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What do I have, what do I need?

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Nubster

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I know nothing about this hobby. Zero, zip, nada. I always thought it a cool hobby, but expensive and I have too many of those already. Well, I inherited an RC today and don't know what I have. I know it's a Traxxas and it's 4wd and nitro, so I am assuming it is a TMaxx. It didn't come with a body or controller and I honestly don't know if it even runs. I will post some pics and maybe somebody can tell me what I have exactly. Also, I need a controller, what should I be looking for? Found this on ebay, I assume this is what I am looking for:

http://cgi.ebay.com/TRAXXAS-TQ-3-3-CHANNEL-T-MAXX-RADIO-SYSTEM-W-SERVOS-NEW_W0QQitemZ6034476959QQcategoryZ44028QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
Here's some pics to help:

IMG_1061.webp


IMG_1067.webp


IMG_1064.webp


IMG_1065.webp


IMG_1066.webp
 
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You have an almost stock T-Maxx that is in need of a little TLC, mostly a clean and lube. It looks complete. It has an aftermarket engine, but it looks like it is a good one. The engine has a pull start. The stock motor came with an electric starter.

It also looks like it has all the servos and the receiver, so all you really need is the transmitter, the thing you hold in your hand on your end to control it. If you plan to stay in this hobby awhile just spend the bucks now and get a decent one.

Don't buy the one from E-Bay as it is overpriced and you don't need half the stuff that comes with it (so far).

Update us as you get more ideas and questions.
 
Yup its a Tmaxx. Looks like it has a Sirio .18 in it. good mill. Looks like ya just need the controller, which you should be able to find on ebay or in here pretty easy. Just remember that people with under 100 posts can't sell anything (Hint hint Suncoast) its against forum rules. But yeah, ya should be able to pic up the controller alone around $15-$17 on ebay. You already got the servos.
 
-Yup thats a TMaxx. Looks like it has an upgraded engine too. Nice.

-It already has an upgraded steering and throttle servo so you wont need those. (OOps, just saw the new pics...guess those ARE the stock ones.)

-If there is a wire sticking out of the box in the front right then you already have a receiver. Open the box and there should be another small rectanglular shaped device with a crystal in it. The crystal is typically a small aluminum rectangle and will have a plastic tab/lable with a frequency on it. 27.xxxMhz or 75.xxxMhz.

Looks like all you may need from that link is the radio.

There are a bunch of other accessories you will need to make it run but they are more tools and such than parts of the truck...

-glow plugs (think spark plug)
-Glow ignitor
-fuel
-batteries
-Air Filter (DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE WITHOUT ONE!!!!!!!!) If those were not enough exclamation points, here are a few more. !!!!!!!!!! THERE IS NO AIR FILTER ON THAT ENGINE IN THE PIC. DO NOT RUN IT IN THIS CONDITION. ANY AMOUNT OF DIRT OR GRIT INTO THE ENGINE WILL CAUSE IT TO FAIL/SEIZE/BREAK.
-Fuel tubing - the fuel tubing (blue tubes) on that truck is VERY short, extending the lengths will help it run better. I know this sounds funny but it is the truth.

If you take it to an RC hobby shop near you they can sell you all the parts you need and even show you how to run/tune the engine.
 
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since there is no air filter I would assume there is pitting on the inside of the engine.....hope you expected to tear that sucker down to screws and clean every part...you got a real strong mill on that truck but it's super finicky......do yourself a huge favor and do the complete teardown.....you don't know what is inside it...and yes just one run could ruin it for you.....
Download the manual from www.rcdocuments.com .....

how much did this cost and how much are looking to spend to get it running again???
there's a lot of Maxx guys here that know that truck like the back of their hand, so don't be afraid to tear it down.........do it in 3 sections and you'll be fine (front / center / rear).....
 
Well, from what I have seen/read, I have a bit of a gem here, especially since it was FREE :D. You heard right. As far as how much I am willing to pay, well, not awhole lot off the bat. I want to make sure it is a hobby I will want to stick with before spending a bunch of dough. I have always been interested in RC's so I think I will stick with it. I can't thank you guys enough for your help so far and I expect to be asking alot more ??? before it's all said and done. I am going to head off to a couple hobby shops today and try to get setup with a controller and other goodies I need to start. Thanks again.
 
I have a few T-maxx stock Controllers for sale if you want to go cheap and cheerful for now...the LHS usually asks 30 for the radio alone.....
 
If you are willing, I would tear it down and check the drive lines are in tact and then check the Bulkheads. They are notorious for breaking. Check the motor mount as well.

Let us know what you have done to it so far.
 
Well, visited the LHS shop today and this is what I brought home:

Traxxas Controller (paid too much, but I guess that is the price of impatience)

Fuel - 20% nitro

Fuel bottle

Air filter

new glow plug and driver

Engine oil

antenna tubes

I think that is it. Now to figure out how to take the engine out and clean it. Any tips? Hopefully will have her running tomorrow :D
 
You'll have to remove the throttle linkage from the carb, the end of the exhuast pipe from the mount and the 4 motor mount screws from the bottom. Remove the fuel lines, and she should pop out.. Good luck..
 
On the subject of the radio gear; you have to make sure the crystals (frequency chips) in the radio and the reciever match. The good news is that Traxxas' brand is about $8 (if memory serves) for the pair.
 
Oh yeah, got those too. Found one of the front bulkheads broken:( Bid on an aluminum set on ebay so hopefully I can replace it in short order.
 
robriguez said:
-Fuel tubing - the fuel tubing (blue tubes) on that truck is VERY short, extending the lengths will help it run better. I know this sounds funny but it is the truth.
Click to expand...


What would be a good length?
 
about 12 inches on each line is a good starting point. Also, if you don't have one already, a good fuel filter like Dynamites "Big Daddy" would be an excellent fit. Check out part number DYN2027 (that's the titanium color; they come in different colors).
 
A foot? Really? Thats seems awfully long. Where do you put it all? lol
 
You coil it up and use tip ties to keep it that way. Just look up pictures on a Revo, their fuel line comes done this way and a good example. Just make sure the fuel line doesn't get to close to the cooling head or exhaust pipe etc.


Ray
 

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