RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Curiousity struck again, so i had to get into the MFR. Only thing i found wrong soo far, is a missing front drive shaft (dog bone in this case). How do those just fall out.... I guess maybe i twised it, or bent it up a bit. Regardless, its not there, and that appears to be the reason my truck went RWD on me. Its long, and has a funny hex or square shape to the shaft of it, if anyone finds one at FTR.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 11:18 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8022513

RE: Anyone Own a RT-X 27?
See, ya learn something new every day. I figured for sure you'd be able to get water well over 212 degrees... Anyway, im gonna do that boiling test. As for the metal shavings... Hmmmm... If thats actual metal shavings, thats bad. But those are usually sparkly. Does it look like glitter? Being dark like you describe, sounds like some "running rich" grime.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 10:39 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8022389

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Ya, thats some pretty wild racing. Well, wild driving anyway. lol. I do enjoy the slash alot. But next time, i gotta vote for the 10 minute main. My battery softened up a bit near the 10 minute mark. Left me casing alot of those jumps.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 10:37 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8022381

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Thanks for the vid Brian.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 10:27 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8022340

RE: Anyone Own a RT-X 27?
I wish i had an answer for that. I'd love to have an accurate method as well. I wonder if temping some water, or any object with a standard "mercury type" thermometer would be more of an accurate comparison. And then comparing results with a temp gun.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 8:48 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8022011

RE: Anyone Own a RT-X 27?
Thats very true wingwrecker. Its a very opinionated topic at best. My experience has brought me the longest life, and best running motors, with warm break ins. So i stick with it. Running indoors i see too many con rods break on motors that are being run too cold. As for your water boiling method, i dont like that test for accuracy. I mean, theres a certain temp at which water boils. But it doesnt seem accurate to me. Does water only boil at one temp, and never get any hotter? I think not. Should it be measured the instant you see a bubble, or at a hard boil? All things that make me question that method of accuracy testing. BTW, i use a pro exotics temp gun. The PE-3. I've tested it next to the Exergen, which many consider the best. I was within 2 degrees every time i checked it. The temp gun is sold at A-main hobbies, and many online reptile specialty shops. I trust it with my snakes collection, so i definitely trust it with these motors.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 8:03 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8021839

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Thats the brutal slash qualifier right? That race was brutal... I am sooooo shocked at how durable these trucks are. And the bodies must be made incredibly well. I thought for sure my Rockstar would be cracked to pieces.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 7:57 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8021820

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
325 megs???? Jeeeeeesus....
Posted on: 10/5/2008 7:45 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8021767

RE: Anyone Own a RT-X 27?
IMO, that breakin was not warm enough. I would have wrapped the head immediately to get those temps near 200. I wouldnt even wanna run a nitro engine at 150 for any period of time. Too much stress on the con rod, and too much wear on the piston/sleeve. But thats all just my opinion.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 7:43 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8021757

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Well, seems most of you were at the track today, so i wont do a full report. More of a review on my thoughts i guess after the race. And for those that didnt realize it, i was testing some other trucks today. So i'll point out my findings there as well. I'll start with practice, and some truck testing. RT-X. Yup, the RT-X made another track appearance. After my initial test drive, i felt this truck was track worthy, so i wanted to test some more. For whatever reason, the motor is alot more ALIVE now. Its actually fast now... Yup, running hot, but its idling fine, no erratic behavior, and not popping glo plugs. So it'll continue to run 300 until its dead. Anyway, the track test was good. This time around had the truck more dialed in as far as camber/toe, etc. With some switches i had been running on the LST2. Steering great, jumping great, whoops great. Overall, very good. It does appear to need a bit more down travel. So i need to get the shocks to let those arms drop some more. And use a different oil/piston/spring combo to get back the feel, and ride height. Overall, i still feel this RTX is a good truck, that Duratrax just needs to refine a touch in some areas. But i still like it. MFR. Ya, i tested this one as well today. This one is a quickie. Truck runs good, pretty fast. Suspension is very nice. Steers well, even though i feel the servo saver is weak. Though i never got a chance to really push it in corners. As i tuned it up, i pushed it a bit more, then got it up on the bumper in the whoops section. I hit the throttle the bring it back down, then i was rear wheel drive. That ended that day. I also do not like how hard bumper landings pop this thing into neutral. All i can say is, if the truck broke that easy, its gonna be sold just as fast. But it may just be a set screw, so i'll know more when i go thru it. New Revo suspension. Not sure what happened to my long wheelbase arms, but they were just not free at all. I could not get a decent setting in the rear shocks. Once i swapped to the RPM arms i bought last season, instantly smooth. I worked from that base point, and got a much better suspension. Surprisingly enough, i felt it was dead on today at the track. The short wheelbase was a bit tricky to get used to, but i had my center diff to help keep that back end under control. Overally, the truck was alot better today. Though i do feel like im going thru a TON of fuel. The layout. Well, it takes some gettin used to. Personally, i love watching the suspension work on these trucks while driving thru that roller section in the back. The whoops i like having. They occasionally totally wreck me, i still like them. Because no two lines are ever the same, and that makes the race interesting. I dont think anyone got thru them clean all day. The only thing bad about this layout, is that its slow. And needs to be driven as such. I found that focusing on clean laps, is far faster than going out, and trying to attack the track. When i settled down, thats when i set TQ with the Revo. But honestly, im generally happy when im on dirt. This track did seem to be harder on the battery even. I had my battery topped off, and only ran one lap to check in, then sat there waiting. With about 2 minutes left in that 12 minute main, i felt the battery go a bit soft. By the time i was trying to get thru the final minute, i was casing many of the doubles, and that caused alot of carnage. Next time i'll be voting for a 10. Unless i have a better battery... The race. Ya... Always the best for last. Apparently drivers meetings are over rated. I dont need to be reminded of someones age a dozen times during a qualifier. But i'd sure like others to hear "let the faster driver by" occasionally. Is anyone here friends with meentz? Would it be too much to ask, or to kindly mention that maybe his 6yr old son should have his throttle limited. Other than that, the marshalling was painful on both ends. Some of the marshalls for us were umm... Sleeping. And marshalling the 8th scale race i felt like i needed a number on my shirt, a sweat band, and some jogging shorts and shoes. I was dripping sweat. I was marshalling for the roller lane, the double double immediately after that, and the triple. Yet the bathroom corner needed 2 marshalls. I guess alot of wrecks happen while entering the straight..... Other than that, i can say im unsure how much fun i had, compared to the frustrations of the day. Anyway, i believe i pulled off 2nd place in MT, after starting at least 2 laps down, from a flame out at the line. The problem with being the first to be ready on the track, is that im sitting there waiting on anyone thats not ready. The slash class was great though. I believe i pulled 2nd off there as well. Only seconds behind Andrew, and seconds ahead of Jake. The three of us went back and forth alot, and eventually had a few seconds between each of us. A fun race overall. But my battery is not up to 12's on this layout. I think those big jumps take alot out of it. Anyway, thats my long post for the day. Brian thanks for the pit work, and all the help thru the day. Too bad you werent out there racing with us. Btw, i gotta say the best looking bodies out there were the realistic CORR bodies. I love my rockstar lid. But Bats blue Rock band body stands out sooo nice on the track.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 7:37 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8021729

RE: The new Kyosho MFR
TRD? Whats TRD? Well, i ran the truck today at the track. First off, the truck handles really well. The suspension is pretty much super plush, and perfect for our crazy new track layout. Which is loaded with whooops, and rollers, and doubles, and no straight. My first thoughts werer that the servo saver was too weak. Well, it seemed to steer just fine. Though i never really got a chance to push it hard. As i started to tune it up a bit, i made my way around the track faster. Got into the whoops section, and got it up on the bumper one time, and gave it some gas to level it out. After that, i had rear wheel drive only. Its early to say, as i havent looked it over yet. If its broke, its also gonna be sold. But im not jumping to conclusions just yet. It may be a grub screw. I was too busy painting this past week, to get into the truck too much. I also dont like the tranny. On bumper dives, it jumps into neutral... Which is bad. Because full forward on that tranny is reverse... If it hits hard enough, kiss that gear goodbye. So right now, things arent looking up. I'll take a closer look tomorrow, or tonight, and see if its broke. But if it broke that easy, its gone.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 7:08 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8021640

RE: Anyone Own a RT-X 27?
I put the RT-X on the track again today. This time with more of a setup, and some proper tires. I run indoor clay, so its hard pack. I ran some clay compound MT switches for this occasion. The truck steers well, and has 0 body roll on this track. The motor is surprisingly alive now. Yup, it runs hot... On my temp gun 300 is common. If im picky, and tune some more, i can get 290. But this gun temps about 40-45 degrees higher than most others. I chose to run it this way. As i mentioned before, same scenario. It idles, and runs well, without any erratic behavior. So back to the truck itself. I found the truck could use a bit more down travel. So my next adventure out, i really need to move the top shock mount down, to achieve that. And drop the spring rate, and oil rate, to get my ride height back where i need it. Other than that, it still handled really well. Jumps great, and level. With the motor coming to life now, its much nicer. I still have to say, for one of the "odd", or shall i say "not so popular" trucks that i've bought, i believe its a good one still. I think Duratrax needs to refine some things yet, but i still like it. As far as i can tell, i managed to break nothing today at the track. Though i didnt run it too much, i was happy when i did. Next time out, i'll have the right setup.
Posted on: 10/5/2008 7:03 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8021628

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
See you guys in the AM!
Posted on: 10/5/2008 12:20 AM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8019574

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
They were prety relaxed at the last race. I think it was around 4:30 when i got out of there last time. Not really sure though.
Posted on: 10/4/2008 11:51 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8019514

RE: Anyone Own a RT-X 27?
Yup, thats the one problem with this truck. Not many motors drop right in easily. The axial .28 happens to have that goofy angle to the HSN. I dont think that changes. Though i dont care for my Axial .28RR anyway. The other issues are the backplates from the starters, and roto units hitting the engine support. So watch out for that as well. I could not drop my LRP .28 in here because of that very reason. If i find this truck worthy of a new mill, i'll be putting in something that requires bump start, to eliminate some issues. I do believe some here said the Axial .32 went in though, and the Sportwerks .26 or .28. So possibly those are direct drop ins. Be sure to ask em though. In this hobby, many people find crafty ways of making things work. Good luck with the Axial .28 install. Let us know how it goes.
Posted on: 10/4/2008 11:28 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8019448

RE: Anyone Own a RT-X 27?
Well, i've never ran that fuel, but i can tell you fuel brand/quality can play a HUGE role in how easily an engine tunes, and how well it runs. I'd guess that fuel, and this stock motor were a bad combination. From what i've seen, this motor takes its time breaking in. If the bearings in the motor, are anything like the bearings used throughout the rest of the truck, then the bearings alone are VERY tight. So that alone is part of the break-in/low performance of the stock motor. Have you already sent that truck back to Duratrax? If not, i can try to help ya tune that truck sometime this week. I havent read thru these pages lately, so i dont know what these guys have gone over with ya, on that engine. But here are some things to check for, that would cause the problems you are having. Which are all basically leading to an airleak. -loose cooling head (check the screws, make sure they are snug. Also make sure those gaskets underneath the head, are not crimped, folded, or damaged in any way, and they gotta be clean.) -loose glo plug. (this one is real easy to see. If you suspect a flaw in the machining at that area, just start the engine, and look down in that area. If its leaking, you'll see bubbles, and fuel coming from around the glo plug area.) -loose back plate. (not the roto plate. Thea actual plate that is screwed into the engine case, that you attach the roto unit to.) -loose carb. (if you can turn that carb angle by hand, its loose and wont be seated properly) -front main bearing. (real easy to check for. If you have tons of oil around that front main bearing, and the chassis beneath it, that bearing is leaking. Its common to see some oil there, but not a whole lot) Now, knowing the bearings on this thing, i'd guess the front main bearing is not the cause. Those bearings are tight. Look at it anyway though. On the carb, keep in mind that there are many seals there. If you check everything else, and still have issues, you may have a leak at an o-ring in the HSN assembly, that is hard to spot. I'd also swap plugs, and try a different fuel as well. But it really sounds like an air leak.
Posted on: 10/4/2008 6:22 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8018710

RE: Anyone Own a RT-X 27?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Stereodude Anyone in the Detroit Metro area want to come help me with my RT-X 27? I am 100% convinced something is defective with mine. I added a 3rd shim under the head and it ran even hotter. [:@] I think I saw as hot as 350F before immediately turning it off. So, I richened it up a bunch until it was running closer to the right temps. The manual says rich should be 4.5 turns from closed. I'm around 5.5 turns from closed, it runs like a dog and still is pushing 270-280F. I'm about ready to throw this thing out! [:o] HELP!!! [:(] [/quote] Those settings in the manual are only there to get you started. There are too many factors in tuning these engines, for them to be correct for everyone, in every location. My stock motor is just now waking up really. Tuned properly, i'd say it was pretty slow initially. After running several tanks thru it, its coming to life. On my temp gun, it does run very near 300. But its idle is good, it idles down properly, its blowing smoke, and its performing really well, and not popping any plugs. There are also big differences in temps, depending on what temp gun you are using. As for your shims, i cant help ya there really. But you will certainly lose power by adding them. What fuel were you running? Do you have prior nitro experience? If you have the same issues with the new truck, then PM me. Im in Livonia.
Posted on: 10/4/2008 3:03 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8018293

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Ya Brian, come on out. The slash racing is alot of fun. Fun to watch too. They just look soo cool when they take corners, and jumps. Those wheels are sick! I want some black wheels for my Rockstar scheme.
Posted on: 10/2/2008 10:41 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8013998

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Yup, i plan on being there. Slash is fine, Revo setup is not where i want it though. I'll have my MFR there for track testing too.
Posted on: 10/2/2008 11:04 AM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8011972

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Yup, i remember electric quite well. Thinking back, man... I think we were timing our RS4 MT's at 4 minutes max run time. That was with the best battery we could get at the time. We ran 12 doubles in them. I loved that truck ALOT!!!! Our clod busters, and bullheads... Oh man, our run times were sad. Really sad... I am pretty positive we were getting 2-3 minutes. I remember i ran the monster mash motors, and my buddy Jeremy ran the Matched Madness. They eventually came out with some nice batteries for that truck, that had a couple big saddle type packs in there. They were a bit better. But nothing like what we have today. Its good to see electric soo much better now though.
Posted on: 10/1/2008 6:02 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8009670

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
LOL. Dont remind me of all my bad luck with electric RC many years ago. Actually, i had alot of bad motors. That and the run times back then sucked. Anyway, i have my car back now. Clutch is alllll better. I will be at DB's sometime this week to drop off bodies, not sure when, so i'll let you guys know when i get out there. Im trying to make the most of my time here, while im waiting on some phone calls n' stuff. That, and these replica bodies take some real quality time, when they are being done for the first time. I just spent some serious time on the Rockband2 image that Bats sent me, and it came out real nice. Im gonna see what sizes i can do those little circle instrument logos in, and get those done next. Once i have that done, and this last layer of mask dry, then its off to paint.
Posted on: 10/1/2008 2:17 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8009046

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Ya, i'll have the only smoking slash!
Posted on: 9/30/2008 9:18 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8007067

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Ivans win streak will probably go on. You've got a bit of experience racing electric. I found myself driving the Slash like a nitro. lol. Blip... blipp.... blippppp.... [:D]
Posted on: 9/30/2008 1:48 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8005532

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Allowed to race it? Nah. Yer obligated. LOL. Just imagine the action pics of that on the track though! [:D]
Posted on: 9/30/2008 9:41 AM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8004890

RE: The new Kyosho MFR
I'll double check the weight on it. But i can tell ya, it is really light.
Posted on: 9/27/2008 7:17 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7996671

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Bats, im in race mode right now. Full forward, plus brake. No reverse. It seems to be rippin really good. Cant wait to get it to the track again. Anyone ask Al if we'll be able to race these at the next FTR race? With that being an FTMS race, im not sure he'll allow an electric slash class. Brian, i hadnt really thought about using the shoe goo to stick a piece of lexan down. That might be the way to go. I'll try it like this. If it gets chewed up fast, i'll have my painter do another one. [:D] Well, i found the first thing i dont like on the MFR. I went to tighten up the servo saver, and i cant. When i turn the nut, it turns the entire shaft, that its threaded to. Its keyed into the plastic part its in, by a flat edge. Which is doing nothing to keep it from spinning inside of there. I think they must have went a little happy on the loctite... Looks like im gonna end up ordering a whole new servo saver set, if i wanna tighten it down at all... [:'(]
Posted on: 9/26/2008 11:28 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7994848

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Yup, set em to max, then reset the ESC. Seems to have helped alot.
Posted on: 9/26/2008 9:45 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7994539

RE: The new Kyosho MFR
Yup, i can get some comparison pics for ya. I just put tank 1 thru it. Starts easy, idles really well. Suspension soaks up every bump.
Posted on: 9/26/2008 7:03 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7994041

RE: Factory Tracks Raceway MT racers
Thanks Brian. You do realize you need to come racing again with us right?
Posted on: 9/25/2008 10:23 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7991374

RE: The new Kyosho MFR
I definitely will. I'll try to break it in this weekend. Depends on how fast i get thru the paint work i have here.
Posted on: 9/25/2008 9:12 PM by Author "ThermalRD" in the forum "RC Monster Trucks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7991093