TRAXXAS • 17
DRIVING YOUR MODEL
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 Traxxas TQ 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 gearing and/or 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. The wheels have small holes molded in to allow air to enter and
exit the tire during normal running. Water will enter these holes
and get trapped inside the tires if holes are not cut in the tires. Cut
two small holes (1.5mm or 1/16
"
diameter) in each tire. Each hole
should be near the tire centerline, 180 degrees apart.
3. Confirm that the receiver box O-ring and cover are installed
correctly and secure. Make sure the screws are tight and the blue
O-ring is not visible protruding from the edge of the cover.
4. Confirm that your batteries can be used in wet conditions.
Motor Precautions
Motor life can be greatly reduced when used in extremely wet
conditions. If the motor get 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.
Do not gear the motor by temperature when running in wet
conditions. The motor will be cooled by water contact and will
not give an accurate indication of appropriate gearing.
After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions
1. Drain the tires by spinning the tires at full throttle to “sling” the
water out. An easy way to do this is to remove the body and set
the model upside down on a flat surface. Apply full throttle so the
tires spin and throw the excess water out of the holes you cut into
the tires.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Rinse excess dirt and mud off the model with low-pressure
water, such as from a garden hose. Do NOT use pressure washer
or other high-pressure water. Avoid directing water into the
bearings, transmission, differentials, etc.
4. Blow off the model with compressed air (optional, but
recommended). Wear safety glasses when using compressed air.
5. Remove the wheels from the model.
6. Spray all the bearings, drivetrain, and fasteners with WD-40
®
or
similar water displacing light oil
7. 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 and oil 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.
8. As a precautionary step, remove the sealed receiver box
cover. 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. Removing the receiver box cover
during storage allows the air inside to dry. This step can improve
the long-term reliability of the receiver. It is not necessary to
remove the receiver or unplug any of the wires.
9.
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.
•
Front and rear differential
: Remove, disassemble, clean,
and re-grease the differentials. Refer to your exploded view
diagrams for help with disassembly and reassembly.
