Overheated T-Maxx

Radio Control Car Action, Jul 2001 by Gonzalez, George M

I'm an RC gas engine beginner and have a Traxxas T-Maxx powered by the TRX-15 engine it came with. I have run it only in the winter and without the body, but it over heats badly all the time. I haven't run it in the summer yet, and I don't think I want to. I generally have it so rich that the engine has no power, and it won't even shift into second gear; it does switch gears when I lean it out, though.

I've done the water-drop test, and the engine is definitely too hot; it wrecks the glow plug every time. I'm looking for a better, more user-friendly engine with more power-something that is easy to start with a pull-starter. Could you please recommend an engine and a pipe? [email]

POLARIS233

Cool your jets, Polaris! It sounds as if you haven't given your stock engine a chance. According to the Traxxas technical support team, the TRX Pro 15 runs best when its temperature is between 280 and 35 degrees. Yes; this is a little hotter than most engines run, but the T-Maxx is heavier than most 1/10-scale nitro trucks.

You admit your engine is set too rich; that's why you blow glow plugs and your truck won't shift into high gear. Don't be afraid to lean out the high-speed needle valve a little. Buy a temperature gauge so you'll be able to monitor your engine's temperature accurately. MIP sells an onboard temp gauge that costs less than $5o and can be installed just about anywhere on the T-Maxx's roomy chassis.