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Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

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Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Old 09-07-2009, 05:12 PM
  #26  
jayjeff333
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?


ORIGINAL: bigwaltc


ORIGINAL: jayjeff333


ORIGINAL: wolfie1

Run it on 30% fuel. This next bit may sound boring but it seriously will save you a lot of hassle, heartache and cash in 6 tanks time when you get it spend a little while looking over it just to see how things operate and prob most important of all take all the screws out of the centre drive shafts, engine mountings, on any screw/bolt that goes into a metal part and put a little drop of thread lock on each and do them all 1 at a time, cause if you dont bits will just rattle out with the vibrations
I am gonna sounds newb, but what do you mean 30% fuel? Isn't it just fill up the tank to the topwith the pink nitro fluid?
Oh Boy you are new [sm=shades_smile.gif]
Correct, so elaborate? 30% Fuel???
Old 09-07-2009, 05:12 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

RC Nitro car fuel comes in 5 10 20 25 30% and so on also different oil%. HPI said that you should use 20% nitro but most of us run 30% the engine runs better and cooler.
This is what I run http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...l-Four-Gallons One of the best if not the best fuel out there [sm=shades_smile.gif]
Old 09-07-2009, 05:25 PM
  #28  
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

A lot of people here are terrible at explaining things. '30% Nitro' refers to a fuel that is 30% Nitromethane, with the remainder being Methanol, lubricants, and a small percentage of other additives. When you go to the hobby shop, you'll see that the jugs of fuel are labeled with 'x% Nitro', you'll want to buy 20 or 30%.
Old 09-07-2009, 05:27 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?


ORIGINAL: HPI_Savage_RC

A lot of people here are terrible at explaining things. '30% Nitro' refers to a fuel that is 30% Nitromethane, with the remainder being Methanol, lubricants, and a small percentage of other additives. When you go to the hobby shop, you'll see that the jugs of fuel are labeled with 'x% Nitro', you'll want to buy 20 or 30%.
Alright, thanks for that info. So basically,what i should do is breeak it in slowly, then locktite allengine bolts, and thenis there anything else to do after that?
Old 09-07-2009, 05:33 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?


ORIGINAL: HPI_Savage_RC

A lot of people here are terrible at explaining things. '30% Nitro' refers to a fuel that is 30% Nitromethane, with the remainder being Methanol, lubricants, and a small percentage of other additives. When you go to the hobby shop, you'll see that the jugs of fuel are labeled with 'x% Nitro', you'll want to buy 20 or 30%.
LOL [sm=shades_smile.gif]
Old 09-07-2009, 05:57 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?


ORIGINAL: jayjeff333


ORIGINAL: HPI_Savage_RC

A lot of people here are terrible at explaining things. '30% Nitro' refers to a fuel that is 30% Nitromethane, with the remainder being Methanol, lubricants, and a small percentage of other additives. When you go to the hobby shop, you'll see that the jugs of fuel are labeled with 'x% Nitro', you'll want to buy 20 or 30%.
Alright, thanks for that info. So basically,what i should do is breeak it in slowly, then locktite allengine bolts, and thenis there anything else to do after that?
Old 09-07-2009, 06:19 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Install the engine protector and shim the diffs.

I'm sure your XL will have the X engine protector that does not reach the rear body post.
Here's a vid I made showing how to mount it with the spare body mount that should come with the truck.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6w99jnblk

Shim the diffs to make them stronger.
This is my walkthru with pics-
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8953585/tm.htm

Sealing the engine will save you from headaches later.
http://www.savage-central.com/module...Forums&t=54465
Old 09-07-2009, 06:26 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Thanks for all those tutorials, i was looking for exactly that. Im going to be reading for a lil while :P, Thanks pal.
Old 09-07-2009, 06:37 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

from what i have read and i have no experience with this truck some people love it some people hate it. id get it anyways a savage can take a serious A whoopen
Old 09-07-2009, 06:41 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?


ORIGINAL: FP 4LC4PON3

from what i have read and i have no experience with this truck some people love it some people hate it. id get it anyways a savage can take a serious A whoppen
Well, all ive read is everyone loving it completely, just a few that have quams with the engine.
Old 09-07-2009, 07:22 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?


ORIGINAL: SLAYERDUDE

Install the engine protector and shim the diffs.

I'm sure your XL will have the X engine protector that does not reach the rear body post.
Here's a vid I made showing how to mount it with the spare body mount that should come with the truck.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM6w99jnblk

Shim the diffs to make them stronger.
This is my walkthru with pics-
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8953585/tm.htm

Sealing the engine will save you from headaches later.
http://www.savage-central.com/module...Forums&t=54465
Do hobby shops do these reinforcements, for a obvious fee?
Old 09-07-2009, 07:43 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

hey guys, i've been doing a little research lately, and im starting to perhaps have second thaughts. I mean, i can do basic mechanics and what not, but i see everyone thats fine tuning, touching this, fixing that, im starting to wonder if i need some kind of experience or something to run a savage. Personally, i thaught it would be gas it and drive, but tell me, after you break it all in and what not, do you ever have to make it more less lean or wtvr, or touch any screws there onwards? Is it like adjust it once, then forget about it?
Old 09-07-2009, 08:10 PM
  #38  
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Yes you will need to tune the engine for day to day conditions and this goes with ANY nitro engine.
If you want it to last anyways...
I know guys that get a good tune on their engines and pretty much leave it alone and their engines don't seem to last very long.
This is a small engine and any change in temps outside will affect the fuel air mixture so you need to make adjustments.
If you don't plan on working on your RC I think you might want to think about a different hobby.
Even electric RC's break occasionally and require some maintenence.

Here's some more info for you, I know it's overwhelming but if you put forth an effort to learn the hobby it is very rewarding.

Hotter air is not as dense as colder air is.
The colder and denser the air is, the more oxygen molecules can fit in the engine meaning that you need to mix more fuel in (richen) with the extra oxygen in colder outside temps.

When it gets hot out the air molecules expand and not as much oxygen can fit in the engine in the given amount of air.
So you need to keep the correct fuel/air (oxygen) mixture by taking some fuel away - thus needing to lean out the carb in warmer outside temps.

This is all given that you are tuning at the same altitude all the time.
You could have your carb set perfect @ 80F and change elevation 1000 feet up @ 80F and need to lean it out because there is less oxygen at high altitude.

Hope that made sense.


To get it tuned, First get the engine fully warmed up!
Never tune a cold engine.
Start from factory settings on all needles. (Maybe 1/8 to 1/4 in on the HSN from factory.)

Be sure to set the idle gap as well as needles to factory settings before retuning from scratch.


Get your HSN set first.
Keep leaning the HSN 1/8 turn in at a time and watch the performance increase.
Making a couple top speed passes each time to let the engine get used to the new setting.
When you see a decrease in performance turn the HSN back out 1/8 to 1/4 turn to richen it back into the safe zone. Keep an eye on temps as well.
Good top speed and good trail of smoke at all speeds is what you want.

Then set the LSN.
You can do the pinch or punch test, or both.

PUNCH TEST-
Once you have the HSN set, engine warmed up.
Make a couple top speed passes and bring it in and let idle for 10- 15 seconds.
Then give it 3/4 to full throttle.
If is slow to take off and smokes alot you are too rich and need to start leaning the LSN.
If it takes off fast, rev's and dies, etc... it is too lean and you need to richen the LSN.

If it smokes and is slow taking off, start turning the LSN in 1/12 to 1/8 turn and again make a few passes to get it used to the new setting in between adjustments.

PINCH TEST-
Make a couple top speed passes, bring it in and pinch off the fuel line near the carb.
Start counting 1...2...3...
It should run for about 3 seconds before it revs and dies.
If it runs longer you need to lean the LSN.
If less than 3 seconds you need to richen the LSN.


Once you have good acceleration and still have smoke at all speeds you are done.
You may need to reset the idle on the carb once you are done tuning.

Weather always plays into your tuning and you will need to adjust the HSN for day to day conditions.
I.E.- colder weather requires more rich settings and vice versa.

I am just a basher and no expert so use this info at your own risk!

SLAYER
Old 09-07-2009, 08:12 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Oh,
Lean = less fuel (turning needles in)
Rich = more fuel (turning needles out)
Old 09-07-2009, 08:16 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Here is a good video for you to watch about tuning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma2_CghxiUk [sm=shades_smile.gif]
Old 09-07-2009, 10:16 PM
  #41  
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

i wont lie nitro can and will be a pain until you learn its work not just gas and go. if your looking for a gas and go head over toe the 1/5 large rc area. basicly you fuel up and go but they do cost alot more then a nitro. i myself am going large scale just because nitro its very irritating and 25 -30 dolalrs a gallon is rediculas
Old 09-08-2009, 01:34 AM
  #42  
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

30% fuel indicates the level of nitro in the fuel oil mixture, also R.E: the comment i left earlyer, i would buy the xl and get a new motor, i said k4.6 because its a good beginners motor, the tunning i have found is kind of set and forget and it will run just fine or you can tinker with it and make it go better. people suggest the lrp.30 but i couldn't recomend as i havn't used it
Old 09-08-2009, 01:49 AM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Well it is a whole lotta fun, and for me anyway its a great sense of accomplishment when u have a problem and sort it and its going good again. It certainly keeps me occupied lol, no matter what type of model you get electric, petrol or nitro they are all going to need periodic maintenance but hey its not that complicated once you understand the basics prob the best thing you can do is speak to ur model shop face to face for advice and of course there is always the guys/girls (dont want to be sexist now) here to give you support
Old 09-08-2009, 03:18 AM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

jayjeff, I know where you're coming from dude. It's a lot of money, and it gets overwhelming FAST with people talking about shimming diffs and whatever before you even run the truck..

With so much money invested and so much technical stuff to learn about, you get nervous running the thing.. BUT, that all actually adds a lot of thrill to it.. If these things cost $10 and needed nothing done to them, they somehow wouldn't be as interesting.. There IS a learning curve involved with nitro, but if I can manage it, anybody can.. I actually like the thrill of breaking in engines now and getting them tuned to where they run right and make good power..

It sounds to me like you want the XL. So I think this is good advice: GET IT.., break it in like I told you in the other thread.. I think pretty much everybody here fried their first engine to one extent or another. I had a Savage RTR 25 and ran it without touching the needles for four gallons.. I thought it was dead, and had it sitting on the window-sill for four years.., then sold it to some dude and he got it running - well, he said.. So these engines are somewhat durable... If you don't want to take the engine out and seal it, then don't.. It's not a must. Buy the truck, get some good tools, make sure all the screws are tight, and the metal-to-metal ones are threadlocked..., and just go for it and crank it up that first time.. It'll be a thrill.. The engine might actually work out just fine.. I'm sure it does for lots of people.. And if you do manage to somehow screw it up, well, there's your excuse to get a better one down the road.. But to be honest, you're not gonna blow it up. And if it is such a junky engine(which I doubt..), well, all the better for being the one you're gonna' learn on.. Cuz you're gonna learn eventually - like with anything.. And though it might seem stressful at first, eventually the learning curve is kind of fun.. And when you have a problem, just ask.. That's what forums are for.. You've got a bunch of guys here willing to help and answer your questions. We've all been there, asking for help at one point..

So just get it and go from there, one step at a time.. Soon you'll have it screaming away at top speed in third gear, with a big dumb grin on your face.. Til you run into a fence post or something.. (You wouldn't be the first...) Then come the next questions.. That's how it works...
Old 09-08-2009, 05:26 AM
  #45  
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

yeah, buy a couple of extra 86094's.

you'll need them.

Old 09-08-2009, 05:34 AM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Alright, thank you very much herrsavage. I'll get it, and heck, if i gotta do maintenance and seasl engine etc, i'll do it. I kind of understand why they call it a hobbie. Perhaps because your always working on it. Either way, i think i'll be able to handle it well, and you bet ill be asking you guys for some help. I really appreciate your guys and girls knowledge. Have a good Day guys, ill get it this afternoon and post up when i get home from my LHS
Old 09-09-2009, 04:41 AM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Well, hello again guys!! I purchased my vehicle yesterday, and im about to go out and do my 3 tanks of loops and 8's. Did the stand still break in yesterday. Man i can't wait, this thing seems like crazy fun!Thanks for the help guys!
Old 09-09-2009, 09:53 AM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Hey jayjeff, I see your in Montreal. So if you even want help learning the XL or even just to run the truck with someone let me know (PM Me). I have a few spots I enjoy with a couple of friends. We all got into this last year so we're not experts, but we can certainly help you with the typical stuff that breaks/tunes/optimizations.
Old 09-09-2009, 07:47 PM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Hey , I sent you a PM, hope to hear from you soon!
Old 11-04-2009, 12:53 AM
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Default RE: Anything i should know/be aware of before buying Savage XL?

Hey Bro,

First off Slayer ROCKS!!!!

I'm in the process of replacing my clutch shoes on my XL 5.9 because the engine blow and I was wondering if I need to prep the clutch bell before installing the new shoes? Reason for asking is that I have replaced the clutch shoes and bell on my Avalanche XP and for some reason it slips. Anyway, I purchased a Savage XL 5.9 and put the XP on the back burner. Thank you in advance

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