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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 1/5/2009 6:48 AM   
harrisdouma


 

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you start a diesel engine by raising and lowering compression with adjustable compression
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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 1/17/2009 7:49 AM   
dvonlangen


 

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Status: offline 		does anyone know if you can put an o.s. 40 la in this airboat??? If not what othere engines can you put in it?

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 1/17/2009 8:01 AM   
deslok113


 

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Status: offline 		Since The boat is in a pusher configuration you need a nitro airplane engine with dual bearings. I've seen some heli engines that say good for a swamp buggies so I guess they would work also. MECOA has a heli engine they claim is good for airboats. But I don't know what the quality of MECOA engines are. Mr. Cajun Gator says that he puts Supre Tigre in all his custom made airboats and they are good engines. I'm beginning to agree with him. Break in was very rough for my gator but now... If that Gator had wings it would take to the skies!!!

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 1/31/2009 3:40 AM   
Kmot



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Status: offline 		Hey guys,

A buddy of mine bought a new Alligator Air Tours boat and asked me to break-in the engine for him because he is not real experienced with glow engines.

I know a lot of guys have complained about the Supertigre 34 engine not being able to start, or run well, etc. So I thought I would post my experience.

I first went over the engine to check it out. The manual calls for LSN open 5 turns and the HSN open 1.5 turns. I found the factory setting to be LSN was open 7 turns, and the HSN was 1.5 turns. I was using Powermaster 10% with a skosh more castor oil in it.

I closed the LSN to 5 turns open and attempted to start the engine. It would not start, at any throttle setting. I was trying to start it at WOT but then tried idle, mid-range, etc. It would not start.

I then opened the HSN to 3 turns open which is what I would have chosen myself, but I wanted to try the setting as suggested in the manual. Well, at 3 turns open it started instantly and ran consistently.

After the first tank was run out I let it cool off completely and then ran another tank through it. While running this tank I leaned the HSN a slight amount to get the engine closer to peak. I then cycled the engine from WOT to mid-range several times. I then reset it to WOT and let it run out the tank.

I let it cool off again and was going to run a third tank. I started it up, and at WOT started tuning the HSN again. Now here is where I discovered a problem, and I want to alert anyone who has an Airtours Airboat or is thinking about getting one to pay attention:

The shape of the cage forces you to approach the HSN with your hand in an unusal angle. Not like it would be when the engine is mounted in the open on an airplane. The distance between the HSN and the spinning prop is only 11/16", so it is extremely important you pay close attention to where your thumb is.

While running this third tank, the engine started to stumble and so I reacted by quickly putting my hand through that cage to reach the HSN and my thumb went in too far and the prop bit it pretty hard.

I now strongly recommend a remote needle valve kit be installed on the Alligator Air Tours engine so that there is no longer a need to place your hand through that cage in an awkward fashion. I am going to recommend this to Aquacraft as well.

Anyway, with the HSN and LSN needles set to a standard configuration, this engine fired up instantly and ran strong. In my opinion there is nothing wrong with this engine and in fact it is quite a brute in the power department.

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 1/31/2009 4:18 AM   
Mr Cajun Gator


 

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Status: offline 		Looking at the pic, the idle stop screw, remove it completely, other wise its just going to back out and pass through the prop. Use the radio to set the idle and the kill position.

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 1/31/2009 4:49 AM   
Kmot



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Status: offline 		Interesting comment. I have never had an idle stop screw back out of any other engine. Why do you suggest that?

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 1/31/2009 6:07 AM   
Mr Cajun Gator


 

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Status: offline 		I've had them back out before, damages the prop. And you do need a way to kill the engine and the idle stop if not set correct will stop the ability to kill the engine by remote.

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 1/31/2009 7:44 AM   
deslok113


 

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Status: offline 		I tune my running engine on my gator with a pair of needle nose pliers. I'd rather loose a prop then a finger. at any more than 1.5 turns out my g 34 won't run at 1 and 1/8th turn out the engine runs the best. It's not too rich or too lean at this point. I traded an OS max .40 fp for a super Tigre .40 ringed with dual bearings. So, guess what I'm going to do? The boat moves like a rocket with the g 34. With this .40 I'm thinking warp drive. Beam me up Scotty

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 2/9/2009 10:49 PM   
deslok113


 

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Status: offline 		Well I've decided not to put the .40 on the Airboat. It seems to me that the boat is slightly overpowered as is. It flips pretty easily at anymore than 1/2 power on even a modest turn. However it may be the fact that I had it running in an area where there was a lot of full size boat traffic (at the boat launch). The area was a no wake zone so I figured that the wakes of big boats wouldn't affect me. This fellow on a jet ski came by at speed at one point, so I turned the Gator into the wake and I slowed down. The gator passed the wake with no trouble. Yet even when there was no big boat traffic I'd flip the gator. I flipped it 3 times!!! The first time I was pushing the boat to show someone its capabilities. The second time I had to turn hard to keep from hitting the intelligent fellow on the jet ski who continued to ignore the no wake zone sign until the La. game warden stopped him (HA HA served him right). On the third time I was really trying not to flip the boat. I was going slow and taking turns easy, I took a turn at less than 1/2 throttle (no big boats present) and it flipped over. After that I picked it up and then picked up my big boat and went home. Any suggestions to make the boat less flip over prone? I've even flipped it on grass! It doesn't appear that I can lower the CG of the engine by more that a few mm's with that spinning prop; the prop hitting the deck would not be a good thing.
I'm actually glad I didn't put the .40 on it then it would flip over even more. Help is appreciated.

< Message edited by deslok113 -- 2/9/2009 11:02 PM >

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 5/11/2009 12:23 AM   
Traxxas4fun


 

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Status: offline 		does anyone make an electric motor mount? this is the worst engine ive seen by far.

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 5/24/2009 4:50 AM   
boatfisher25


 

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Status: offline 		ya it sucks on the snow it it does not turn on it and that made me crash it on a tree

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/11/2009 7:49 AM   
donahue_85


 

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From: Port Charlotte, FL, USA
Status: offline 		I just bought one, well it's on backorder. It should be here in a week or so, as I'm told by my local hobby shop where I orderd it from. The date today is (7/10/09), I was told it SHOULD be here right around the date of (7/16/09). I'm guessing I'm wrong? Well, anyhow, from what I see you all talking about, seems like I made a good investment! I have a buddy that is really into R/C cars & trucks. He loves them! He has 2 right now, don't remember the names of them because I'm still new to this whole thing. As far as the boat goes, I assumed I could take it home, put together what needed to be & go! I had no idea there was a break in period or anything. I know you all may laugh at me, but as I said, I'm new, give me a break! LOL!

So, what do I have to do with her when I get her home for the first time?? I REALLY REALLY don't want to break it or blow it up AT ALL!!! I have a 3yr. old son that I would like to interest in R/C hobbies, that is the main reason that the wife let me make the purchace! LOL! Seriously, I do not want to break it in any way, I noticed that a few of you said the cage is not up to par, the engine dies out after about 6 minutes & a few other things. I have weighed my options & I think this is a good buy no matter what. A little maintenance is expected, like a car.

Will it be okay to run in my front yard? Is there a big issue with roll-over? How does it do in the water (choppy, flat glass)? I live on a river in Florida, & I spend a lot of time out there, so will my R/C airboat. Just want to tie up some loose ends. Thanks! Any input is appreciated!!!!

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/11/2009 7:56 AM   
donahue_85


 

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Status: offline 		I'm new here, but I have been reading up on this thing since I just purchaced one a week ago. As for your roll-overs, I heard that 2 #4 washers under the motor mounts will help you with your roll-over problem! Not sure of the procedure, but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Good luck & I hope mine doesn't have issues like this!!!!

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/11/2009 8:40 PM   
deslok113


 

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Status: offline 		Unfortunately the Gator really isn't a boat that is good for beginners. Get w/ your friend that knows about nitro engines you are probably going to need his help. Super Tigre engines have rough breakins some very rough. Mine had a cylinder head leakthe fix is to pull the engine then pull the head and there is a spur on the head shim that may need to be grinded slightly w/ fine sand paper. You have to grind just enough to stop the leak, any more will change the compression ratio of the engine and it won't run right. The manual said 4 turns out on the high speed needle, tech support told me 1.5 turns out, (to tune the engine you need to remember in is clockwise called leaning out=less fuel more air, and ccw is richening more fuel less air.) Try 3 turns out first, if it won't start try 2.5 or 2 then, 1.5, 1.25, 1.125, 1 until it starts (most manuals and books will tell you to change the HS needle in 1/8th increments (0.125)). You might want to read something about tuning nitro engines and nitro engine breakin; it wouldn't hurt. My Gator runs best at about 1.125 to 1.25 turns out but I live in south Louisiana it is very humid here (and below sea level). Some people have complained about Super Tigre engines on here, and I'll admit that they are some bad running engines until they are properly broken in, but once it is broken in you will see a difference. My Super Tigre starts up usually on the first spin and runs like a champ.
If you are planning on running on grass, remember this: the best time to run it is right after you mow the lawn. Do not run the boat up hill and only run for about 5 mins as the engine will get hot!! Use the spit test, spit on the head, if the spit boils away immediately and rapidly the engine is too hot pinch the fuel line to shut it down immediately. If the spit sits there a bit then boils off not so rapidly then you are allright.

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/18/2009 3:13 AM   
donahue_85


 

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Status: offline 		I just bought one about 2 months ago & it's not here yet!!! It has been on backorder for quite a while now. I think it should be ok, from what I've heard from owners, it has plenty of power to do whatever you want to do with it! I have not yet myself been able to play with it, but I am looking forward to using it!! I have never owned anything R/C before, this will be my first. I am hoping to take it easy with this one & not break it or blow it up, so that I can interest my 3 year old son in R/C stuff! I think he will get a big kick out of this airboat!!!!!! I also know that my buddy that is very into R/C is kinda jealous that he isn't getting &/or doesn't have one! LOL! I hope it will be here soon, I can't wait anymore!! My skin is crawling with excitement!!!!!!!!!!

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/18/2009 3:22 AM   
donahue_85


 

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Status: offline 		That is some great info to know deslok113!!! I appreciate it! I plan to try my best to learn what there is to learn & get he hang of this thing! I have paid good hard earned money for this gator boat & if it breaks, I will be pretty upset!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


All in all, I think I should be ok, with the help from a few enthusiasts. But still, I really really really appreciate the information!!! Anymore tips that I should be aware of????

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/18/2009 7:42 AM   
deslok113


 

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Status: offline 		If the boat wants to flip on you put 2 #4 washers on the back 2 motor mounts to level the engine. Aquacraft factory sets the thrust angle at +6deg. Their thinking is to plant the aft end into the water to raise the bow making the boat go faster. While the top end will be a little faster with this method the problem is that on turns the airboat tends to want to flip over. Zeroing the thrust angle with the addition of the 2 washers will fix this. You want the washers to be on the motor mounts closest to the fuel tank. Do you own a brazing torch? You might need one. I got one at Lowes (and they have it a Home Depot) for $50. The brazing rods cost about $10. If you flip the boat on grass (and even on water) you may damage the cage. The joints will pop off. You can spend $50 over and over again replacing the cage or learn how to braze (if you don't already know how). It's more like soldering than welding.
For all its headaches this is a really fun r/c boat. I've since gotten rid of all my Nitro marine engine boats, in favor of air powered boats and Fast Electrics. Brushless electric motors are faster than nitro engines!! But that's another story...

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/22/2009 10:17 PM   
donahue_85


 

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Status: offline 		Has anyone heard word on when these things will be released yet??? Still waiting......

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/23/2009 12:18 AM   
crispyspa



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quote:

ORIGINAL: donahue_85

Has anyone heard word on when these things will be released yet??? Still waiting......


They've been out for over a year now. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXURN3**&P=ML


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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/23/2009 2:24 AM   
asmithnc



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quote:

ORIGINAL: donahue_85

Has anyone heard word on when these things will be released yet??? Still waiting......



On 7/10 you say you have one and then you post this........ http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8922972/tm.htm

Whatcha up TO.

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/23/2009 11:45 AM   
donahue_85


 

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Status: offline 		What I meant is I have one coming. I called the hobby shop I ordered it from & they said it'll be here tomorrow. Sorry for the confusion. What are the critical points of break-in? Anything special I should know before I throw it in & go?? Besides it might roll over?

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/26/2009 6:57 AM   
donahue_85


 

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Status: offline 		Just got the boat yesterday! Ran it through its break-in & the engine ran great through all that. Now it dies when I give it full trottle. I've adjusted the HSN & the LSN as stated on here & in the manual, still not going good. It seems to run superb on my lawn, lots of power & no issues dying, but once I get it on the water, it idles good but once I give it gas it dies. What to do??

Also, I have already hit a few things with it (accidently), there are a few small cracks on the hull (on the seems). Is there a reason to worry? Should I patch them with something? Will the hull retain water (common sence says yes, but I've never had an rc boat, so I don't know)??

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/26/2009 7:00 AM   
Mr Cajun Gator


 

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Status: offline 		sounds like the plug is getting old and your running too rich.

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/26/2009 9:51 AM   
DJLaPalme


 

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Status: offline 		Donahue 85, yes you need to patch any holes. The inside of the hull is full of a foam that WILL absorb water. It does not appear to be a closed cell foam, which is what should have been used. You should also run your engine a little rich to help keep the engine from overheating. Dennis

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RE: AquaCraft Alligator RTR - 7/26/2009 5:36 PM   
donahue_85


 

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Status: offline 		Is there any special sealant I need to use or just duck tape?

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