Traxxas T Maxx 3.3 Issues...

[ozruul77]

I just got a Traxxas T-Maxx which is kind of old but not THAT old. I tried starting it up with fresh batteries, fresh glow plugs, and fresh nitro fuel. when I plugged in the EZ Start wand the motor will turn and the engine will spin and then it seems to just stop and it sounds like a suction cup sound. I can turn the flywheel and the engine will move freely again. anyone know why this is happening?

another thing: my glow plug won't light, the glow plug light on the EZ start wand won't come on even thought the motor light is on. I don't know if it's the wand or the wiring...
I can provide pictures and videos if needed!

 

[Chubaka]

Check your ground wire. That's the yellow one and make sure it's secure and not frayed. Also do the same to the blue glow plug wire.

Your other issue might be flooding or something going on with the starter motor and or gearbox to the starter. Of the 10 or so trx engines I had, I always end up with an igniter and a pull start.

 

[ozruul77]

hmm ok, I checked the ground wire earlier and it seems fine, I even redid the solder joint. still doesn't work though.... what do you mean by flooding?

 

[Chubaka]

hmm ok, I checked the ground wire earlier and it seems fine, I even redid the solder joint. still doesn't work though.... what do you mean by flooding?

The easy start is notorious for flooding the engine. It keeps spinning causing fuel to go into the chamber while not being burned.

 

[ozruul77]

hmmm, ok. but from what I've seen is that there is no fuel going into the engine, is there anything else that could be the reason?

 

[vtrang]

I just got a Traxxas T-Maxx which is kind of old but not THAT old. I tried starting it up with fresh batteries, fresh glow plugs, and fresh nitro fuel. when I plugged in the EZ Start wand the motor will turn and the engine will spin and then it seems to just stop and it sounds like a suction cup sound. I can turn the flywheel and the engine will move freely again. anyone know why this is happening?

another thing: my glow plug won't light, the glow plug light on the EZ start wand won't come on even thought the motor light is on. I don't know if it's the wand or the wiring...
I can provide pictures and videos if needed!

Get a glow plug igniter and put a NEW Duracell battery in it. It should get the glow plug hot enough to fire. I just got my old 4tec running today and that was the issue I had and it ran fine.

 

[ozruul77]

Get a glow plug igniter and put a NEW Duracell battery in it. It should get the glow plug hot enough to fire. I just got my old 4tec running today and that was the issue I had and it ran fine.

Got it! is there a way I could make a homemade glow igniter? I'm willing to solder if that's a requirement

 

[vtrang]

I've never tried that. I got my igniter off Amazon for 10 bucks.

 

[ozruul77]

I've never tried that. I got my igniter off Amazon for 10 bucks.

ohh ok, I'll buy an igniter... quick update though. my engine will spin just fine with the glow plug out, it seems like the piston is hitting the glow plug but I got glow plugs for the 3.3 so idk what's happening

 

[vtrang]

The blue wire on the ez start system that plugs onto the glow plug is useless. You need an igniter.

 

[ozruul77]

The blue wire on the ez start system that plugs onto the glow plug is useless. You need an igniter.

Ok, but my issue is that whenever the glow plug is in the engine the engine locks up when trying to start. when I take out the glow plug engine spins just fine

 

[vtrang]

It's possible that the engine is flooded. Maybe try running the engine a few times without the glow plug to clear the fuel out. Also if the cars been sitting a long time I would just get a new glow plug too.

 

[ozruul77]

it's got fresh glow plugs, you sure the engine is flooded cuz it looks pretty dry to me

 

[vtrang]

If the you have fresh fuel and glow plugs and it doesn't sound like compression is an issue the only other possible reason it won't start is the carb. I sprayed carb cleaner in mine and left it over night. But you also have to make sure that your idle speed and low jet are set to allow enough fuel into the engine for it to run. Also did you prime the engine? You have to remove the fuel line that connects into the exhaust pipe and blow into it to force the fuel into the engine for it to fire.

 

[ozruul77]

If the you have fresh fuel and glow plugs and it doesn't sound like compression is an issue the only other possible reason it won't start is the carb. I sprayed carb cleaner in mine and left it over night. But you also have to make sure that your idle speed and low jet are set to allow enough fuel into the engine for it to run. Also did you prime the engine? You have to remove the fuel line that connects into the exhaust pipe and blow into it to force the fuel into the engine for it to fire.

No I did not prime the engine, I assumed it was already primed for some reason. I will try that, thanks man!

 

[CertifiedMike]

So have you stopped to 100% verify that the plugs that might be hitting in the engine that won't start are actually the CORRECT plugs for THIS motor?
The plug might br your whole issue here.
Did you try to plug it in and actually see it glow? It might not be working also.
How about your nitro fuel??? Is it brand new from a sealed bottle of is this old fuel that came with the truck?
You need BRAND NEW FUEL to eliminate bad fuel as a cause of this no start condition.
Have you set all the carb settings back to factory?
Is your air filter new?

 

[Chubaka]

it's got fresh glow plugs, you sure the engine is flooded cuz it looks pretty dry to me

Turn the car upside down with no glow plug and turn the starter. If fule spits out it was flooded and now clear.

 

[Chubaka]

Adding to @CertifiedMike advice, try the factory carb settings and check the air filter.

Also verify the fuel lines and fuel filter is hooked up correctly.

 

[ozruul77]

I am absolutely sure that these are the correct plugs, I also added some nitro and let it sit overnight and this is what came out of the engine...

 

[CertifiedMike]

Are there chunks in that bowl? I can't tell with my phone. Its dirty, aside from how much came out maybe part of the issue. ( if it was flooded)
So how about the rest? All the things I listed are equally important to getting your buggy fired up.
I am going to suggest you fund and order orings for this motor. Its old and is pretty likely to need them. If not now, soon.
Associated 'green slime' is what you'll want to use to install them with so they slide instead of bind and fail.
Its possible but not 100% that you'll need to reseal this motor too but we can get into that later.
Ppl seem to like copper rtv gasketmaker for engine sealing if you feel like buying it for your next tear down.
Buy a couple extra glow plugs and air filters. They are cheap and you WILL need them.
Its a cheap shopping list of things you're likely to experience with any old nitro.
Buy a new bottle of fuel if your is old. Fuel goes bad so if its old, you coulf be entirely wating your time right now.
You can use the old stuff AFTER you get it set up and running correctly.
Have you verified fuel is flowing thru yourfuel tank and lines?
Old lines are common problem areas. You can buy a mile of fuel line for $7 right now I think. Its cheap insurance to replace them as well.