20 • STAMPEDE 4x4 VXL
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. Do
not use LiPo batteries in wet conditions.
• The Traxxas TQi 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.
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 (3mm or 1/8” diameter) in each tire. Each hole should be near the
tire center-line, 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
visibly protruding from the edge of the cover.
4. Confirm that your batteries can be used in wet conditions.
5. Use lower gearing (smaller pinion gears, as low as 9T or spur gear as
large as 54T) when running in mud, deep puddles, snow, or other
similar situations that will restrict the tires and put much higher loads
on the motor.
Motor Precautions
• Velineon motor life can be greatly reduced in mud and 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 a 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.
• Use special care when operating your model in muddy conditions. Stop
operating your model if it appears to be straining due to the tackiness of
the mud or build-up of mud on the chassis. Do not allow mud to collect
on the motor or pack around the motor.
After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions
1. Drain the tires by spinning the tires at high speed to “sling” the water
out. One way to do this is to make several high-speed passes on a flat,
dry surface (if possible).
2. Remove the batteries.
3. Rinse excess dirt and mud off the truck 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 bearings, differentials,
etc.
4. Blow off the truck with compressed air (optional, but recommended).
Wear safety glasses when using compressed air.
5. Remove the wheels from the truck.
6. Spray all the bearings, drivetrain, and fasteners with WD-40
®
or similar
water-displacing light oil.
7. Let the truck stand or you may blow it off with compressed air. Placing
the truck in a warm, sunny spot will aid drying. Trapped water and oil
will continue to drip from the truck 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.
•
Differentials
: Remove, disassemble, clean, and re-grease the
differential components. Use a light coating of wheel bearing grease
(from an auto parts store) on the metal gear teeth. Refer to your
exploded view diagrams for help with disassembly and reassembly.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL