RE: new truck tuning and questions
If needles are stock, then chances are it's quite rich. Try this: 1. Set the idle trim back to neutral (if it's been changed) 2. Back out the idle-stop about 1/8 a turn, or as high as you can get it without engaging the clutch (this should help get it started) 3. If it still stalls when you give it a little throttle lean the LSN just enough to keep it running (as in 1/16 of a turn). 4. Tune the engine (HSN first, then LSN, and then finally drop your idle back down).
Posted on: 5/18/2013 8:16 AM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Car Nitro & Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11515132

RE: Looking to buy an electric buggy/truggy
Okay thanks for your help! We looked at bang for buck. and my son talked me out of it. He's offered to let her drive his8ight 2.0 on the track to see how she drives. Out of those I like the OFNA (though). I also have this Losi XXX Stadium Truck. It's never been run before. I lost the transmitter and shell and needs a battery. It might be fun for her to rebuild. So what else would I need? I'd just give her the parts (sr300) some LiPo/LiFe batteryshe will be careful with itand bind to my Tx. OR, would this thing be so weak, I'm wasting money and she is wasting time? Below is a link if you want to look at it. It belongs to a friend, but I'll just buy it from him myself and use it. I doubt I can find a body, but who knows. If she gets this thing going again and she is good with it, then I'll get her whatver she wants. ;-) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I946tB4z6fM
Posted on: 5/17/2013 9:06 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC 1/8th Scale Buggies"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11514874

RE: Lack of maintenance story
Thanks for sharing this. It's good information and I agree with Anthoop, your posts are always extremely informative. I used to be fanatical about ARO. As you know when you are new you constantly read/hear about how you should use it. However, I've heard a lot of experiences like yours - where people don't use it and have no problems. On the flip-side, I cannot recall ever being informed where someone stated their engine has been damaged due to NOT using it. Consequently I'm no longer adamant about using it after every single run. If I let an engine sit for multiple weeks, I'll probably still use itjust because. ;-)
Posted on: 5/15/2013 4:55 AM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Car Nitro & Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512043

RE: Best type of car for grass
[quote]ORIGINAL: bjfrankl It appears that the inner and outer foam air filters are not installed. Do I need to put oil on both of the inner and outer foam pieces? And how much oil do I put on the foam? Thank you, Bjfrankl [/quote] To be on the safe side, it won't hurt to apply some air-filter foam oil prior to running it. Folks make fun of me, but I clean/re-oil my foams after every run. Perhaps it is overkill, but the extra five minutes gives me a peace-of-mind. ;-) As to how to apply it (specifically for the Hyper 7), see my video on it via the link below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRs-9-emA28 Thanks!
Posted on: 9/17/2012 6:21 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11231757

RE: Help: losi 3.4 engine issues
What is the verdict here? A follow up will help someone who might have encountered a similar problem. Thanks!
Posted on: 9/16/2012 5:27 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Car Nitro & Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230414

RE: After eight months in the hobby
[quote]ORIGINAL: Foxy 7. I totally hear ya, but you would be doing yourself a great disservice to run one anywhere but on a track. [/quote] Yea, I'm starting to realize this; thus my trepidation. I've read you need an incredibly smooth surface to run these on (i.e. a "track"). [quote]ORIGINAL: Foxy 8. Xray NT1 if you fancy something on-road that you can run outside the house and at the track. IF you are going to run on regular roads though, get a supply of belts and pulleys.[/quote] Many thanks. I'll definitely look into that one!
Posted on: 9/15/2012 2:20 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11229517

RE: Best type of car for grass
[quote]ORIGINAL: bjfrankl I almost ordered a Savage, but I liked the Hyper 7's price, escpecially since this is my first rc car. I'm still second-guessing myself because it was a hard decision. I'm sure that I will buy a monstor truck at some point. Any advice for running my Hyper 7 for the first time? For example, breaking in the engine, the best fuel to use, etc.? Bjfrankl [/quote] You sound much like myself. The Hyper 7 was my first (mainstream) hobby car. We've loved it. After about six months, I got a Savage. Not because I did not enjoy the Hyper 7, but because I enjoy it so much, I wanted another off-road vehicle just in a different class. You'll figure out what you like about it/what you don't like. From there, if you are inclined, there's no law against having multiple RC vehicles to meet your various needs. As for breaking in, I'm not going to open that can of worms. ;-) You can find plenty of information on the internet for it. Any other questions on it, check out my YouTube channel and you'll see some videos of it. Thanks!
Posted on: 9/15/2012 10:58 AM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11229362

After eight months in the hobby
After eight months in "the hobby", I've learned... 1. If I ever decide to race, it will be simply for the fun of it. I'm too concerned about my competitive spirit making a large(r) dent in my wallet. 2. I'm excited as to what my Savage X 4.6 will bring to "the hobby", as I'm wanting the ultimate bashing machine. I plan to break him in next weekend. 3. If Traxxas is such a great product, why do I not read about their drivers winning professional races? This is a serious question, not being a smart-a$$. 4. Clutch spring tools are great. 5. I'm very much on the fence as for my next vehicle. I know the answer is: "it depends on what you want to do", but I'm unsure of what I want to do. 6. I wish I knew more people "in real life" who are in to the hobby. Those I know are newbies with RedCats/Exceeds who are falling out of the hobby due to the poor quality of those vehicles. 7. The XRay RX8 has suddenly become my dream car. WOW!! Just unsure if the investment is worth it to a non-racer. In the end I know I won't be able to contain myself, and be one of the few who buys one for driving up and down the street and in parking lots around town. (See #5) 8. I'm ready for my first "build", and will soon open a can of worms inquiring about RTR vs kits. 9. I still have no interest in electric. No offense to anyone, just a preference. 10. This is still an expensive hobby. I've yet to tally, but imagine I've dropped 3k in the past eight months. History: After two months I learned.... After three months I learned.... After four months I learned.... After five months I learned... After six months I learned...
Posted on: 9/15/2012 9:19 AM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11229297

RE: Help: losi 3.4 engine issues
Assuming you are confident you put it back together correctly (and it is clean), then I agree with the toolman. It just needs a little lubrication. Are you able to even get it started? If you are unsure as to whether you put it back together correctly, I would not go any further. Take it apart again, take some photos and lots of folks on here will help you. Thanks
Posted on: 9/13/2012 3:00 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Car Nitro & Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227612

RE: Best type of car for grass
[quote]ORIGINAL: On2_n_On4 only a 1:5th scale.... other than that., I hate running rc cars on grass. They feel like underpowered toys, even with the right tires... but thats just my opinion. [;)] [/quote] I agree with this. Plus there are so many variables to grass (the height, the type, the soil, etc.) I've driven my Hyper 7 on grass and it's handled fine, and times when it did not....again depending on those variables. With that, I am curious how running on grass can adversely affect a clutch and connecting rod? I'm not doubting this, simply wanting to understand why. Is it because your having to constantly apply more throttle in grass? Thanks
Posted on: 9/12/2012 2:35 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11226497

RE: Nitro or electric?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Cpoore5953 I have a slash 4x4 but I am looking for a buggy or truggy in 1/8 scale [/quote] Nitro
Posted on: 9/12/2012 2:16 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC 1/8th Scale Buggies"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11226482

RE: Racers v. Bashers (the vehicles not the drivers)
[quote]ORIGINAL: steed2 this is what its about for me [/quote] Very well stated, sir. I, like you, am into this hobby due to the shared interest with my 12-year old son. Said differently, my wife does not get excited when (example) I tell her I'm putting a new M2C three-shoe clutch on my Lost 810....but my son's first comment was "Awesome! What type springs should we use? I'm thinking .95 mm because......" Yes, I am a PROUD daddy. ;-)
Posted on: 9/10/2012 5:13 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11224305

RE: Racers v. Bashers (the vehicles not the drivers)
I feel this has been a fascinating thread. Let's put this into context, shall we? I am 8 months into "the hobby", and like most newbies, my interest has been on the bashing side. I want fast, durable vehicles, and for the most part have treated my vehicles just as a racer would. i.e. I DO care about shock oil weight/shock springs. I DO care about servo strength/speed. I DO care about diff oil. I DO care about tires. I DO care about camber settings. I DO care about keeping my bearings like new, etc. With all of that, what I care about most is taking my rides out and doing "cool" stuff with. Cool defined as an example: "I want to jump this car up a ramp and over my neighbor's fence." So with that....if I were to invest in a "racing" vehicle and purchased the HPI Pulse 4.6, can I go to the track and ensure the car not is not liability on the track, AND I can run it around local construction sites, jumping ramps, etc? Thanks!
Posted on: 9/10/2012 5:04 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11224295

RE: Gas spitting from glowplug/heatsink
[quote]ORIGINAL: DualityRC Hello all and welcome to my next problem, I have yet to even drive my nitro car around yet. :( [/quote] If you get it driving within the first two weeks of owning it, you've done better than most folks. Took me a month before I could drive mine (of course I broke my con rod and could not find another one). Regarding your problem: 1. Removing/inserting the glow plug is not going to hurt. 2. Are you 100% confident the glow-plug is coming "loose". In other words, you tighten it, and then after a short peiord of time it is loose? 3. Does the car start? i.e. When is the fuel coming out? When it is idling, or when you pull the cord to prime or start? 4. Have you checked the bolts on the cooling head? If you've taken it off, have you perhaps lost a shim? 5. If your not 100% confident it's from the glow plug hole, have you checked the tubing on the carberator? Have you ensured the HSN is not loose (it happened to me on my Losi). 6. Is it a new or used car? If you have the ability to post a video of the problem, please do so....it will help us troubleshoot immensely.
Posted on: 9/9/2012 12:46 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11222906

What RC-related fun do you have planned this weekend?
What do you gents have going on this weekend regarding this great hobby? Unfortunately it will be a light weekened for me. We're selling our house so I have lots non-rc chores this weekend. However, I do hope to: 1. Check clutch springs on Losi 810 (see here for gory details) 2. Troubleshoot Exceed Forza transmission (I think one-way bearing on spur gear is jacked) As you can see the missing piece is getting a chance to run-and still have yet to break in new Savage. ;-( Hopefully some/most of you have a more hobby-intensive weekend than I will. Thanks
Posted on: 9/8/2012 7:13 AM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221680

RE: Shockwave Not Starting!
The most common problem I see with new cars (especially the RedCat/Exceed brands) is flooding the engine. Sometimes a quick, small prime is all that is neededand anything else will prevent the engine from starting. There are a slew of variables involved, but I always recommend to "de-flood" your engine when all else fails (whether you think it is flooded or not). Even a drop of nitro into your carb will easily flood it. I recommend de-flooding it like no tomorrow, and then trying to start without priming it. If that does not work, give a quick prime (one pull) and try. Also try a blow dryer on the engine (you'd be shocked at how much heat helps). Below is a video I did on starting nitro engines. Go to 5:30 in Part 2 to see an engine similar to yours. However, the concept is the same for ALL nitro vehicles, and recommend you get some popcorn and watch all three parts in full ;-) Really not trying to tout my YouTube channel here, but there are so many variables, it's much easier to provide a link rather than type it all out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TivanZseTtA&feature=relmfu Please do us a favor and let us know how you do. Thanks!
Posted on: 9/7/2012 8:19 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221376

RE: You know you are too much in to this when....
[quote]ORIGINAL: pcarluvr When the RC in your trunk is worth more than the 1:1 [/quote] That is greatness! Too funny.
Posted on: 9/3/2012 7:47 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11216380

RE: The importance of helping...
[quote]ORIGINAL: pcarluvr "He just got out of the military"? Call me patriotic cause I'd help him any way I could!!! [/quote] Ha! I think it was the fact he said he was "looking for a hobby" that stuck with me. The more people into this hobby the better, so I believe. There are FAR worse ways for people to spend their time/money. I ended up getting his car started. I took apart the engine (you guys know I have a problem and can't help myself), and let's just say I can see what happens when you start a new nitro multiple times without an air filter. I actually had him take it apart and simply instructed how. Seeing someone's eyes light up as they work on their nitro engine for the first time is greatness. Not only is he now hooked in to "the hobby", but he's a nitro head to boot! ;-). His brakes do need some adjusting and the idle is WAY off. I told him just to leave ti with me and I will get it working. Because I believe in teaching a man to fish, I'm going to roll tape when I tune his drive train and post it on my YouTube channel. This way he can explicitely see how to maintain those areas. Best of all, his buddy is now interested in getting a car (I'm trying to convince him on the Hyper 7). Hugfest or not, you guys have set the example for me on how to help others in the world of RC. My other hobby is bass fishing (which I've been into for 20+ years), and I assure you it's completely different with respect to how those hobbyists help one another. Often times purposely giving misleading advice simply to stay ahead. Back in the day I was notorious for pre-fishing lakes the day or two before a tourney and telling EVERYONE what was working/not working. Ha!
Posted on: 9/1/2012 7:48 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11214026

RE: SH .18 stock needle settings
No starter box unfortunately. I imagine it is just completely out of tune (as he just started turning the needles and tried to start by trial and error). He's bringing it by tonight and if I can't start it after setting back to stock, I'll have him leave it with me and take apart the engine to see if there is anything I can determine. It has a good pinch and as noted "feels" fine when I turn it over. I'll post back what I find out (I'm adamant about starting it!). ;-)
Posted on: 9/1/2012 10:47 AM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Car Nitro & Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213567

RE: Stock needle settings for Tornado Engine
[quote]ORIGINAL: micah11 The stock needle settings are 2.5-3 turns out from fully closed on the high and low speed needles. the idle screw should be set so the carb is open about 1mm. Hope this helps [/quote] This helps tremendously. Thank you so much!
Posted on: 8/31/2012 9:37 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213235

RE: This History of Nitro RC
[quote]ORIGINAL: MajorTomski Wow! I am always amazed at how limited most rc drivers' knowledge of the age of thier hobby really is. [/quote] Ha! Thus the reason I am trying to learn, Major. Give me a break, I'll still a newbie. ;-) I agree with, and appreciate the importance of learning the origins of our hobby - which is why I'm proactively trying to learn. We all have to start somewhere, eh? Sounds like you were fortunate to grow up being exposed to some pretty cool stuff relating to RC vehicles. I imagine you're a wealth of knowledge on this. I am a closet fan of the pan car, When I reach the skill level, I want to build one.
Posted on: 8/31/2012 8:36 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213140

The importance of helping...
Tonight these two guys who live way down the street stopped by with their nitro rc car (see here). They said "word on the street" is I'm pretty good with RC cars "I guess because my neighbors see me constantly driving/wrencing) and needed some help with their RedCat Tornado. I've learned I love wrenching on other folk's cars as much as mine. The guy who owned the car told me he just got out of the military and is "looking for a hobby". It got me thinking about the importance of helping others get in to "the hobby". It was obvious they both were extremely intrigued with rc cars, and the guy was really bumbed about not being able to get it to start. I assured him I would eventually get it started for him and not to worry. I fired up the Hyper 7 to show him how cool it will be when we get his car up and running. The way I see it, I can either be a snob and belittle him for what he doesn't know, or do everything in my power to help. My goal is to keep this young man in "the hobby". I'm sure there are a lot of folks just lke him (and just like I was seven months ago), You make an investment and then soon realize you need to know what you are doing and are afraid you've ruined you car and considering eating your losses. Other than our interest in RC cars, I doubt I have much in common with him. However, I think we all swear an documented oath (especially on forums like this) to help others the best we can. I'm not looking for a Helping Hand medal or anything, just expressing that I'm fortunate I have the opportunity to drastically affect someone's interested in "the hobby". That is important as It benefits us all.
Posted on: 8/31/2012 8:32 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213185

Stock needle settings for Tornado Engine
See this post. I think it is an SH .18. Many thanks!
Posted on: 8/31/2012 8:02 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Redcat Racing Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213162

SH .18 stock needle settings
I met someone who has a RedCat Tornado. He is new to "the hobby", and brought it by my house because he could not get it started. Some imortant notes: 1. Car is new. He said he started it once and it "went crazy", meaning he obviously hit is hand on the throttle servo arm and opened it wide up (that's common problem with this design). 2. The engine seems okay. It turns over fine (I was worried about his con rod) - it just won't start. 3. I put the heat gun on it - that allowed it to turn over for a split second, then it dies. 4. The glow plug was fried. A little odd for a new one, but I understand metal shavings during break-in can do this. I put a new glow plug on it - an O.S. #6 - nada. 5. I asked him if he "messed with the needles" and he said he has - quite a bit. Ugh. The LSN looked flush and the HSN looked about 1.5 in ffrom flush. I think this is what it could be,and if not want to at least rule it out. 6. I also noticed the air filter was off. He noted they had been trying to start it with the air filter off to see inside of the carb (go easy - we were all new at one time). I put my Exceed Forza air filter on it. 6. I checked everything else out (prime, carp opening, etc. etc. etc.) My next step is to take the engine apart and check out what's going on - but after I rule out the needle settings. I looked at the engine and saw 18 on one side, and SH on the other so need to know the needle settings for it. Additionally, can anyone think of and issue that would prevent an engine from even starting if it went WOT for a few second on it during its first start.? The inner components felt and sounded okay. I understand he might have lost some performance, but it should at least start.
Posted on: 8/31/2012 8:00 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Car Nitro & Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213160

You know you are too much in to this when....
You know you are too much in to "the hobby" when.... - You print out SlayerDude's Mego-Post on how to tune a 2-stroke engine and keep it for bathroom reading. - You know your UPS deliver person by name. - It's difficult for you to drive anywhere without thinking to yourself "That looks like a good bashing spot." - You keep one or more pictures of your vehicles on your phone. - You spend your time coming up with bits like this and posting it on RC Car-related forms. Add any more if you got 'em. ;-)
Posted on: 8/31/2012 7:07 AM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11212526

RE: This History of Nitro RC
Thanks, guys. I'm always hearing about how 10 years ago, "Nitro was all the rage"....which vehicles were popular back then? Is there a specific manufactuer that led the way with this? i.e. Is there any company known as the "King of Nitro"?
Posted on: 8/31/2012 6:41 AM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11212501

This History of Nitro RC
As a newbie to "the hobby", I've taken an interest in our forefathers and learning about the origins and major miletones for "hobby-grade RC Cars". I recently have been reading about Roger Curtis andhis design of the RC-10. It got me thinkg about nitro. What are some of the pioneer nitro rc cars that we have to thank? Yes, I could Google iy, but I imagine half of you probably all that stuff anyways. :-) Thanks
Posted on: 8/30/2012 8:47 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11212216

RE: Tuning nitro advice...
Chuck, tuning is one of those things to where there is a lot to it, and yet there's not much to it. ;-) It's just that - tuning. Once you know what to do (as others have provided), it's merely a matter of knowing when to do it. Just don't let it overtake you. It's easy to get caught up in finding that "perfect tune", which to some people might not exist. Ha! Let us know how you progress. I'm confident you'll master it in no time with some patience.
Posted on: 8/28/2012 8:27 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "Car Nitro & Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11209819

RE: Re entrants view of nitro vs electric
[quote]ORIGINAL: HerrSavage Yeah, but don't forget the main risk with brushless: it's so boring you might fall asleep while running it and crash into a wall. [/quote] This is a thing with electric that I do dislike. I love watching these videos with silent trailers, which say: "Indroducing....the baddest son-of-a-bitch on the block! Can you handle the pain????" (with all sorts of flames and lightening) and then it cuts into a little car whizzing around on the driveway with only the whining of the motor making sound - and crickets chirp in the background.. I hope not to offend anyone, but that is very funny to me. ;-) Do that same thing with a nitro car, and people will sit up and take notice. There is no denying the fact it garners a lot of interest to most all who see/hear/smell it...especially your first time! Ahhhh....good times. ;-) From my perspective still being somewhat of a newbie, they both seem an aquired taste - and I loves me some nitro!
Posted on: 8/27/2012 7:39 PM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11208452

RE: Re entrants view of nitro vs electric
I agree the two most overrated "challenges" with nitro are fuel costs and tuning. Tuning really is like riding a bike. Once you know what to look/hear for, it's a piece of cake. I imagine I spend less than 2 minutes per week tuning. Regarding fuel costs...again I don't get it. I buy Losi fuel 20% and pay just over $20.00 per gallon at my LHS. It's an added expense, sure but when I consider what I've spent on my cars per category- -fuel is toward the bottom of the bar graph.
Posted on: 8/27/2012 11:19 AM by Author "JohnP2" in the forum "RC Car General Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11207836