Used RS4 3, first to thing look for?

[Devine]

I bought a used RS4 3 off of ebay. Its my first nitro RC car. What would be the first thing to check for to see if everything is in working order? Any advice would be helpful.

 

[4u2nv]

If it has the .15fe check to see if it has compression. Either way I would consider dumping the engine and getting a nice O.S. engine for it. The .15fe is kinda a finicky engine and Id hate to see ya have probs with it, and get fed up with the hobby because of a crappy engine. Thatd be the main thing Id tell ya. (I hated my .15fe and that engine alone put my Rs4 on the shelf for a couple months.) Welcome to the site btw!

 

[Monkey Wrench]

IMO, I'd get the manual, my tools and a clear work bench and take it apart. You want to make sure everything is cleaned and properly lubricated, that no screws, bolts, nut or clips are missing, that the drivetrain and steering to bind and things like that.

Yeah, you might be eager to hit the road with it (don't blame ya), but if you want to run it more than once or twice, I'd take the time to get to know your rig. Being it's your first nitro, the experience will help as move forward in the hobby.

Good luck!

 

[Devine]

thanks for the advice...i hope i wont get bored with this hobby.

 

[Devine]

What is the best way to check if the engine has compression or not? By looking at the glow plug?

 

[JESSE G]

Usally just by turning the engine over by turning the flywhee you can tell if it still has compression There should be some resistantce and make a pop sound as the air is compressed in the cylynder, if it turns freely its time to replace or rebuild the motor.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Yes, like Jesse said, but make sure the glow plug is in there. If you have the engine apart, push the piston through the sleeve. If it gets tight and you have to really push to get it to the top, you have good compression.

 

[JESSE G]

lol yeah with out the glow plug in it will just spin freely, should have stated that thanks Monkey

 

[.21Rc10GT]

lol yeah with out the glow plug in it will just spin freely, should have stated that thanks Monkey

Well, it "Shouldnt" spin freely with the plug out, because it should have some pinch if the p/s is good... :smoke:

 

[JESSE G]

yeah that what I ment lmao :jk: Ok there will take less pressure to spin the motor but it wont be to easy

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Alright, now we're dealing with semantics. :argue:

What we mean, is, if the glow plug is in, spin the flywheel. You should have to work to get the flywheel to rotate counter-clockwise (if you are viewing the engine from the front). You will also hear a "pop" (as Jesse mentioned) that sounds like the sound you make when you put your index finger in your cheek and flick it out.

As .21RC mentioned, if the glowplug is out, you should still feel some resistance when you spin the flywheel. If you spin the flywheel, plug out, and it just goes and goes, then chances are you've lost compression. :depress:

Personally, I check with the plug in. If I hear the "pop", I know I'm in good shape! :thumbsup:

 

[Devine]

LOL thanks for the explanations...gotcha.