T-MAXX • 33
If the engine is worn or
damaged enough to require
replacing the piston,
sleeve, or connecting rod,
consider exchanging your
old engine for a brand new
engine under the terms of
the Traxxas Lifetime Engine
Replacement Plan (ERP). It
could save you time and
effort. Details are in your
model’s documentation
package.
The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine
is designed to be easy to
rebuild. Critical engine
components, such as the
crankcase, crankshaft, and
engine bearings, are made
to extremely high quality
standards and should under
normal circumstances outlast
multiple sets of pistons,
sleeves, connecting rods,
and wrist pins (reciprocating
assemblies).
It could be more economical
for you to continue to use
your good bearings and
crankshafts, and simply
replace the reciprocating
assembly as needed. Engine
assembly is not difficult and
replacing the reciprocating
assembly does not require
any special tools or skills.
Your T-Maxx requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top running
condition.
Neglecting the maintenance could allow dirt, deposits, and
moisture to build up inside the engine, leading to internal engine
failure.
The following procedures should be taken very seriously.
After each hour of running:
• Clean and re-oil the air filter. The instructions for this procedure are
on page 19.
We cannot stress enough the value of cleaning your
air filter at the scheduled intervals.
Do not neglect your air filter
maintenance!
• Clean the outside of the engine of accumulated dirt, oil, and grime.
Accumulated grime will decrease the engine’s ability to cool itself.
After each running session:
• Perform after-run maintenance on the engine. This clears the
engine of destructive moisture and other corrosive deposits.
This
is extremely important for the life of the engine. See below for
after-run maintenance procedures.
• Inspect the vehicle for obvious damage or wear. Look for:
1. Loose or missing screws
2. Cracked, bent, or damaged parts
3. Cut or loose wiring
4. Cut or kinked fuel lines
5. Signs of fuel leakage
• Inspect the gears for wear, broken teeth, or debris lodged between
the teeth.
Other periodic maintenance:
•
Slipper clutch pegs
(friction
material): The slipper clutch
pegs will wear over time and
require replacement. The life of
the pegs depends on how the
slipper clutch was adjusted and
how the T-Maxx was used. If the
slipper will not tighten or you are seeing signs of wear on the face
of the gear, then the pegs should be replaced.
•
Piston/sleeve:
The life of the piston and sleeve will vary greatly
with how the engine was used and maintained. The piston
and sleeve should be replaced when they no
longer seal effectively (loss of compression).
Symptoms include the engine being difficult
to start when warm, stalling when warm, and
stalling when throttle is suddenly closed to idle.
Replace the wrist pin and G-clip whenever the
piston and sleeve are replaced.
•
Connecting rod:
The connecting rod should
be replaced when the piston and sleeve
are replaced or after three gallons of fuel,
whichever comes first. Also replace the piston
wrist pin and G-clip whenever the connecting
rod is replaced. As with other internal engine
components, connecting rod life depends on
engine usage and the quality and frequency of
engine maintenance.
•
EZ-Start
™
:
The cush drive elements in the
EZ-Start drive unit should be inspected after
3-gallons of fuel. If the cush drive elements appear deformed
or hardened, then they should be replaced. Inspect the EZ-Start
gears for any signs of wear. Damaged gears should be replaced.
Coat the gears with a thin layer of white lithium grease.
After-run Procedure
You must perform after-run maintenance on your Traxxas engine
whenever the model will be stored for longer than a few hours. Taking
the time to prepare your engine for storage will reward you with
longer engine life, easier starting, and better performance.
When a nitro engine is shut off, some excess unburned fuel remains in
the engine. The methanol in model engine fuel is hygroscopic, which
means it easily attracts and absorbs moisture. This moisture can cause
rust and corrosion on the steel engine parts (crankshaft, bearings,
wrist pin, and starter shaft) if the fuel is not removed from the engine.
There are after-run oil products available from your hobby dealer or
you can use WD-40™, a common household lubricant. To ensure your
TRX 2.5 engine is protected from internal corrosion, use the following
procedure:
1. Whenever possible, shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line
closed. This allows most of the excess fuel to be consumed by
the engine. Be sure the throttle is in the idle position. You may
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR T-MAXX
17
