RE: Redcat Vortex SS
In your first post your main problem is that it will not shift to second gear, this will mean the engine is not reaching a high enough rpm to engage the second gear clutch. This could be caused by the HSN being too rich (unscrewed too far) or because the second speed clutch is out of adjustment (too much tension on the spring-screw in too far).
When tuning the engine try not to gauge your adjustment by your temperature reading, only use the temperature as a safety check and tune the engine by sight and sound. A correctly tuned engine will have a light trail of smoke and will have a certain sound...of course this is very hard to describe in words and will seem daunting for newcomers....but it really is not as complicated as it appears.
Base settings for any engine are just that...a base...if the figures are totally unavailable then it will just mean you will have to start from a state where the engine at least runs..you already have that...and you are not saying the engine is hard to start or has sluggish acceleration meaning that the throttle slide gap and LSN are in the ball park. Try leaning the HSN (turn screw clockwise)...does it sound like the engine is unhappy (?)...then it is the second gear clutch that needs adjusting.
Only ever adjust the HSN/LSN by very small increments (if the screw was an hour hand on a clock then move it by an hour at a time)...have a play...you will know when you have gone too far by the sound and smoke trail....but only one high speed run at a time...when you reach what you think is the maximum engine rpm it is best to richen the HSN an hour or two for longevity.
If you have reached maximum engine rpm and still second gear does not engage then adjust the second speed clutch.