It looks like i will be getting my first Nitro Monster Truck (Savage SS 4.6)

What do i have to do to upkeep the motor to keep it lasting long and running as a high performer? How do you guy break in your motors? How do i clean my bearings?

How do i maintain the clutch? I don't even know whatelse to ask since i have never owned one. I doubt it is as easy as putting fuel and go


Thanks

You may want to post this in the RC Cars section. You might get a better response

Okay engine maintenance:

Do not run the engine at more than 240*F, temperature sensor is really important. The hotter the engine run the more wear and tear is happening
Polish the engine every 2 gallons (only do this if you now how to, its a total strip down)

Breaking in:

Simple, initially run it in for about 5-7 tanks at a rich setting (engine is blubbering and head does not get hot at all, about 110*F), many will disagree with me but all I can say is that we run it in this way and after over 75-100 or so engines, we know for a fact that a rich running in does work for ABC engines. We would run in the .12 modified engines like the Massimo Fantini at about 20 tanks and after that it really peaks hard.

Clutch:

After a certain amount of time you need to open it up and use a maybe 800 grit sand paper to remove all the build up along the clutch shoe and the clutch bell (centrifugal clutches) so that there is more grip. See if your springs are worn out. Unless its a CENTAX style clutch then its different.

The Savage is good fun but do not expect to race hard against other proper brands. HPI is for the average person/beginner and hence they are made that way. This really makes HPI one of the leading brands in terms of sales, over 51% of the market share but they are not high performance cars when compared to certain brands out there. Hope that this helps you!

tIANci,

Thanks for your input on the maintenance and break in procedures.

What do you mean by not expecting it to race hard. I was looking at the Savage SS 4.6 and the thing looks like a killer expecially for somthing out of the box. What would you consider as a proper brand in terms of raing?

BTW i won't race mine competetivly since i will be using it to beat around and race with my buddies. I will probably take it to real races once in a while anyways but i don't mind having the extra edge in the event of a race.


By the way how do you protect your electronics from the bashing besides not doing jumps?
Thanks

Electronics are protected by wrapping a lot of foam/sponge arond the receiver. I am not into trucks/monster trucks but for touring cars better brands than HPI are like Mugen Seiki, Serpent etc. HPI is not a very competitive car. However, club races are fun as they tend to keep keep car at the same level

tIANci,


You are correct in assuming that many would disagree...

If an ABC/ABN/AAC engine survives such a cold, rich treatment, it was probably pretty loose in the first place.
Old K&B ABC racing engines often broke their con-rods as a result of such break-in attempts.

Engines used in cars don't usually last very long. Shorter, in fact, then their higher RPM regime would suggest.

Have you ever considered that that cold, rich break-in technique is the leading reason for this?...

The correct method, for best longevity (and shorter break-in too; 15-20 minutes usually) is illustrated in [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Tapered%2DBore_Engine_Break%2Din_%2D_Upgraded/m_1850473/tm.htm]this thread[/link].

Dar ... the funny thing is this, all those engines were dismantled before running in to check for 'left overs', the piston will never come close to 4-5mm of TDC when you push it by hand, its pretty much the same for all the engines. I know the talk about ABC running in but after about 100 engines what can you say? After that method of running in the engine will idle and purr like a kitten, the running temp is also very good.

Coincidence?

tIANci,


Probably not, but these engine last for an eye-blink; usually 3-10 hours, when a properly broken-in ABC airplane engine, will endure about 100 hours, before needing to go to the cleaners...

Coincidence?


I believe very high RPM car engines, should be temporarily propped (toothpick racing prop of the appropriate size, of course and a 'normal' cylinder head...) and broken-in like airplane ABC engines.

This does not apply if a certain engine has a ringed piston (which NEEDS a cold, rich break-in).

Dar ... the top modified .12 engines if run hard usually lasts for only 3 months, if its just abve average then 6 months. Boring drivers can make it to 9-12 months. Plane engines are much longer for sure ... that is why I gave up nitro touring cars!!!

You can do like I do and run them and forget them.

Talk about a disposable society! Hahaha ...