primo, You may want to have Cen take a look at the receiver. It sounds like the receiver may not be controlling the servo correctly. Also, the test is a spit test, not a water test. water boils at 212 degrees. a nitro engine runs 220 to 280 so water will boil off immediately regardless of whether the temp is correct. So I would suggest using spit, or buying a venom onboard temp meter. Infra-red temp guns are not nearly as consistent in my experience. My other question to you is how did you strip the steering servo while you were breaking it in? There is a servo saver built in to the steering on the truck so something must have been bound up. Also, have you completely read the manual for you engine? and do you completely understand breakin and tuning procedures? Based on some of the things you said you did, it makes me wonder.

Monster, are you having run away issues with the stock radio or just limited operational distance? If either, call Cen and tell them the radio is not working correctly and they will help you out.