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  • RC Truck -- Engine Components
  • From "Radio Control Hobbies"
    episode RCH-104
    advertisement

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    Figure B

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    Figure C

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    Figure D

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    Figure E

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    Figure F

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    Figure G

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    Figure H

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    Figure I

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    Figure J


    Photo  WINDOWS MEDIA VIDEO
    Figure A > >Click on the image above to download a video of the program segment covering the T-Maxx's engine components. > > > > > > > > > >

    Before operating the T-Maxx (TM) radio control truck, it's important to be familiar with all of the functioning engine parts.


    Important: This demonstration shows the basic instructions for assembly and operation of this particular model of RC truck. There are variations in assembly for each individual model. Read and carefully follow the manufaturer's instructions that come with your RC vehicle, whether it's this particular model or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the engine can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.


    Lubricate the Engine Prior to Operation


    The T-Maxx is equipped with a unique onboard electric starter. Most RC trucks, however, have the traditional pull-start (figure A).


    Important: When you unpack your new RC truck and are preparing to begin assembly, do NOT pull on the pull-start that will later be used to start the engine. Operating the pull-start before the engine has been properly lubricated with after-run oil can damage the internal parts of the engine.


    To prepare the engine for running, you'll need to add oil for lubrication. Remove the air filter and glow plug and add about four drops of after-run oil into the carburetor and into the hole where the glow plug is housed (figure B). Use a name-brand after-run oil, available from hobby shops. Once the after-run oil has been added, it's then safe to pull the pull-cord to help circulate the oil.




    T-Maxx Engine Components


    Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of the vehicle's main engine components:


    • The main needle adjustment is used to regulate the amount of fuel that flows from the gas tank into the engine (figure C).





    • The low-idle mix adjustment is factory-set and generally does not need adjustment (figure D).





    • The air filter should be removed and cleaned each time the vehicle is operated. After each use, remove the filter (figure E) and wash it out with warm soapy water. Squeeze out the water and allow the filter to dry thoroughly, then add a small amount of oil to the filter before replacing it. Keeping the filter clean and well oiled will help the engine continue to run properly.





    • The glow plug functions in a manner similar to a spark plug on an actual vehicle. It is shielded by a protective housing (figure F) and provides spark to the engine via the glow-plug wire. On the T-Maxx, the glow plug is activated when the easy-start ignition is engaged.





    • The primer is a small plunger located on top of the fuel tank (figure G). Several pumps on the primer initiates flow of fuel to the carburetor, enabling easy starting.





    • The clutch on the T-Maxx (figure H) engages automatically when the engine reaches specified rpm's.





    • The transmission allows the vehicle to transition between gears. The T-Maxx uses a simple two-speed transmission (figure I) -- forward and reverse.







    Tip: Once you've prepped the T-Maxx and gained familiarity with the engine components, you may want to install optional aluminum bumpers to toughen up the chassis. The standard bumpers are made of high-impact plastic, but the optional T-6 aluminum bumpers are even more resistant to damage due to impact. Simply remove the standard bumpers using the appropriate-size Allen wrench, and replace them with the aluminum ones (figure J). A number of other bolt-on options are available from the the T-Maxx's manufacturer as well as other manufacturers.



    Safety tip: Whenever operating any RC models, the radio transmitter should be the first thing you switch on (prior to switching on any receivers) and the last thing you switch off.


    RESOURCES :

    T-Maxx radio-control 4x4 truck by Traxxas
    Traxxas®
    Website: www.traxxas.com

    The T-Maxx was featured on episode 104 and 303 of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies workshop.

    Great Planes Model Distributors

    Distributor of radio-controlled model planes, cars, boats, trucks etc.


    Great Planes Model Distributors
    Website: www.greatplanes.com

    The RC Source

    Online resources for Radio Control Aircraft, Boats, etc.

    Web site: www.thercsource.com

    Tower Hobbies

    An online retailer for radio-controlled models.

    Web site: www.towerhobbies.com

    RC Web

    Comprehensive online resource (presented by Tower Hobbies) for radio-control model enthusiasts.
    Web site: www.towerhobbies.com/rcweb.html

    HobbyTown USA

    HobbyTown USA (Registered Trademark) is a Nebraska corporation formed in 1985 by Merlin Hayes and Thomas Walla. HobbyTown began in 1980 with the purchase of a local business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The corporation was established for the sole purpose of sharing their dream with other people who wanted to own their own hobby store.

    Today, HobbyTown USA is a nationally registered franchise, and the company is widely regarded as a leader in the retail hobby industry.

    With the company motto of "Building Your Dream" and with more than 150 stores open, it is the largest retail hobby franchise in the world and is ranked in the top 2% of all franchises worldwide. More importantly, there are now hundreds of owners realizing their dream of being their own boss, and having fun while they do it.

    For store location information, please click here.


    HobbyTownUSA
    Lincoln, NE 68516
    Phone: 402-434-5050
    Email: info@hobbytown.com
    Website: www.hobbytown.com

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