R/C truck

bignose · #1 04-19-2009, 06:20 PM

does anyone have any experience with revo 3.3 trucks? I have one that won't start. The spark plug light doesn't come on. need to know how to check if wire is working becuase plug is brand new.

brizzo · #2 04-19-2009, 07:48 PM

I have a HPI Savage SS 4.6, lots of fun, but I still have new parts to install before it's drivable again

Spark plug light? What's that? I thought you just turned on your electronics, turn on your remote, plug in your glow igniter, and then pull start or use an electric starter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GA1G9__joY

Maybe your batteries are dead?

banditpowdercoat · #3 04-19-2009, 07:48 PM

Not totally sure on the Revo 3.3, But easy way is take a new plug, hook the wire to it, and hold it on the engine while trying to start it. If it glows, wiring is good. If not, time to dismantle and see what the problem it. Nothinn like takin stuff apart.

I have 3 nitro's at the moment, which none I have time for.

bignose · #4 04-19-2009, 08:11 PM

I meant glow plug. Anyways I found found out how to check the plug and it's working fine. The engine is turning over and the glow plug is heating so it has to be starved for fuel. I'm going to pull the carb perhaps it's clogged up. I purchased this r/c used so I'm hoping I didn't get ripped off.

Pescador · #5 04-19-2009, 08:48 PM

I have a Revo and a T-Maxx, do you have the manual? Set the needle screws back to factory settings and start there.
The Traxxas site has videos and manuals online.
Check the lid of the fuel tank for a good seal, if there is a fuel filter check that, if there isn't you should add one.
Turn it over by hand and check for compression, you can use soapy water to check for air leaks around the carb and backplate.
What percentage fuel are you using?
Use fresh fuel and probably wouldn't hurt to use the same % that it was run on before.
Did the seller say how he broke in the motor?
If you don't have any luck you can take it to your LHS and ask them to check it out.
If worst comes to worst Traxxas has an engine trade in program.
I'm converting a Thunder Tiger 4wd nitro Dodge Viper to a drift car and trying to figure out a place to run it when I'm done.

banditpowdercoat · #6 04-19-2009, 08:58 PM

Main thing is does it have compression? Should have a definitive "thump" when it turns over. A worn sleeve will loose compression, and they run/start terrible. I have sleeve resozers that can extend the life of the Sleeves, but they are not all that expensive to change. They are a wear item. If oyu run lean, or to hot, it's hard on the sleeves.

bignose · #7 04-19-2009, 09:53 PM

The engine does have compression. I pulled the carb and everything seems fine. I put it all back together primed the fuel line and still nothing. This is very frustrating but a good way to learn about the damned thing! Not sure what to do now.

bignose · #8 04-22-2009, 02:20 AM

I was racing the truck around today and the same thing happened last time. It stopped running and I couldn't start it again. Changed the glow plug and cleaned the engine of excess fuel because I thought I flooded it and it still didn't start. Not sure whats going on now.

bullit67 · #9 04-22-2009, 02:44 AM

Well time for me to chime in if it starts and runs fine till it warms up I hate to tell you this but the engine needs a rebuild ( piston and sleeve ) in a nitro engine there are no rings they have a tapered sleeve so as the piston travles to the top the sleeve pinches the piston to create compression. Soooo when the engine gets hot the sleeve expands and looses its pinch which equals no compression. there are a few things that can cause this like leaving the piston at TDC ( top dead center ) when the engine is hot as the engine cools the piston streaches the sleeve this is a big killer of nitro engines. The other big no no is improper brake in of the new engine I dont know how many times i would see a guy buy a new nitro truck on fri. and see him back in the store on Sat. " how come it wont run" It could also be just plan worn out . But hey dont panic it is a traxxas after all any hobby shop that carries RC should have parts for it and a piston and sleeve is not that expensive. Dont bother with the engine exchange program by the time you get it here it will cost more then just buying one from you LHS (local hobby shop)

Hope this helps