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Following a simple maintenance schedule will ensure that your X-Factor2, 24.7 engine and radio system operate in top condition every
time you use them. It is strongly suggested.
SECTION 10: MAINTAINING YOUR X-FACTOR2
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Check the foam air filter element for dirt blockage. If the foam is dirty, remove it from the filter housing and wash it in liquid soap and
warm water. Dry the foam element with a paper towel, reinstall it and "wet" it with after-run oil. See page # 10 for more info.
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Check the chassis for any loose screws, especially the engine, outdrive cup mounting screws, and drive shaft grub screws. Tighten
them if necessary.
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Any screws that are threaded directly into metal should be secured into place with Blue Lock-Tite. This will prevent
the screws from loosening during use. Screws threaded into nylon or composite material do not require Lock-Tite.
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Check the steering linkage and the throttle/brake linkage for any signs of wear or misalignment. Tighten and/or
readjust them if necessary.
●
Once in a while, remove the wheels and clean the wheel bearings, using a bearing cleaner. This will remove any dust and grit that may,
over time, damage the bearings. After cleaning the bearings, reoil them using a good quality bearing oil. Never run the bearings
dry or damage to the bearings will result.
●
Check the fuel system, including the fuel tank and fuel tubing, for any signs of cracking or looseness. Replace any fuel tubing you
suspect may be damaged.
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Check the condition of the transmitter and receiver batteries after each run. If you think they might be low, replace them with a
fresh set.
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When you clean the wheel bearings as described above, also remove, clean and reoil the clutch bell bearings.
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After a period of time the chassis will accumulate a lot of dirt and debris, especially around the engine area. This
buildup should be cleaned off using a high-powered spray cleaner like Emerald Nitro Car Cleaner. Some nitro car
cleaners will damage anodized and/or plated parts. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
●
After cleaning the chassis and engine with Nitro Car Cleaner you should oil the moving parts of the chassis. Do not
oil the clutch bell, spur gears or the brake discs.
●
Always use new fuel and keep the cap on the fuel tightly closed. As fuel ages it absorbs water, which degrades the fuels
performance and will cause erratic engine operation.
●
After you have finished using the engine for the day, remove the glow plug from the engine and squirt
several drops of high-quality after-run oil into the glow plug hole. Pull the pull-start cord several times to distribute the oil
throughout the engine, then reinstall the glow plug. This will prevent corrosion inside the engine.
●
Never leave unused fuel in the fuel tank for more than a couple of days. The nitromethane and methanol in the
fuel will evaporate, leaving the oil behind. This will eventually turn into a thick sludge that will require replacement of
the fuel tank to fix.
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If you need to remove the engine to clean it or change the clutch bell, etc., it's important
that you set the gear mesh between the clutch bell and spur gear properly when reinstalling the engine,
otherwise, the spur gear may be damaged or the gears may bind. To set the gear mesh, first start by
having the engine mount assembly temporarily in place, then slide the engine back within the mounts
until the teeth on the clutch bell are even with the spur gear. When satisfied with the alignment, tighten
the four socket-cap screws to secure the engine to the engine mounts. This will ensure that the clutch
bell is lined up with the spur gear. Next, place a piece of notebook paper between the clutch bell and
the spur gear and push the engine toward the spur gear firmly, so that the notebook paper crinkles.
When set properly, there should be very slight play between the gears. If the gears are too tight they will
bind and if they are too loose they will strip out. When satisfied with the alignment, tighten the four hex
screws on the bottom of the chassis. With the wheels off the ground, you should be able to spin the clutch bell with your finger. The
clutch bell should rotate the spur gear and other drivetrain components rather easily. If it's difficult to rotate the clutch bell, your gear
mesh is likely too tight. Readjust the gear mesh, making sure to use a piece of notebook paper between the gears. When set
properly, the paper should be tightly crinkled, but not ripped or punctured.
Summary of Contents for X-Factor2
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