Multiple problems with Monsoon
08-26-2007 | 04:28 PM
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From: Donnacona,
QC, CANADA
Multiple problems with Monsoon
Hi!
I received the Monsoon July 25th, so a month ago. I ran 1/3 of a gallon of nitro in it. I think it's the most beautiful product from Redcat, and it's the best one to fit my needs. It's very fast and very powerful, and it's so much fun to run when it works.
Unfortunately, it's not that often that I can run a thank or two without something breaking. Here's the story:
Break-in: Went ok, had a lot of starting to do because the glow plug ignitor sold in the starter kit wouldn't work for more than a few minutes after a 5-hour charge. The exhaust pipe kept coming off while applying throttle, and when it held on, was found casually melting the fuel tank. So after supergluing everything to the right spot, it doesn't come off anymore but still melts the fuel tank from time to time. But hey, plastic is thick, isn't it?
Running it for the first few times, I saw that the left front wheel kept bouncing a little. After inspection, the foam inside has made a hard bump at one spot, so nothing I can do. But hey, who isn't looking for new tires? Also, the 4 bolts holding both steering hubs were always coming off even if locktited. Finally, 2 of them stripped from unscrewing constantly, I had to put longer bolts to reach the last threads and superglue everything. Now it's good.
I thought the shocks were a bit weak, so I opened them up, and they were missing 5-10 drops of oil each. Another run to my LHS, 30miles away. But again, I guess shock oil should be filled regularly? Anyway shocks are great now.
Then the steering servo went dead. The gears were fine, the electric motor just jammed. Redcat said there was a problem with few servos, under 30 day warranty, so I was waiting for a new one free (thanks). In the meantime, I bought a Hitec HS-645mg servo from my LHS, 70$, with no warranty of course, because they don't have any. He told me he never saw one broken, it should last decades. 1 tank of fuel, it hesitated to turn right sometimes. I thought it was the batteries. 2nd tank, (in the street, no rough driving or jumping) and the servo gears just went. Probably they were already weak or partially broken from company, but anyway, it cost me a new set of gears to get it to work. Well, at least he cannot say he hasn't seen one broken since he sells them. I'm always glad to teach new things to people, even if I'm the one to pay.
Then, it would not prime and start as easily, and finally I refueled only to find that the whole tank was dripping fuel enough to empty the tank in 5-10 minutes. When I compared the fuel tank to a new one, it seemed that there was a problem in the molding of the tank located under the fuel filter, where plastic was too thin and finally made a fine circular crack around the bump under the tank. Luckily, I found out there was one Redcat dealer in my area, great guy, so we managed to fix something up with Redcat so I could leave him my leaking fuel tank and dead servo for new ones on the spot. Tanks again Redcat, it's appreciated not to have to wait a few weeks.
So ready to go with the fuel tank and new servo. Ran 1 fuel tank in the backyard lawn to try it out, when the Monsoon started to sound funny, a gear-stripping-another-one funny. I stopped the engine as soon as I could, but too late, the clutch bell gears were worn down. Of course I locktited the engine mounts and aligned the gears with the piece of paper, but both bolts from the right side of the engine going into the spacers towards the body just decided to run away with the threads of the spacer blocs. The engine was then moving sideways and had the clutchbell stripped. Anyway, since I now have a dealer nearby, I got the new clutchbell, bolts and engine mounts.
Before running again, I decided to take everything but the engine apart to re-locktite everything, to make sure that nothing else would fail on me. So after 10 hours of hard fun, everything was back together, ready-to-run, as when it came out of the box. I was going to ride with a friend, but decided to do half a tank in the driveway to make sure that all was working properly before loading it into the car.
After 2-3 minutes running great, a kind of "pop" just stopped the beautiful purr of the sh .28 engine. I was getting used to it's sudden dying on me sometimes, since I was running it very rich, as confirmed by my Redcat dealer, who offered to tune/lean it out for me. Of course I wanted to tune it myself when everything would be running smootly for at least two consecutive tanks. But anyway, this "pop" was unusual, and new for me. So, leaning on the beast and trying the pull start, I find the engine protesting all he can by being seized up.
So now, after 31 days, I haven't had the time to have fun running it, I only had fun repairing it. Now to the point of this post. My friend bought a Monster GT a year ago, paid twice the price of the Monsoon. He never checks it, tune it, never locktites anything, and it always works fine. Now, adding another 100$ for a new engine (thanks to the warranty), I'm almost reaching the price of his ride, and I'm still not able to have an afternoon of fun. The question is, am I very, very unlucky, very very dumb (which I doubt since I have good mechanics skills), or should I buy another brand? Please help! I'm on a tight budget, I've been on disability for almost the last year because of constant mega-migraines, so I bought this to keep me from getting crazy not leaving the house. And now, it's giving me headaches (please, not more...).
So advice anyone? Should I replace the engine and then everything will be ok? Should I put it on a shelf for looks? Should I forget this hobby if I don't have 200$ to spend in parts every 1/3 of gallon of fuel??? Don't get me wrong, I really like the product, I don't want to put it down, I just want to know if it's like that/normal for most people or if I am the only one.
Thanks!
Patrick
I received the Monsoon July 25th, so a month ago. I ran 1/3 of a gallon of nitro in it. I think it's the most beautiful product from Redcat, and it's the best one to fit my needs. It's very fast and very powerful, and it's so much fun to run when it works.
Unfortunately, it's not that often that I can run a thank or two without something breaking. Here's the story:
Break-in: Went ok, had a lot of starting to do because the glow plug ignitor sold in the starter kit wouldn't work for more than a few minutes after a 5-hour charge. The exhaust pipe kept coming off while applying throttle, and when it held on, was found casually melting the fuel tank. So after supergluing everything to the right spot, it doesn't come off anymore but still melts the fuel tank from time to time. But hey, plastic is thick, isn't it?
Running it for the first few times, I saw that the left front wheel kept bouncing a little. After inspection, the foam inside has made a hard bump at one spot, so nothing I can do. But hey, who isn't looking for new tires?
Also, the 4 bolts holding both steering hubs were always coming off even if locktited. Finally, 2 of them stripped from unscrewing constantly, I had to put longer bolts to reach the last threads and superglue everything. Now it's good.I thought the shocks were a bit weak, so I opened them up, and they were missing 5-10 drops of oil each. Another run to my LHS, 30miles away. But again, I guess shock oil should be filled regularly? Anyway shocks are great now.
Then the steering servo went dead. The gears were fine, the electric motor just jammed. Redcat said there was a problem with few servos, under 30 day warranty, so I was waiting for a new one free (thanks). In the meantime, I bought a Hitec HS-645mg servo from my LHS, 70$, with no warranty of course, because they don't have any. He told me he never saw one broken, it should last decades. 1 tank of fuel, it hesitated to turn right sometimes. I thought it was the batteries. 2nd tank, (in the street, no rough driving or jumping) and the servo gears just went. Probably they were already weak or partially broken from company, but anyway, it cost me a new set of gears to get it to work. Well, at least he cannot say he hasn't seen one broken since he sells them. I'm always glad to teach new things to people, even if I'm the one to pay.
Then, it would not prime and start as easily, and finally I refueled only to find that the whole tank was dripping fuel enough to empty the tank in 5-10 minutes. When I compared the fuel tank to a new one, it seemed that there was a problem in the molding of the tank located under the fuel filter, where plastic was too thin and finally made a fine circular crack around the bump under the tank. Luckily, I found out there was one Redcat dealer in my area, great guy, so we managed to fix something up with Redcat so I could leave him my leaking fuel tank and dead servo for new ones on the spot. Tanks again Redcat, it's appreciated not to have to wait a few weeks.
So ready to go with the fuel tank and new servo. Ran 1 fuel tank in the backyard lawn to try it out, when the Monsoon started to sound funny, a gear-stripping-another-one funny. I stopped the engine as soon as I could, but too late, the clutch bell gears were worn down. Of course I locktited the engine mounts and aligned the gears with the piece of paper, but both bolts from the right side of the engine going into the spacers towards the body just decided to run away with the threads of the spacer blocs. The engine was then moving sideways and had the clutchbell stripped. Anyway, since I now have a dealer nearby, I got the new clutchbell, bolts and engine mounts.
Before running again, I decided to take everything but the engine apart to re-locktite everything, to make sure that nothing else would fail on me. So after 10 hours of hard fun, everything was back together, ready-to-run, as when it came out of the box. I was going to ride with a friend, but decided to do half a tank in the driveway to make sure that all was working properly before loading it into the car.
After 2-3 minutes running great, a kind of "pop" just stopped the beautiful purr of the sh .28 engine. I was getting used to it's sudden dying on me sometimes, since I was running it very rich, as confirmed by my Redcat dealer, who offered to tune/lean it out for me. Of course I wanted to tune it myself when everything would be running smootly for at least two consecutive tanks. But anyway, this "pop" was unusual, and new for me. So, leaning on the beast and trying the pull start, I find the engine protesting all he can by being seized up.
So now, after 31 days, I haven't had the time to have fun running it, I only had fun repairing it. Now to the point of this post. My friend bought a Monster GT a year ago, paid twice the price of the Monsoon. He never checks it, tune it, never locktites anything, and it always works fine. Now, adding another 100$ for a new engine (thanks to the warranty), I'm almost reaching the price of his ride, and I'm still not able to have an afternoon of fun. The question is, am I very, very unlucky, very very dumb (which I doubt since I have good mechanics skills), or should I buy another brand? Please help! I'm on a tight budget, I've been on disability for almost the last year because of constant mega-migraines, so I bought this to keep me from getting crazy not leaving the house. And now, it's giving me headaches (please, not more...).
So advice anyone? Should I replace the engine and then everything will be ok? Should I put it on a shelf for looks? Should I forget this hobby if I don't have 200$ to spend in parts every 1/3 of gallon of fuel??? Don't get me wrong, I really like the product, I don't want to put it down, I just want to know if it's like that/normal for most people or if I am the only one.
Thanks!
Patrick
08-26-2007 | 04:39 PM
#2
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
hey patrick, sorry to hear your problems, i think its just the luck of the draw, i have a hurricane that i beat to death and never have a problem, i even had the engine screws loose to the point the engine had a 1/4 inch of play in it, i didnt notice until i got home and started to clean all the rc's up, nothing happend. Now i have an ofna mutilator truggy that i have had for a few months, i love this truggy but i break something every time i go out, its either the aluminum steering knuckles or the rear dog bone bends when i hit a jump and land on the rear of the truck and not flat. Now the knuckles cost $17 for a pair and the dogbone costs $15. i have stopped buying dogbones and just hammer them straight. You can as xhoutas, rc danny about my rc's and how they work but i still love them. this is definately not a hobby for people with shallow pockets, lol. Just enjoy the hobby, give the car a once over before and after you run and keep your fingers crossed.
08-27-2007 | 02:35 AM
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From: winnipeg, MB, CANADA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
i have few problems too with my tsunami. i broke the front arm holder on the second day of running it. also bent 3 dog bones, one hinge. then order new parts. never fit. they sent me the front arm holder just a thin piece, but the stock one is a big one piece with the diff holder. don't know how they list that part for tsunami. don't want to re-ship it cuz i am in canada, it's a pain for shipping. so i just superglue the stock arm holder. i think it's even stronger than it's right out of the box. run in around, lots of smoke coming out but still over heating, melt exhaust pipe. and no power. also i did the traxxas spring upgrade and hpi 3 piece clutch setup, but the truck don't seems like want to move, it moves very slow when almost full throutle. i am completely confused. then totally disassemble it and leave it in its box for ever.
next day after testing out(last sat), went to LSH and pick up a savage x4.6 rtr, cost about twice of tsunami. looks tough, but u never know. break it in during mon,tues,wed(heat cycling methord), then i took it to the local off road track on Thurs. jump and turn over and over like 100 times, no problems. so far i'm very happy with it. checking temp around 260-280, good. a engine guy over there help me tune it. after 4 hours of good times, finally back home and check for damage. check all over the whole truck, only thing broken is the front bumper screw, it got bent, but still holding the bumper hard. before i was only heard of how tough the savage is, now really tried it out and it's well worth the spend. i know it's the wrong place to post something like this in redcat forum. but just not very happy with my tsunami. i'll leave tsunami in the box for years and years.
u do get what u paid for!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i'll never try out new brand stuff. 500 bucks for savage, and u bashing it, after that it's still 500 bucks truck sitting there(not talking about the resale value), but 250 bucks tsunami, last one day and now what? a box of garbage? throught it as garbage, it's a pain. keeping it, useless.
next day after testing out(last sat), went to LSH and pick up a savage x4.6 rtr, cost about twice of tsunami. looks tough, but u never know. break it in during mon,tues,wed(heat cycling methord), then i took it to the local off road track on Thurs. jump and turn over and over like 100 times, no problems. so far i'm very happy with it. checking temp around 260-280, good. a engine guy over there help me tune it. after 4 hours of good times, finally back home and check for damage. check all over the whole truck, only thing broken is the front bumper screw, it got bent, but still holding the bumper hard. before i was only heard of how tough the savage is, now really tried it out and it's well worth the spend. i know it's the wrong place to post something like this in redcat forum. but just not very happy with my tsunami. i'll leave tsunami in the box for years and years.
u do get what u paid for!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i'll never try out new brand stuff. 500 bucks for savage, and u bashing it, after that it's still 500 bucks truck sitting there(not talking about the resale value), but 250 bucks tsunami, last one day and now what? a box of garbage? throught it as garbage, it's a pain. keeping it, useless.
08-27-2007 | 05:09 AM
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From: Clermont, FL
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
First of all you should go over the machine first. The exhaust bracket needs to be bent. It is way to close to the tank. That was posted in the monsoon thread. Also, the servo saver up front is too tight from the factory in my opinion. Thats why you went through another servo. Loosen it up a bit. Just change out the piston and sleeve and once redcat has the new clutchbells, you will be good to go.We have been beating the snot out of mine, and its been doing good. Its even holding up to the jumping.
08-27-2007 | 06:35 AM
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From: Donnacona,
QC, CANADA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
Hi Clermont!
Well the exhaust and fuel tank and servos were minor problems, since it was corrected easily or under warranty due to defects of the equipment. However, for a vehicle that goes faster than a 2-speed Monster GT, I would expect bolts not to strip on their own, and the engine not to blow after 3hours run time while fuel and oil smoking and pourring out of the exhaust. The question is, how much should I spend before giving up? The 100$ for a new engine is a lot to go on if something else fails at the next run, let's say clutch springs maybe (haven't had that problem yet). I don't have the money to buy another one, and almost no more to fix this one yet again. I'll probably change the engine, and since most of the parts will have been replaced/verified/superglued/..., if the Monsoon fails again after a tank or two (for something major I mean of course), then I will have to give up on the brand Redcat and wait a few years to get something else. That would be disapointing since I pretty much can fix anything but bolts that strip by themselves, engines under warranty and manufacture defects. Well let's hope that the engine will solve everything. Anyone else with a similar experience? Blown engine at 1/3 of a gallon?
Patrick
Well the exhaust and fuel tank and servos were minor problems, since it was corrected easily or under warranty due to defects of the equipment. However, for a vehicle that goes faster than a 2-speed Monster GT, I would expect bolts not to strip on their own, and the engine not to blow after 3hours run time while fuel and oil smoking and pourring out of the exhaust. The question is, how much should I spend before giving up? The 100$ for a new engine is a lot to go on if something else fails at the next run, let's say clutch springs maybe (haven't had that problem yet). I don't have the money to buy another one, and almost no more to fix this one yet again. I'll probably change the engine, and since most of the parts will have been replaced/verified/superglued/..., if the Monsoon fails again after a tank or two (for something major I mean of course), then I will have to give up on the brand Redcat and wait a few years to get something else. That would be disapointing since I pretty much can fix anything but bolts that strip by themselves, engines under warranty and manufacture defects. Well let's hope that the engine will solve everything. Anyone else with a similar experience? Blown engine at 1/3 of a gallon?
Patrick
08-27-2007 | 06:47 AM
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From: Clermont, FL
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
I am not knocking your tuning ability but either dirt, sand got in, or the tuning was off. How did you do break in? What temp did you run it at? I personally wouldn't put the stock sh back in. Piston and sleeve is about 35.00 or so but I would consider a different motor. But if your on a tight budget that rules that out lol..
Just an example of another car and problems. Customer bought a ofna jammin rtr. Radio crapped out, servo died and he blew his motor on about the 10th tank. It was abuse on his part for sure. That rtr kit was a heck of alot more than the redcat and his problems seem worse than yours.
Just an example of another car and problems. Customer bought a ofna jammin rtr. Radio crapped out, servo died and he blew his motor on about the 10th tank. It was abuse on his part for sure. That rtr kit was a heck of alot more than the redcat and his problems seem worse than yours.
08-27-2007 | 09:50 AM
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From: Signal Hill,
CA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
Pat,
I had problem with my exhaust on my Avalanche. At the tip of the exhaust where it slides onto the metal holder you will find a hex bolt. Just tighten it up and the exhaust will not longer move. Also bend it out a bit as other people have suggested to keep it away from the fuel tank.
I had problem with my exhaust on my Avalanche. At the tip of the exhaust where it slides onto the metal holder you will find a hex bolt. Just tighten it up and the exhaust will not longer move. Also bend it out a bit as other people have suggested to keep it away from the fuel tank.
08-27-2007 | 10:49 AM
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From: Burlington,
IA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
i have a avalance xp for about a month when the wrist pin clip came loose and scared up the piston and sleeve . now i have to wait to get a new piston and sleeve for it
08-27-2007 | 02:41 PM
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From: Chilliwack,
BC, CANADA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
ORIGINAL: Pat_Boucher
Hi!
I received the Monsoon July 25th, so a month ago. I ran 1/3 of a gallon of nitro in it. I think it's the most beautiful product from Redcat, and it's the best one to fit my needs. It's very fast and very powerful, and it's so much fun to run when it works.
Unfortunately, it's not that often that I can run a thank or two without something breaking. Here's the story:
Break-in: Went ok, had a lot of starting to do because the glow plug ignitor sold in the starter kit wouldn't work for more than a few minutes after a 5-hour charge. The exhaust pipe kept coming off while applying throttle, and when it held on, was found casually melting the fuel tank. So after supergluing everything to the right spot, it doesn't come off anymore but still melts the fuel tank from time to time. But hey, plastic is thick, isn't it?
Running it for the first few times, I saw that the left front wheel kept bouncing a little. After inspection, the foam inside has made a hard bump at one spot, so nothing I can do. But hey, who isn't looking for new tires? Also, the 4 bolts holding both steering hubs were always coming off even if locktited. Finally, 2 of them stripped from unscrewing constantly, I had to put longer bolts to reach the last threads and superglue everything. Now it's good.
I thought the shocks were a bit weak, so I opened them up, and they were missing 5-10 drops of oil each. Another run to my LHS, 30miles away. But again, I guess shock oil should be filled regularly? Anyway shocks are great now.
Then the steering servo went dead. The gears were fine, the electric motor just jammed. Redcat said there was a problem with few servos, under 30 day warranty, so I was waiting for a new one free (thanks). In the meantime, I bought a Hitec HS-645mg servo from my LHS, 70$, with no warranty of course, because they don't have any. He told me he never saw one broken, it should last decades. 1 tank of fuel, it hesitated to turn right sometimes. I thought it was the batteries. 2nd tank, (in the street, no rough driving or jumping) and the servo gears just went. Probably they were already weak or partially broken from company, but anyway, it cost me a new set of gears to get it to work. Well, at least he cannot say he hasn't seen one broken since he sells them. I'm always glad to teach new things to people, even if I'm the one to pay.
Then, it would not prime and start as easily, and finally I refueled only to find that the whole tank was dripping fuel enough to empty the tank in 5-10 minutes. When I compared the fuel tank to a new one, it seemed that there was a problem in the molding of the tank located under the fuel filter, where plastic was too thin and finally made a fine circular crack around the bump under the tank. Luckily, I found out there was one Redcat dealer in my area, great guy, so we managed to fix something up with Redcat so I could leave him my leaking fuel tank and dead servo for new ones on the spot. Tanks again Redcat, it's appreciated not to have to wait a few weeks.
So ready to go with the fuel tank and new servo. Ran 1 fuel tank in the backyard lawn to try it out, when the Monsoon started to sound funny, a gear-stripping-another-one funny. I stopped the engine as soon as I could, but too late, the clutch bell gears were worn down. Of course I locktited the engine mounts and aligned the gears with the piece of paper, but both bolts from the right side of the engine going into the spacers towards the body just decided to run away with the threads of the spacer blocs. The engine was then moving sideways and had the clutchbell stripped. Anyway, since I now have a dealer nearby, I got the new clutchbell, bolts and engine mounts.
Before running again, I decided to take everything but the engine apart to re-locktite everything, to make sure that nothing else would fail on me. So after 10 hours of hard fun, everything was back together, ready-to-run, as when it came out of the box. I was going to ride with a friend, but decided to do half a tank in the driveway to make sure that all was working properly before loading it into the car.
After 2-3 minutes running great, a kind of "pop" just stopped the beautiful purr of the sh .28 engine. I was getting used to it's sudden dying on me sometimes, since I was running it very rich, as confirmed by my Redcat dealer, who offered to tune/lean it out for me. Of course I wanted to tune it myself when everything would be running smootly for at least two consecutive tanks. But anyway, this "pop" was unusual, and new for me. So, leaning on the beast and trying the pull start, I find the engine protesting all he can by being seized up.
So now, after 31 days, I haven't had the time to have fun running it, I only had fun repairing it. Now to the point of this post. My friend bought a Monster GT a year ago, paid twice the price of the Monsoon. He never checks it, tune it, never locktites anything, and it always works fine. Now, adding another 100$ for a new engine (thanks to the warranty), I'm almost reaching the price of his ride, and I'm still not able to have an afternoon of fun. The question is, am I very, very unlucky, very very dumb (which I doubt since I have good mechanics skills), or should I buy another brand? Please help! I'm on a tight budget, I've been on disability for almost the last year because of constant mega-migraines, so I bought this to keep me from getting crazy not leaving the house. And now, it's giving me headaches (please, not more...).
So advice anyone? Should I replace the engine and then everything will be ok? Should I put it on a shelf for looks? Should I forget this hobby if I don't have 200$ to spend in parts every 1/3 of gallon of fuel??? Don't get me wrong, I really like the product, I don't want to put it down, I just want to know if it's like that/normal for most people or if I am the only one.
Thanks!
Patrick
Hi!
I received the Monsoon July 25th, so a month ago. I ran 1/3 of a gallon of nitro in it. I think it's the most beautiful product from Redcat, and it's the best one to fit my needs. It's very fast and very powerful, and it's so much fun to run when it works.
Unfortunately, it's not that often that I can run a thank or two without something breaking. Here's the story:
Break-in: Went ok, had a lot of starting to do because the glow plug ignitor sold in the starter kit wouldn't work for more than a few minutes after a 5-hour charge. The exhaust pipe kept coming off while applying throttle, and when it held on, was found casually melting the fuel tank. So after supergluing everything to the right spot, it doesn't come off anymore but still melts the fuel tank from time to time. But hey, plastic is thick, isn't it?
Running it for the first few times, I saw that the left front wheel kept bouncing a little. After inspection, the foam inside has made a hard bump at one spot, so nothing I can do. But hey, who isn't looking for new tires?
Also, the 4 bolts holding both steering hubs were always coming off even if locktited. Finally, 2 of them stripped from unscrewing constantly, I had to put longer bolts to reach the last threads and superglue everything. Now it's good.I thought the shocks were a bit weak, so I opened them up, and they were missing 5-10 drops of oil each. Another run to my LHS, 30miles away. But again, I guess shock oil should be filled regularly? Anyway shocks are great now.
Then the steering servo went dead. The gears were fine, the electric motor just jammed. Redcat said there was a problem with few servos, under 30 day warranty, so I was waiting for a new one free (thanks). In the meantime, I bought a Hitec HS-645mg servo from my LHS, 70$, with no warranty of course, because they don't have any. He told me he never saw one broken, it should last decades. 1 tank of fuel, it hesitated to turn right sometimes. I thought it was the batteries. 2nd tank, (in the street, no rough driving or jumping) and the servo gears just went. Probably they were already weak or partially broken from company, but anyway, it cost me a new set of gears to get it to work. Well, at least he cannot say he hasn't seen one broken since he sells them. I'm always glad to teach new things to people, even if I'm the one to pay.
Then, it would not prime and start as easily, and finally I refueled only to find that the whole tank was dripping fuel enough to empty the tank in 5-10 minutes. When I compared the fuel tank to a new one, it seemed that there was a problem in the molding of the tank located under the fuel filter, where plastic was too thin and finally made a fine circular crack around the bump under the tank. Luckily, I found out there was one Redcat dealer in my area, great guy, so we managed to fix something up with Redcat so I could leave him my leaking fuel tank and dead servo for new ones on the spot. Tanks again Redcat, it's appreciated not to have to wait a few weeks.
So ready to go with the fuel tank and new servo. Ran 1 fuel tank in the backyard lawn to try it out, when the Monsoon started to sound funny, a gear-stripping-another-one funny. I stopped the engine as soon as I could, but too late, the clutch bell gears were worn down. Of course I locktited the engine mounts and aligned the gears with the piece of paper, but both bolts from the right side of the engine going into the spacers towards the body just decided to run away with the threads of the spacer blocs. The engine was then moving sideways and had the clutchbell stripped. Anyway, since I now have a dealer nearby, I got the new clutchbell, bolts and engine mounts.
Before running again, I decided to take everything but the engine apart to re-locktite everything, to make sure that nothing else would fail on me. So after 10 hours of hard fun, everything was back together, ready-to-run, as when it came out of the box. I was going to ride with a friend, but decided to do half a tank in the driveway to make sure that all was working properly before loading it into the car.
After 2-3 minutes running great, a kind of "pop" just stopped the beautiful purr of the sh .28 engine. I was getting used to it's sudden dying on me sometimes, since I was running it very rich, as confirmed by my Redcat dealer, who offered to tune/lean it out for me. Of course I wanted to tune it myself when everything would be running smootly for at least two consecutive tanks. But anyway, this "pop" was unusual, and new for me. So, leaning on the beast and trying the pull start, I find the engine protesting all he can by being seized up.
So now, after 31 days, I haven't had the time to have fun running it, I only had fun repairing it. Now to the point of this post. My friend bought a Monster GT a year ago, paid twice the price of the Monsoon. He never checks it, tune it, never locktites anything, and it always works fine. Now, adding another 100$ for a new engine (thanks to the warranty), I'm almost reaching the price of his ride, and I'm still not able to have an afternoon of fun. The question is, am I very, very unlucky, very very dumb (which I doubt since I have good mechanics skills), or should I buy another brand? Please help! I'm on a tight budget, I've been on disability for almost the last year because of constant mega-migraines, so I bought this to keep me from getting crazy not leaving the house. And now, it's giving me headaches (please, not more...).
So advice anyone? Should I replace the engine and then everything will be ok? Should I put it on a shelf for looks? Should I forget this hobby if I don't have 200$ to spend in parts every 1/3 of gallon of fuel??? Don't get me wrong, I really like the product, I don't want to put it down, I just want to know if it's like that/normal for most people or if I am the only one.
Thanks!
Patrick
I feel your pain bro, I bought a Hurricane Pro and had very close to the same issues you have had. Long story short, I bought a used HPI Savage and have never looked back. I learned the hard way, but it is the same old saying, "You get what you pay for". What I find to be silly is how a used unit with who knows how many gallons its seen is more reliable than a new Redcat
Go figure
08-27-2007 | 04:05 PM
#10
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From: Donnacona,
QC, CANADA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
Clermont,
Of course I cannot guarantee that sand or dirt didn't get in the engine, but since I never removed either glow plug or air filter (which I keep clean and oiled) without cleaning the area to ensure minimal dirt in the air, I would be surprised that the engine was running excellent until it suddenly snapped. Never lost power, idle or anything, just popped, right there, running at 5-10miles/hour in the driveway to check the servos, brakes and new clutch bell.
The break-in went good, I almost left the factory setting afterwards, leaning it only a little, but lots of smoke were always coming out, and fuel is spraying out of the exhaust at idle, not burned. But it was running nicely. I drove it at full throttle only sometimes during tanks 7-8 when I was in a big place to ride, but all the rest of the time I was limited in space so no top speed. And no, I don't have a temp gun, and my friends who run don't have any either. To expensive, and to their saying, unnessesary when running rich and not looking for top racing performance.
Since the engine was running so nicely and suddenly snapped, I dont know if only replacing piston&sleeve would be good, since the piston doesn't move anymore. I didn't open it yet, because I don't know if I can with the warranty.
Nightwolf1969c,
Did your engine just stopped suddenly when it was running fine? Like mine did? With the seized piston? If its the same thing for mine, maybe a batch of engines had a slight defect?
G*Man,
That's the point of my post. Up until now, everything was fixed for very small amounts of money. Now I've got to choose to invest more or quit. The main question is: is there more people happy and confident that Redcats are good products, or has there been too much problems for too much people for me to risk going forward? I had many comments saying the products are great, others like you that say the products are no good. Well, let's add this all up to know for sure! More comments please!!!
Of course I cannot guarantee that sand or dirt didn't get in the engine, but since I never removed either glow plug or air filter (which I keep clean and oiled) without cleaning the area to ensure minimal dirt in the air, I would be surprised that the engine was running excellent until it suddenly snapped. Never lost power, idle or anything, just popped, right there, running at 5-10miles/hour in the driveway to check the servos, brakes and new clutch bell.
The break-in went good, I almost left the factory setting afterwards, leaning it only a little, but lots of smoke were always coming out, and fuel is spraying out of the exhaust at idle, not burned. But it was running nicely. I drove it at full throttle only sometimes during tanks 7-8 when I was in a big place to ride, but all the rest of the time I was limited in space so no top speed. And no, I don't have a temp gun, and my friends who run don't have any either. To expensive, and to their saying, unnessesary when running rich and not looking for top racing performance.
Since the engine was running so nicely and suddenly snapped, I dont know if only replacing piston&sleeve would be good, since the piston doesn't move anymore. I didn't open it yet, because I don't know if I can with the warranty.
Nightwolf1969c,
Did your engine just stopped suddenly when it was running fine? Like mine did? With the seized piston? If its the same thing for mine, maybe a batch of engines had a slight defect?
G*Man,
That's the point of my post. Up until now, everything was fixed for very small amounts of money. Now I've got to choose to invest more or quit. The main question is: is there more people happy and confident that Redcats are good products, or has there been too much problems for too much people for me to risk going forward? I had many comments saying the products are great, others like you that say the products are no good. Well, let's add this all up to know for sure! More comments please!!!
08-27-2007 | 04:14 PM
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From: Fort Worth, TX
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
You guys gotta be joking! I have a Monsoon and it is a very nice truck if you take the time to go through it properly! I would suggest getting a Bolink electic buggy as a starter until your mechanical skills improve.
08-27-2007 | 04:33 PM
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From: Chilliwack,
BC, CANADA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
ORIGINAL: lsurber
I would suggest getting a Bolink electic buggy as a starter until your mechanical skills improve.
I would suggest getting a Bolink electic buggy as a starter until your mechanical skills improve.
I am a mechanic by trade for 10 + years so that rules that out.
Ive been in and out of electric/nitro RC since I was 12, I am now 29.
Its no lack of skill, its Redcats lack of quality control/customer support.
I finally decided Id invested enough in the Redcat and cut my losses.
I plan to use the Redcat parts to make a shelf queen full tube frame buggy this winter.
08-27-2007 | 06:37 PM
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From: Donnacona,
QC, CANADA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
Hi everyone!
After consulting with my redcat dealer, I decided to take the engine apart to see what went wrong. The problem was found in less than a minute.
Carefully removing the engine block from the body of the Monsoon, a (*) rock fell from under the engine, where it was conveniently inserted, defiantly extending a tip under the flywheel, jamming it oh so very tight. After throwing the (*) thing as far as I could, I decided to go fetch it and keep it as a reminder that even though paper beats rock, rock still beats flywheel.
As the Monsoon now runs as good as new (just as before the (*) rock mentionned above), Redcats rule again.
I almost lost faith in Redcat for a moment, but who doesn't get tested for his faith? I believed in the good comments about the products, and now I could believe that if my engine survived a sudden stop from a rock without breaking a part, people who blow these engines may be abusing them.
For my defense, I must add that when the purring stopped, I checked for piston movement and found none. From the top, the rock couldn't be seen, and I did not push the investigation further since I was so mad.
Thanks everyone, I will now go and hide for a few decades.
Beware, rock were here before Mankind, they're here to get rid of us.
Patrick
After consulting with my redcat dealer, I decided to take the engine apart to see what went wrong. The problem was found in less than a minute.
Carefully removing the engine block from the body of the Monsoon, a (*) rock fell from under the engine, where it was conveniently inserted, defiantly extending a tip under the flywheel, jamming it oh so very tight. After throwing the (*) thing as far as I could, I decided to go fetch it and keep it as a reminder that even though paper beats rock, rock still beats flywheel.
As the Monsoon now runs as good as new (just as before the (*) rock mentionned above), Redcats rule again.
I almost lost faith in Redcat for a moment, but who doesn't get tested for his faith?
I believed in the good comments about the products, and now I could believe that if my engine survived a sudden stop from a rock without breaking a part, people who blow these engines may be abusing them.For my defense, I must add that when the purring stopped, I checked for piston movement and found none. From the top, the rock couldn't be seen, and I did not push the investigation further since I was so mad.
Thanks everyone, I will now go and hide for a few decades.
Beware, rock were here before Mankind, they're here to get rid of us.
Patrick
08-27-2007 | 06:39 PM
#15
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
nice patrick, trying to start trouble huh, LOL, 
glad you got it all worked out, now go bashing and have fun, take some pictures and video's.
glad you got it all worked out, now go bashing and have fun, take some pictures and video's.
08-27-2007 | 07:19 PM
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From: Chilliwack,
BC, CANADA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
ORIGINAL: ehroof
wow, your hurricane pro is out? is it just the engine, bro i have the xp and its fantastic, i havent broken a thing, sorry to hear it.
wow, your hurricane pro is out? is it just the engine, bro i have the xp and its fantastic, i havent broken a thing, sorry to hear it.
Between the engine and the servo problems and the 2 month turnaround and my dealer sending me wrong parts and Redcats lack of stock I gave up. I had near a gallon thru it, and about $500 into it and it wanted more and it wasnt showing signs of letting up soon.
I found a complete Savage 25 on Ebay radio and all for 175 shipped
Sold the Rx/Tx/Servos for $50(Have a 3PM)
Dropped about $350 into it for upgrades/maintenance/STS 28 etc, etc.
I cant kill it, way more rewarding experience.
08-27-2007 | 07:21 PM
#17
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
as long as your happy bro, you should get that redcat up and going again too, i love my hurricane, there's not much that jumps like it and have the air control like it, try leaving the stock size tires on it too, i swear i have never had a problem with my hurricane and there are guys on this forum who have seen the jumping i have done with it not to mention the cartwheels.
08-28-2007 | 12:08 AM
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From: houston, TX
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
ORIGINAL: Clermont Hobby
Also, the servo saver up front is too tight from the factory in my opinion. Thats why you went through another servo. Loosen it up a bit.
Also, the servo saver up front is too tight from the factory in my opinion. Thats why you went through another servo. Loosen it up a bit.
08-28-2007 | 05:49 AM
#19
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
its a silver wheel on the front upright on the suspension, counter clockwise loosens it so it will take the shock of a wheel hitting something without stripping the servo gears. just dont loosen it too much
08-28-2007 | 09:39 AM
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From: Fort Worth, TX
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
For anyone having parts availability problems with Hurricane or Monsoons just buy Kyosho parts. End of problem! You can convert your Hurricanes to a captured hinge pin design by using Inferno 777 parts!
08-28-2007 | 04:40 PM
#21
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From: winter garden,
FL
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
My monsoons been great so far. The only problem I had a couple of times at the track were the same 4 bolts backing out that hold the knuckles to the a-arms. Had to loctite the hell out of them to keep them in. A little loctite will not do the job (kept backing out).
09-18-2007 | 09:43 PM
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From: Bairnsdale, AUSTRALIA
RE: Multiple problems with Monsoon
where or how can I get a 13T clutch bell to fit the monsoon XP?
tried reversing the engine mounts, helped a little but still to far away.
tried reversing the engine mounts, helped a little but still to far away.
