Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Cars, Buggies, Trucks, Tanks and more > RC Monster Trucks > Traxxas Monster Truck forum
Reload this Page >

Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx ******SUCCESS**** Answer on page 3

Community
Search
Notices
Traxxas Monster Truck forum Discuss the Traxxas T-Maxx, E-Maxx, Super-Maxx and all other Traxxas monster trucks in this forum. You may also optionally discuss them in our MT general discussion forum.

Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx ******SUCCESS**** Answer on page 3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-28-2008, 05:26 PM
  #1  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx ******SUCCESS**** Answer on page 3

This is a transplant of a thread I made on another forum, and I am moving it here, for safe keeping, and to be viewed by a more open minded population.


What we have here is a Dieselized Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3

The block and crank are stock, and the connecting rod is upgraded as well as the cylinder head.

This is a compression ignition engine, it runs on a mixture of kerosene, ether, and a blend of synthetic and castor type lubricants.

There are no glow plugs.

Fuel cannot be purchased "at the pump," and needs to be pre-blended.


Here is the new cylinder head:


"""" The new con rod.



Stock TRX 3.3:


Cheezy Start off:



Nitro Head off:



Stock piston/rod:


Davis rod next to TRX rod:



DDD rod installed in stock piston:



Piston/rod in block:



Head bolted up:



Old 03-28-2008, 05:27 PM
  #2  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

Originally Posted by 91gti_wolfsburg
Cont'd:

Another view:



Cheezy start bolted back up:



Back in the truck:



New sticker:



Side view:

Old 03-28-2008, 05:29 PM
  #3  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

Smoke Pics:




Old 03-28-2008, 05:31 PM
  #4  
[email protected]
Senior Member
 
MJAsony2305@aol.com's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

where do you get that gas from?
Old 03-28-2008, 05:31 PM
  #5  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

Diesels run leaner than nitro. Mine is running leaner, but only 3 turns out on the HSN because of the temp.

The DD head does come with instructions for tuning, but they can be vague.

The LSN is the last thing that you adjust.

Also, your idle screw ssetting will be totally different from your nitro idle setting, which will also throw your LSN off.

Compression is your timing advance.

Mine in this weather likes to be all the way compressed.

If while running at medium throttle you gun it and it stalls or pre-detonates, you need to back the compression off a squanch.

Starting:

Is a pain.

You will need to get a shaft start for your diesel.

Recoil doesnt cut it.

EZ start will burn up.

Starting easily:

Apply heat to the cylinder head with a hairdryer for a few minutes.

Remove the exhaust pressure line and open the throttle and blow gently into the fuel tank for about 2 seconds. You are priming the engine.


After the engine is primed, it should start easily with the throttle only cracked open. It WILL NOT start at full throttle.


EDIT:

The diesel needs well over a minute of idle time to heat soak the head before you can tune it.

There is no "target heat setting" for the diesel as they almost will never overheat. In fact, the hotter they run, the better.
The cylinder head has more than enough surface area for heat dissipation.
I have actually had to insulate mine from the wind to get it above 212F.
Oh, yes.
If i have forgotten anything, I will add it later.
Old 03-28-2008, 05:38 PM
  #6  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx


ORIGINAL: [email protected]

where do you get that gas from?
The fuel is a blend of stuff, tower hobbies has it, search for diesel.

This is not pump diesel, it is a blend of Kerosene, Ether, Cetane booster, and a blend of synthetic and traditional oil.
Old 03-28-2008, 05:42 PM
  #7  
FISH KILLA
Senior Member
 
FISH KILLA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

Vid please!!!!!!!!

I ahve a new 3.3 yet to be installed and would like as much info on this deisel setup as possible. What are the benefits of running this fuel and setup? More torque? Longer life? Please get a vid!!!!!!!!!!
Old 03-28-2008, 05:46 PM
  #8  
cmerritt
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx


ORIGINAL: FISH KILLA

Vid please!!!!!!!!

I ahve a new 3.3 yet to be installed and would like as much info on this deisel setup as possible. What are the benefits of running this fuel and setup? More torque? Longer life? Please get a vid!!!!!!!!!!
type in diesel revo on youtube. there is a vid of a 3.3 converted
Old 03-28-2008, 05:48 PM
  #9  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx


ORIGINAL: FISH KILLA

Vid please!!!!!!!!

I ahve a new 3.3 yet to be installed and would like as much info on this deisel setup as possible. What are the benefits of running this fuel and setup? More torque? Longer life? Please get a vid!!!!!!!!!!
Truth be told, I am still working some kinks out of it.

Frankly, it is too darn cold up here. These little oil burners are kinda picky with heat.

I cant get it to rev like it should.

It isnt warm enough, and I think I still have an air leak.

As soon as I get it running right, I will get a camera operator and post vids.

The claim to fame is,

Same as stock RPM Redline,
More than 2x the torque as nitro,
much better fuel economy, 2x the run time per tank.
Longevity is improved due to the added strength of the internals, and because the fuel itself is a lubricant, or at least more so than nitro, and also burns much cooler.

We'll see how it goes.
Old 03-28-2008, 05:58 PM
  #10  
FISH KILLA
Senior Member
 
FISH KILLA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

keep us updated and hurry!!!
Old 03-28-2008, 07:09 PM
  #11  
iamnot
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: noyb
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

how much did that conversion cost?
Old 03-29-2008, 02:10 AM
  #12  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

I will keep this up to date, I have subscribed to it.

The conversion for the traxxas engine is expensive because of the added cost of a beefy connecting rod.

It runs around $200 to convert a $150 TRX 3.3 to diesel.

Other engines are cheaper to convert, especially the OS .18, I think that one runs about $130.


This is still in the experiment phase for me. I am still working bugs out of the system.
Old 03-29-2008, 02:34 AM
  #13  
FRENCHBLUE72
Senior Member
 
FRENCHBLUE72's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: grants pass, OR
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

Looks like a pretty cool set-up and the one on u tube sounds good. Keep us posted on the progress..
Old 03-29-2008, 05:22 AM
  #14  
rchotrodz
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Y-Town, OH
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

ok I have a dumb question since there are no glow plugs all yo uhave to do is crank the motor over and it starts?[sm=confused.gif]
Old 03-29-2008, 08:18 AM
  #15  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx


ORIGINAL: rchotrodz

ok I have a dumb question since there are no glow plugs all yo uhave to do is crank the motor over and it starts?[sm=confused.gif]
Essentially, yes. That is all there is to it.

There is a LOT of cranking involved, but thats about it.

Preheating the cylinder head with a hair dryer helps to make starting a bit faster in my climate.

The ether portion of the fuel is so unstable and burns at such a low temperature that it spontaneously burns when it is compressed.

When the ether catches, it transfers the fire to the kerosene and bang. The cycle starts over again.
Old 03-29-2008, 01:17 PM
  #16  
kramr5
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: beaverton, OR
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

I'm hoping to do the same thing with an OS .18tm. 91 is right on the price, Davis Diesel quoted me a price of $129.95 + SH for the .18 head. I'm about a month away from giving it a whirl myself so I'm following 91's thread with great interest. [8D]

Just wish his weather would warm up LOL


One last question,,,,, Does the exhaust smell like diesel ???
Old 03-29-2008, 01:33 PM
  #17  
payaso
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: , FL
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

Sucks you had to move from the Traxxas boards. They truely are a nazi breed over there. Good to see it's coming along for you.

You're more than welcome to post over at www.bitpimps.lixlink.com or www.bannedrc.com We'd love to watch your progress with this.

I'll keep stopping by to see how it's going. Good luck and kudos to you.




silla
Old 03-29-2008, 02:42 PM
  #18  
beer=food
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: hervey bay, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx


ORIGINAL: 91gti_wolfsburg

Diesels run leaner than nitro. Mine is running leaner, but only 3 turns out on the HSN because of the temp.

The DD head does come with instructions for tuning, but they can be vague.

The LSN is the last thing that you adjust.

Also, your idle screw ssetting will be totally different from your nitro idle setting, which will also throw your LSN off.

Compression is your timing advance.

Mine in this weather likes to be all the way compressed.

If while running at medium throttle you gun it and it stalls or pre-detonates, you need to back the compression off a squanch.

Starting:

Is a pain.

You will need to get a shaft start for your diesel.

Recoil doesnt cut it.

EZ start will burn up.

Starting easily:

Apply heat to the cylinder head with a hairdryer for a few minutes.

Remove the exhaust pressure line and open the throttle and blow gently into the fuel tank for about 2 seconds. You are priming the engine.


After the engine is primed, it should start easily with the throttle only cracked open. It WILL NOT start at full throttle.


EDIT:

The diesel needs well over a minute of idle time to heat soak the head before you can tune it.

There is no "target heat setting" for the diesel as they almost will never overheat. In fact, the hotter they run, the better.
The cylinder head has more than enough surface area for heat dissipation.
I have actually had to insulate mine from the wind to get it above 212F.
Oh, yes.
If i have forgotten anything, I will add it later.

l like that you are honest about this and all its querks, congrats on that conversion, lve been looking into em here, but being in australia we get limited everything, so hard to get, and fuel, still very good to see honest people surrounding this product.
Old 03-29-2008, 03:39 PM
  #19  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx


ORIGINAL: payaso

Sucks you had to move from the Traxxas boards. They truely are a nazi breed over there. Good to see it's coming along for you.

You're more than welcome to post over at www.bitpimps.lixlink.com or www.bannedrc.com We'd love to watch your progress with this.

I'll keep stopping by to see how it's going. Good luck and kudos to you.




silla
Yeah, I definitely blew up at Misbehavin'

My parting words were very harsh.

He actually hit me with more warning points, and black holed the DDD thread for calling the forum a dictatorship. He warned me for something that occurred over PM. What a *****.
Old 03-29-2008, 03:40 PM
  #20  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx


ORIGINAL: beer=food




l like that you are honest about this and all its querks, congrats on that conversion, lve been looking into em here, but being in australia we get limited everything, so hard to get, and fuel, still very good to see honest people surrounding this product.
I've actually thought of moving to AU.

Hows the weather down under?
Old 03-29-2008, 05:23 PM
  #21  
stanley2
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mexico CityMexico, MEXICO
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

keep us posted, I been following all your great information.

How much $$ have you in it so far??

I would love to do the same to my revo but haven't been able to find RC diesel in Mexico.
Old 03-29-2008, 09:05 PM
  #22  
RevoDave
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

[This is a transplant of a thread I made on another forum, and I am moving it here, for safe keeping, and to be viewed by a more open minded population.
]
There's some closed minded people here as well. This topic has come up before and they will chime in soon. I was very interested in this and will be following the thread.
Old 03-29-2008, 10:05 PM
  #23  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx


ORIGINAL: RevoDave
There's some closed minded people here as well. This topic has come up before and they will chime in soon. I was very interested in this and will be following the thread.
Well, I take all kinds of customers. It wasn't the members I was having an issue with so much as with the mods. It is like being in church there. You cant say anything with out getting warned.
Old 03-30-2008, 02:53 PM
  #24  
kramr5
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: beaverton, OR
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

ORIGINAL: 91gti It wasn't the members I was having an issue with so much as with the mods. It is like being in church there. You cant say anything with out getting warned.
Actually, its way beyond church . Just as a joke I typed a bunch of asterisks like a sentence (*** ***** *** *****etc) and I got dinged a 20% warning just cause it tripped the language filter. Apparently the mods aren't allowed to or don't have the ability to use their brains and tell the difference between punctuation and bad words .... oh well thats all behind us now.

Looking forward to updates / pics[8D]
Old 03-30-2008, 11:54 PM
  #25  
91gti_wolfsburg
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bethlehem, NH
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: Davis Diesel 3.3 T-Maxx

OK, well, I am getting closer.

The fuel tank seal crapped the bed on me, so I used a cork, stuffed into the tank to seal it. Worked pisser.

Buuut, I still cant get it to rev.

It was 40 degrees today, and I tried it again.

Fired right up. Idles perfectly. No skipping, or missing, very little smoke at idle. Perfect

It will rev up and then just bog out.

It has massive amounts of torque for the rev that I do get.

It will sit there and to a 4 wheel burnout on pavement.

So, I am gonna pull the backplate and RTV that to rule out the possibility of an air leak back there, and then go from there.

If I still cant get it to work, I am gonna call bob @ DDD to see if he has any more input.

Should be in the 60's on tuesday.


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.