One problem leads to another

Radio Control Car Action, Dec 2001 by Funk, Jeremy

Troubleshooting

I have an RC10GT with a clutch that engages instantly; it's almost as though the clutch spring is missing, or something. I tried to set the brake-linkage and idle-- adjustment screws so that the truck remains stationary at idle, but I can't get the truck to stop moving. I get the engine idling nicely, but I have to set up the linkage with quite a bit of initial brake to prevent the truck from taking off. Also, my air filter came off when I drove in very loose dirt, so I took the engine apart and cleaned it. I must have put it back together wrong because I broke the connecting rod when I restarted the engine. Is there a right way to install a new piston, sleeve and connecting rod? Also, is the notch on the backplate supposed to face up or down? [email]

JEREMY FUNK

It sounds as if something is definitely wrong with your clutch if the engine idles normally and the throttle and brake linkages are installed correctly. Remove the clutch bell and inspect the clutch shoes and spring. The clutch spring has eyelets on each end that must be tied together to form a circle. The clutch spring must be fully seated in the groove on the side of each clutch shoe, and the clutch bell should rotate freely without binding. If the clutch shoes or spring show any signs of excessive wear, replace the worn-out components before you run the vehicle.

Your next question: yes, there is a right way to rebuild the engine. You must reinstall the piston and sleeve, connecting rod, cooling head and backplate in exactly the same way as you removed them. You didn't mention the type of engine you're rebuilding, but most engines have an indexing pin on the top of the crankcase and a notch on the sleeve to install the piston and sleeve correctly. Once you have the piston and sleeve in the engine, you can put the connecting rod back on the crankshaft. When you install the backplate, the notch should face up.