Duratrax RT-X 27 User Manual

™

ASSEMBL

Y AND OPERA

TION MANU

www

.duratrax.com

www

.warheadmt.com

YYOU

WILL

NEED

WRENCH

DTXR1170

SPARE GLOW PLUGS

DTXG3005

PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWDRIVER

DTXR0124

PLIERS

DTXR0300

ALKALINE

BATTERIES

GLOW STARTER

DTXP3000

ENGINE TUNING SCREWDRIVER

DTXR0185

ADDITIONAL

AIR FILTER OIL

DTXC2465

AFTER RUN OIL

HCAP3000

FUEL FILLER BOTTLE

DTXP0150

ITEMS

INCLUDED

The following items are included in the box.

Chassis Body (Not Shown) Body Clips (Qty 8) Decal Sheet (Not Shown) Transmitter Transmitter Antenna Transmitter Flag (Not Shown) Air Filter Oil (Qty 2) Receiver Antenna Tube (Not Shown)

1.5 mm Hex Wrench

2.0 mm Hex Wrench

2.5 mm Hex Wrench 4-way Wrench Link Adjustment Wrench Exploded View/Parts Listing (Not Shown) Engine Tuning DVD (Not Shown)

PIRANHA AC/DC

DIGITAL CHARGER

DTXP4005

2000mAh 6-CELL

BATTERY

DTXC1900

20% O’DONNELL

RACING FUEL

ODOP3320 (QUART)

ODOP3220 (GALLON)

SAFETY PRECA

UTIONS

When the safety precautions are followed, the RT-X will provide y ears of enjo yment.Use care and good sense at all times when operating this radio controlled monster truck. Failure to use this vehicle in a safe, sensib le manner can result in injury or damage to property.You and you alone must insure that the instructions are carefully followed and all safety precautions are obeyed.

• Do not operate the RT-X near people. Spectators should be behind the driver or at a safe distance away from the vehicle.

• Water can cause the electronics to short out and can cause permanent damage.

• Always turn on the transmitter before turning on the receiver.

• Fully extend the transmitter antenna before operating your vehicle.

• Before turning on your radio system, check to make sure that no one else is running on the same frequency.

• The engine and exhaust produce quite a bit of noise.Do not run this vehicle when or where it can disturb others.

• The engine and exhaust can become very hot. Avoid touching any of these parts during use and until they have cooled down.

• Model engine fuel is poisonous. Make sure you read and follow all of the precautions on the fuel container. Keep fuel out of the reach of children.

• Model engine fuel is flammable and when ignited has a flame that is difficult to see. Avoid sparks, flames, smoking, or any other ignition source when fuel is near.

• The engine emits harmful fumes just like real vehicles. Do not operate this model indoors.

• Avoid running the truck in cold weather. The plastic and metal parts can become brittle at low temperatures. In addition, grease and oil become thick, causing premature wear and poor performance.

SPECIFICA

TION AND

DESCRIPTION CHANGES

All pictures, descriptions and specifications found in this instruction manual are subject to change without notice.DuraTrax maintains no responsibility for inadvertent errors in this manual. Visit www.duratrax.com for the latest updates and information for your model.

WWARRANTY

ARRANTY

• DuraTrax®guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. DuraTrax will warranty this kit for 90 days after the purchase date. DuraTrax will repair or replace, at no charge, the incorrectly made part.

• Make sure you save the receipt or in v oice you were given when you bought your model! It is your proof of purchase and we must see it before we can honor the warranty. Further, DuraTrax reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

• In that DuraTrax has no control over the final user assembly or material used for final user assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product.By the act of using the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

To return your RT-X f or repairs co v ered under warranty you should send your truck to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Drive Suite 1

Champaign, Illinois 61822

Attn: Ser vice Department

Phone: (217) 398-0007 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Central Time M-F

E-mail:

hobbyservices@hobbico.com

www.hobbyservices.com

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

STRESS-TECH

™

PPARARTS

GUGUARANTEE

ARANTEE

We have engineered the RT-X to take the rough and tumble abuse that makes R/C trucks fun.We are so confident of the quality and durability of the Stress-Tech plastic parts that we will replace any Stress-Tech plastic part you break during the first 12 months you own the truck.Just send in the part to us and we will send you a FREE replacement. Please see the RT-X parts list for the items covered under the Stress-Tech guarantee.

To receive your free replacement part please send the following to the Hobby Services address listed under the warranty on the left.

❏ 1.The broken par t must be included. ❏ 2.The part number and description of

the broken part.

❏ 3. Copy of your dated invoice or

purchase receipt.

❏ 4.Your name, phone number and

shipping address.

REP

AIR SER

VICE

Repair service is available anytime.

• After the 90 day warranty, you can still have your RT-X repaired for a small charge by the experts at DuraTrax’s authorized repair facility, Hobby Services.

• To speed up the repair process, please follow the instructions listed below.

❏ 1. Under most circumstances return the

ENTIRE vehicle. The exception would be sending in a Stress-Tech part. See the instruction under the StressTech Guarantee.

❏ 2. Make sure the transmitter is turned off,

all of the batteries are removed and the fuel tank is completely empty.

❏ 3.Send written instructions which

include: a list of all items returned, a THOROUGH explanation of the problem, the service needed and your phone number during the day. If you expect the repair to be covered under warranty, be sure to include a proof of date of purchase (your store receipt or purchase invoice).

THINGS

THINGS TTOO

KNO

FINISHING

THE R

THE RTT

-X

• Remove the receiver battery holder.

• Install (4) “AA” batteries.

• Reinstall the receiver battery holder and lid.

• Install eight “AA” batteries into transmitter , making sure the polarity is correct.

• Insert the antenna into the top of the transmitter and tighten.

• Turn the transmitter on and check the battery light. If the red light glows steady, turn off the transmitter.If the red light blinks, the batteries are low and should be replaced.

TRANSMITTER PREPARATION

RECEIVER BATTERY INSTALLATION

RECEIVER ANTENNA INSTALLATION

• Uncoil and straighten the antenna wire.

• Route the receiver antenna wire through the antenna tube.

• Install the tube into the antenna mount.

• Remove the air filter cap and foam element.

• Apply both tubes of the included air filter oil onto the foam element, squeezing the element until it is completely coated with the oil.TIP! Placing the element in a plastic bag will help keep y our hands clean.

• Remove any excess oil with a paper towel.

• Reinstall, making sure the filter is properly seated on the base.

DO NOT CUT ANTENNA WIRE!

OIL THE AIR FILTER

RADIO SYSTEM CHECK

• Tur n the transmitter on, then turn the receiver on.

• Turn the transmitter wheel to the right—the front wheels should turn to the right. If not, move the steering servo re verse switch.

• When running, adjust the steering trim so the truck tracks straight.

• Pull the throttle trigger to make sure the carburetor opens fully and the throttle linkage functions properly without binding.

• Adjust the throttle trim until the carb is at the idle position. Always adjust idle speed with the idle stop screw on the carb, not the throttle trim..

• Push the trigger and roll the truck to make sure the brakes are applied.

• TIP! Cut out the rear window for easy access to the rollbar/handle.

• TIP! Adjust your body mounts high to achieve that “monster” look.

• Decal the body to your liking. Use the photos on the box as a reference.

• Install the body onto the chassis using four body clips.

CHECK THE RADIO SYSTEM FOR PROPER FUNCTION

BEFORE EACH RUN

BODY INSTALLATION

HIGH-SPEED NEEDLE

The “high-speed” needle is sticking up from the carburetor. This controls the fuel to air mixture of the carburetor . The needle is

pre-set for break-in from the factory at 4-1/2 turns out from fully closed.Once

the engine is broken-in, the high-speed needle would typically run from 4 to 4-1/4 turns out from closed, depending on the weather, humidity and altitude above sea level.To richen the mixture turn the needle counterclockwise.To lean it, turn the needle clockwise.

LOW-SPEED NEEDLE

The “low-speed” needle is located on the side of the carburetor. It controls the fuel mixture at low throttle settings/idle and is preset from the factory at 12-1/2 turns from fully closed while holding the carburetor open. Low speed needle adjustment should only be done after break-in. There is a simple way of adjusting the low-speed needle correctly called the “pinch test.” With the engine at idle, pinch the fuel line and listen to how the engine speeds up or slows down. If the engine increases its speed for about 2 or 3 seconds and then loses speed, the needle is set correctly. If the engine loses RPM quickly, it is set too lean and the low-speed needle needs to be opened (counterclockwise) to richen the mixture. Pinch again to check the mixture.If the engine takes longer than 4 seconds to slow down, lean (clockwise) the low-speed needle and then pinch again to check the mixture.

IDLE STOP SCREW

The “idle stop” screw is located on the backside of the carburetor .This increases or decreases the idle speed without changing the fuel mixture.The barrel should be approximately 1 mm from fully closed.

IMPORTANT!To insure long life and good performance from your engine, you MUST break-in the engine. The break-in period is critical for long life of the internal parts of the engine.This should be done over the first 5 tanks of fuel.

Before running the engine,read the manual and watch the assembly and engine tuning video that came with this kit.

ST ARTING THE ENGINE

IMPORTANT! Your radio system must ALWAYS be turned

on and the transmitter antenna fully extended when running the engine!

1. Fill the fuel tank.

2. Charge the 6-cell battery (not included) for the Kwik Pit

Super Start. Install the battery into the unit and connect it to the starter.Press the button on the starter to check that it is functioning properly.

3. Attach the glow starter to the glow plug.

4. With the throttle at idle, start the engine using the Kwik

Start System.

Sometimes it is helpful to start the engine at around half throttle. When the engine starts, immediately return the throttle to idle.

IMPORTANT! FIXING A FLOODED ENGINE

If the engine is difficult to turn over with the Super Start, especially if it is brand new, loosen the glow plug a half turn before starting the engine.This allows some compression to escape, but the engine will still start. Make sure you tighten the glow plug after the engine starts. If the Super Start is still having problems turning the engine over, it is flooded – there is too much fuel inside the engine. Remove the glow plug, then turn the truck upside down and run the Super Start for 5 or 6 seconds. This will clear the engine of fuel, and you will notice the engine turns over easier. Replace the glow plug and repeat the starting procedure.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Use the included fuel line clip (located on the fuel line going to the carburetor) to shut the engine off.Close the clip and within a few seconds, the engine will shut off. Leave the clip closed until you are ready to run the engine again.Never place your

finger over the exhaust to stop the engine. This could result in serious burns on your finger. It also causes fuel to back up in the engine,making it harder to start the next time you run your RT-X.

RRUNNING

UNNING

THE

ENGINE

TUNING GUIDE

BARREL 1mm

IDLE STOP SCREW

FROM FULLY CLOSED

SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER DURING BREAK-IN

1. Run with the body off.This will keep the engine cooler.

2. Keep the air cleaner on at ALL times

3. Run on a smooth, hard surface. An empty parking lot

is perfect.

4. Use the same fuel that you will use for normal running.

5. Resist the urge to accelerate and decelerate quickly.

6. Break-in puts stress on the glow plug and can burn it out.

Make sure you have an extra plug or two on hand.

7. Do NOT ov erheat the engine (see page 9).Y ou can chec k the head temperature by using one of the temperature gauges that are readily available (Dur aTrax™Flashpoint, DTXP3100).

TANK 1

Your first tank of fuel should be running the RT-X at a very rich needle valve setting. This allows the fuel to carry as much oil as possible into the engine to properly lubricate the internal parts dur ing the break-in.

1. Open the high speed needle valve 4-1/2 turns from fully closed (counterclockwise).This is factory set already, but check it to make sure. When closing the high-speed needle, close until you feel some resistance. DO NOT overtighten or you will damage the engine.

2. Fill the fuel tank and star t the engine.

3. Run the truck on a smooth surface with the body off.

4. Run back and forth at medium speeds, slowly accelerating

and decelerating the truck. NOTE: It is nor mal for the two speed not to shift (see page 10).

5. Run the truck until the tank is almost out of fuel.Do not allow the tank to run out of fuel during break-in.This leans out the engine and can cause overheating.

6. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. This normally takes around 10-15 minutes.

NOTE: If your engine does not stay running consistently, increase the idle speed by turning the idle stop screw clockwise.

TANK 2

Lean the high-speed needle 1/12 turn from “tank 1” setting. Run the truck for the complete tank and then let cool.

TANK 3

Lean the high-speed needle another 1/12 turn from “tank 2” setting. Run the truck for the complete tank and then let cool.

TANK 4

Lean the high-speed needle another 1/12 turn from “tank 3” setting. Run the truck for the complete tank and then let cool. You should notice the engine running much better at this point.

TANK 5

Lean the high-speed needle another 1/12 turn from “tank 4” setting.Run the truck for the complete tank and then let cool. The engine is now ready to be performanced tuned.

Important! At this point, the engine will likely be running at a faster idle speed than needed (This is typical after breakin).Adjust the idle stop screw to lower the idle speed so that the wheels do not, or just barely, rotate when you lift the truck off the ground.

TUNING TIPS

After break-in, run the truck where you plan to do most of your driving (grass, street, track, etc).Tune the high speed needle so the engine makes good power without overheating. Using a temperature gauge, tune the engine so that it will consistently stay under 270° F (132° C). Keep in mind, RC engines usually take a minute or two to warm up.It is common not to reach full power right away. Never tune a cold engine!

If needed, tune the low speed needle so that the truck idles and accelerates smoothly and consistently. Note: You may sometimes experience “run-on” when running the truck. “Run-on” is when the engine does not drop back down to idle after the trigger on the transmitter is released.T o correct this, richen the low-speed needle using 1/8 turn increments until the engine idles normally when the trigger is released.

ENGINE CARE

Never store y our R T-X with fuel in the tank.We recommend that after the final run of the day, you empty the fuel tank and then run the engine at idle until all the fuel is out of the fuel lines and engine. Remove the air filter and glow plug. Then place two drops of Hobbico®After Run Engine Oil (HCAP3000) in the carburetor and two into the cylinder to help prevent corrosion. Turn engine over a few times to circulate the oil.

10 WAYS TO ENSURE LONG LIFE FROM YOUR ENGINE

1. Keep your engine and air filter clean. Dirt will act as

insulation on an engine. It will not be able to shed heat as easily. Clean and re-oil the element often.

2. Do not over-lean your engine.

3. Do not run your engine with little or no load. Don’t throttle

up the engine to full throttle when the wheels are not in contact with the ground.

4. Do not overheat the engine (see page 9).

5. Do not use a fuel with a low oil content. Make sure you

use a model car fuel from a reputable manufacturer, such as O’Donnell Fuels.

6. Avoid using old fuels in the engine.

7. Do not use a fuel with a nitromethane (often called nitro)

content over 20%.

8. Do not scratch the piston or cylinder sleeve. Avoid jamming something into the exhaust port when removing or re-installing the clutch or flywheel. Use a special tool called the Ultimate Flywheel Wrench (DTXR1105) to keep the crankshaft from moving.

9. Do not use silicone sealer on the engine joints. Silicone sealer contains acetic acid, which is corrosive if it gets inside your engine.

10. Do not allow any water to get inside the engine.This sounds

easy, but temperature changes can cause condensation inside the engine.This is a good reason to use an after-run oil. Store your engine inside the house, not in a garage or shed where there will be temperature extremes.

BREAK IN

OCEDURE

+ 16 hidden pages