RUNNING IN WET CONDITIONS
Your model is designed with water-resistant features to
protect the electronics in the model (receiver, servos,
electronic speed control). This gives you the freedom to
have fun driving your model through puddles and other
wet conditions. Though highly water resistant, the model
should not be treated as though it is submersible or 100%
waterproof. Water resistance applies only to the installed
electronic components. Running in wet conditions requires
additional care and maintenance for the mechanical and
electrical components to prevent corrosion of metal parts and
maintain their proper function.
Precautions
• Without proper care, some parts of your model can be
seriously damaged due to contact with water. Know
that additional maintenance procedures will be required
after running in wet conditions in order to maintain the
performance of your model. Do not run your model
in wet conditions if you are not willing to accept the
additional care and maintenance responsibilities.
• Not all batteries can be used in wet environments.
Consult your battery manufacturer to see if their
batteries can be used in wet conditions.
• The LaTrax 2.4GHz transmitter is not water resistant. Do
not subject it to wet conditions such as rain.
• Do NOT operate your model during a rain storm or other
inclement weather where lightning may be present.
• Do NOT allow your model to come in contact with salt
water (ocean water), brackish water (between fresh
water and ocean water), or other contaminated water.
Salt water is highly conductive and highly corrosive. Use
caution if you plan to run your model on or near a beach.
• Even casual water contact can reduce the life of your
motor. Special care must be taken to modify your
driving style in wet conditions to extend the life of the
motor (details below).
Before Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions
1. Consult the section “After Running Your Vehicle in Wet
Conditions” before proceeding. Make sure you understand
the additional maintenance required with wet running.
2. Confirm that your batteries can be used in wet conditions.
Motor Precautions
Motor life can be greatly reduced in water. If the motor
gets excessively wet or submerged, use very light throttle
(run the motor slowly) until the excess water can run out.
Applying full throttle to a motor full of water can cause rapid
motor failure. Your driving habits will determine motor life
with wet motor. Do not submerge the motor under water.
After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions
1. Remove the battery.
2. Rinse excess dirt off the model with low-pressure
water, such as from a garden hose. DO NOT use a
pressure washer or other high-pressure water. Avoid
directing water into the transmission, differentials, etc.
3. Blow off the model with compressed air (optional,
but recommended). Wear safety glasses when using
compressed air.
4. Remove the wheels from the model.
5. Lubricate the drivetrain with thrust bearing grease
(Traxxas Part #2717).
6. Let the model stand or you may blow off with
compressed air. Placing the model in a warm, sunny
spot will aid drying. Trapped water will continue to drip
from the model for a few hours. Place it on a towel or
piece of cardboard to protect the surface underneath.
7. As a precautionary step, remove the rubber plug from
the top of the receiver box and check for trapped water
or dampness. While unlikely, humidity or tiny amounts
of moisture or condensation may enter the receiver
box during wet running. This can cause long-term
problems with the sensitive electronics in the receiver.
If water is present, consider removing the receiver box
during storage to allow the air inside to dry. This step
can improve the long-term reliability of the receiver. To
remove the receiver box, completely loosen the screws
on either side of the box, lift the ESC wire out of the
groove, and then carefully lift the receiver box and
rotate it off to the side. It is not necessary to remove the
receiver or unplug any of the wires.
8. Additional Maintenance
: Increase your frequency of
disassembly, inspection, and lubrication of the following
items. This is necessary after extended wet use or if the
vehicle will not be used for an extended period of time
(such as a week or longer). This additional maintenance
is needed to prevent any trapped moisture from
corroding internal steel components.
•
Stub axle housing bearings: Remove, clean, and re-oil
the bearings as needed.
•
Front and rear differential: Remove, disassemble, clean,
and regrease all the gears in the differential (internal
gears, ring, and pinion). Refer to your exploded view
diagrams for help with disassembly and reassembly.
•
Spur and Pinion Gears: Remove, disassemble, and
clean these components. No grease is required on
the spur and pinion gear. Refer to your exploded view
diagrams for help with disassembly and reassembly.
•
Motor: Remove the motor, clean with aerosol motor
cleaner, and re-oil the bushings with lightweight
electric motor oil. Be sure to wear eye protection when
using spray aerosol cleaners.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL
