sent me several detailed pitures of it. It looks like its hardly been run. He bought it new two summers ago and only got it out once last summer. I'm gonna just assume the engine is bad. I have on the other used nitro trucks I bought. Those I got lucky and they just needed a good tune. I think
I might pass on the Revo then. I don't think he'll take less then 200.

 

[Sixtysixdeuce]

I'm gonna just assume the engine is bad. I have on the other used nitro trucks I bought.

That is the wise approach. More often than not, it is the case, as very few people seem to know how to properly care for them.

 

[hamz9561]

And yes the Revo 3.3 has been around for at least 6 years that I can remember to answer the other question.

 

[savage24x]

A 3.3 for $200? Holy crap, I would pick that up so quick. If it's only been run a couple times, it's probably a good engine. I would ask to see it run either a video or in person. If it's gummed, WD-40 or nitro and let er rip.