3.3 TRX piston failure
 

After less than 10 tanks of fuel, and having my new Revo for less than a week, I started noticing a metallic residue on the glow plug. I emailed Traxxas Support, and they advised me to strip the engine to check for internal damage. Check out this piston failure.

Little chunks of metal separated from the piston, and completely damaged the piston, sleeve, crankshaft etc.

And this even after running the motor in according to the 5 tank program!!

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

Check out these further shots

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

ouch, sometimes it happens...is traxxas gona send you new engine?

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

Yeeouch! Get that sucker replaced! :D

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

I have emailed them with my photos and my story, I really hope so.

I know that I didn't abuse this engine, so I don't see why it should fail so quickly

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

They will replace it. Man that really sucks. It must have gotten really brittle and broke of...

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

Yes they will, Traxxas has great customer support

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

Good news, Traxxas has authorised my LHS to perform the replacement of the damaged parts on this engine.

I have asked them, instead, to replace the whole engine simply because the crankcase housing has been marred by the bits of metal that broke off the piston head.

Also, apparently the cost of the replacement parts exceeds the cost of a new engine.

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

Glad it worked out for you! :) [sm=thumbup.gif]

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

Yea, I am to, I love Traxxas's customer support, they are the BEST! LOL :D

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

That sucks man to have to hear about this happening to anyone!; BUT!!! its also good to hear that traxxas has authorized the replacement of the engine via the local shop rather than u having to send it. Yet just another example of outstanding customer support from traxxas.[8D]

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

And good news - Traxxas have authorised the replacement of the whole engine rather than just the components!!!

So I'm happy.

BTW, the reason its going through the LHS is because I'm in South Africa, so the shipping costs between myself and Traxxas would have been prohibitive.

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

Run a little richer.

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

Well great news, Traxxas supplied me with a brand new engine.

It starts FAR more easily than the first motor (this one starts almost instantly with the EZ Start) and the idle is much more reliable than the old engine.

I guess my first engine was not the best one.

Here is a picture with everything reassembled.

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

Looks great! I am glad that Traxxas has been good to you. I really like their customer support.:D;)

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

lucky man you are, that piston looks a bit quarterised ! LOL !
Lean running, and its got hot too.
Well done full credit to traxxas they really do have incredible customer support for a hobby company.

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

I don't think the engine was lean at all.

There was loads of smoke, temps were low and there was no "blue" tinges on the metal to indicate overheating. The LHS owner said he thought it was a casting issue with the piston head.

Why do you say the engine was too lean?

RE: 3.3 TRX piston failure
 

That looks exactly the same as my revo does!! wheels and all....[8D]