Originally Posted by
RCEnduro
OK so I took one link out of both tracks, I lost some downward suspension travel on the far ends but without a tensioner and the tracks being so loose before I still think better this way for outdoor use like you said.
Plus now I have two more extra links and pins! Sorry about my bad terminology I was referring to the smaller wheels on top.
I lubed them up alittle bit and they will probably stretch after I run it a few times and be just right. Hopefully the extra load on the drivetrain doesn't get things too hot but it will probably be fine. plus if anything breaks its good excuse to upgrade lol
The tracks will "wear in" as you run them outdoors and loosen up a fair amount. Your return rollers should now * "stay together" much better as they will not have the tracks "slapping" against them like before.
Unless you are running higher than 8.4 volts, heat will not be an issue. I run 9.6 volts in all my tanks and things can get hot, but this is easily managed with the addition of small ** "cooling fans" inside the tanks. The 390 motors can handle a lot of heat (mine have hit as high as 200 deg), it is the MFU (receiver) and power switch that have issues and need cooling assistance at higher volts or amp draws.
* If the return rollers wheels separate again simply add a "small" amount of automotive silicon ( I prefer black) to to the "male" half and press them pack together and let dry overnight. You can also use CA or epoxy but the use on wheels tends to fail sooner as they do not hold up well under hard use and the vibrations caused by it. Silicon tends to handle the vibration of hard use better. I am sure others have their technics as well.
** Small cooling fan can be added by simply using the "smoke" power slot on your MFU (since you have removed the smoke unit). You may have to splice the adaptor plug for the MFU onto the fan wires, this is super easy anyone into RC hobbies can do it (some fans come with the correct plugs and splicing will not be needed). The cooling fan can then be controlled on/off with the "smoke button" on the transmitter as desired. Another option is to use the IR port on your MFU to power a fan. There are a few "ready made" MFU covers that can be found on eBay with built in fans relatively cheap, around $20. These work well if you have limited space.