Tower Hobbies Tower Terror Assembly And Operation Manual

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Page 1

ASSEMBL

Y AND OPERA

TION MANU

www

.to

werhobbies.com

™

Ready-To-Run

Page 2

SPARE GLOW PLUGS

DTXG3003

PHILLIPS HEAD

SCREWDRIVER

DTXR0124

20% O’DONNELL FUEL

ODOP3520

PLIERS

DTXR0300

ALKALINE

BATTERIES

AIR FILTER OIL

DTXC2465

The following items are included in the box.

Chassis Body Body Clips (Qty 4) Decal Sheet Transmitter Transmitter Antenna Receiver Antenna Tube Wheel Wrench Instruction Manual Exploded View/Parts Listing

ENGINE TUNING

SCREWDRIVER

DTXR0185

AFTER RUN OIL

HCAP3000

WRENCH

DTXR1170

GLOW STARTER

TOWP1193

BODY SCISSORS

DTXR1150

Page 3

SAFETY PRECA

UTIONS

When the safety precautions are followed, the TOWER Terror will provide years of enjoyment. Use care and good sense at all times when operating this radio controlled truck.Failure to use this v ehicle in a safe, sensible 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 T OWER Terror 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 oper ating your v ehicle.

• Before turning on your radio system, check to mak e 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. Tower Hobbies maintains no responsibility for inadvertent errors in this manual.Visit www.towerhobbies.com for the latest updates and information for your model.

WWARRANTY

ARRANTY

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

• Make sure you save the in voice you were given when you bought your model! It is your proof of purchase and we must see it bef ore we can honor the warranty. Fur ther, Tower Hobbies reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

• In that Tower Hob bies 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 T OWER Terror f or repairs co v ered under warr anty y ou should send your truck to:

Hobby Services

3002 N. Apollo Dr ive Suite 1

Champaign, Illinois 61822

Attn: Service 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.

REP

AIR SER

VICE

Repair service is available anytime.

• After the 90 day warranty, y ou can still ha ve your T OWER Terror repaired for a small charge by the experts at Tower Hobbies’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. ❏ 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 purchase invoice).

Page 4

• Remove the radio box lid from the radio box.

• Remove the receiver battery holder from the receiver cover.

• Install (4) “AA” batteries, making sure polarity is correct.

• Reinstall the receiver battery holder.

• Secure the radio box lid to the radio box with the clips provided.

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

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

• Tur n the transmitter on and check the battery light.

• If both LED’s light up, the batteries are acceptable. If only the red LED lights up, immediately replace the batteries.

RECEIVER B

RECEIVER BAA

TTER

Y INST

ALLA

TION

TRANSMITTER PREP

ARA

TION

RECEIVER ANTENNA INST

ALLA

TION

DO NO

DO NOTT

CUT

THE

ANTENNA

WIRE!!

• Uncoil and straighten the antenna wire.

• Route the receiver antenna wire through the antenna tube.

• Install the tube into the antenna mount.

• Secure the excess antenna wire to the side of the antenna tube with tape or a short [3mm] length of fuel tubing by slipping it over the antenna tube and wire.

STTH

–

AA AA AA AA

+ – + –

“AA”

Radio

Box Lid

“AA”

Receiver

Battery

Holder

lip

Radio Box

Receiver Antenna

Antenna Tube

Antenna Mount

Page 5

AIR FIL

TER INST

ALLA

TION

RADIO SYSTEM CHECK

CHECK

THE RADIO SYSTEM

FOR PR

OPER FUNCTION

BEFORE

EAEACH R

CH R

UN!

• Remove the air filter top and foam element.

• Apply air filter oil (DTXC2465, not included) 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 your hands clean.

• Remove any excess oil with a paper towel.

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

• Replace air filter top.

• Fully extend the transmitter antenna.

• Turn the transmitter on, and 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 reverse 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 throttle stop screw on the carb, not the throttle trim (see page 7).

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

Base

Neck

Foam Element

Top

On/Off

Servo

Reversing

STTH

Dual Rate

ANTENNA

Steering

Trim

Throttle

Trim

Brake

Page 6

BOD

Y PREP

ARA

TION AND INST

ALLA

TION

• It is important that the engine is supplied with enough air flow to prevent overheating.

• Using the examples shown as a guide, carefully cut a little at a time to remove the area in both the front and rear “windows”.

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

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

Front Window Cut-Out

Rear Window

Cut-Out

Page 7

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 3-1/2 turns out from fully closed.Once

the engine is broken-in, the high-speed needle would typically run from 2-1/2 to 3 turns out from closed, depending on the weather, humidity and altitude above sea level. To richen the mixture turn the needle counterclockwise.T o 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 3-1/2 turns from fully closed while holding the carburetor open.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.

THROTTLE STOP SCREW

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

IMPORTANT!T o 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.

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. Prime the engine - while the engine is cool, place your

finger over the tuned pipe’s exhaust hole and pull the recoil gently several times. Do not over-prime! Stop when you see fuel in the fuel line at the carb.

3. Attach the starter to the glow plug.

4. With the throttle at idle, start the engine by pulling the

recoil using short, quick pulls. DO NOT pull the recoil starter’s string to the end.You only need 10 to 12 inches of pull to start the engine with the throttle at idle.

Sometimes it is helpful to start the engine at around half throttle. When the engine starts, immediately return the throttle to idle.If this is not done the engine can over-rev and cause engine damage.

IMPORTANT! FIXING A FLOODED ENGINE

If the engine is difficult to turn over with the recoil starter, 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 recoil starter is still difficult to pull, the engine is flooded – there is too much fuel inside the engine. Remove the glow plug.Then turn the truck upside down and pull the recoil 5 or 6 times.This will clear the engine of fuel, and you will notice the recoil pulls easier. Replace the glow plug and repeat the starting procedure.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

Pinch the fuel line that runs to the carburetor.Pinching this line will restrict the fuel flow and the engine will quit within a few seconds.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 T OWER T error.

Rich

Lean

High-Speed Needle

Lean

Rich

Low-Speed Needle

Slower

Idle

Throttle Stop Screw

Faster

Idle

Page 8

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 available (DuraTrax®Flashpoint™, DTXP3100).

TANK 1

Your first tank of fuel should be running the TOWER Terror 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 par ts dur ing the break-in.

1. Open the high speed needle valve 3-1/2 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.

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 throttle 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 tr uck 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 performance 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 throttle 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.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 your TOWER Terror 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.Pull the recoil 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.

Page 9

GLOW PLUG

The glow plug is an item that will wear out and need replacement from time to time. It is a good idea to remove the glow plug before your first run, connect the plug to the glow starter and see how well it glows. You should see a bright orange glow from the filament. If a coil or two will not glow or the plug will not glow at all, replace the plug. If the engine quits when you remove the glow starter, the plug might need to be changed, although this may be because you are running too rich and need to lean your high-speed needle. Look at the glow plug when you are running the engine. If you see some bubbles coming from around the plug, replace the glow plug.The only real way to test a glow plug is to replace it.Make sure you have a spare plug or two on hand every time that you run the TOWER Terror. We recommend the DuraTrax Carbon Speed (DTXG3003).

AIR FILTER

Dirt can get into your carburetor and engine through the air filter. Ensure that your air filter has a good seal to the top of the carburetor. Periodically wash the air filter foam element (using dish soap and water) and re-oil the filter with filter oil (DTXC2465).Any air filter that has a torn element or a bad seal should be replaced immediately.

FUEL

Use fuels that are specially formulated for car and truck engines like O’Donnell 20% RTR Fuel (ODOP3520). Fuel can go bad. The main ingredient in model fuel is methanol, which is basically alcohol. Alcohol will absorb water out of the air, so keep your fuel jug capped at all times. Store your fuel out of the sunlight and in a cool place, off the ground away from temperature extremes. Bad fuel is one of the most difficult problems to diagnose in engines. If you have tried everything you can think of to remedy an engine that is not running correctly, try using some fresh fuel.

FUEL SYSTEM

The fuel line is susceptible to pinhole leaks. You usually cannot see the hole in the fuel line, but if you see air bubbles in the line going to the carburetor, replace the fuel line. Another symptom of a leak in the fuel line is a surging engine. A properly tuned engine will surge when the air bubbles hit the carburetor. It is basically leaning out the mixture.

Dirt can get caught in the needle seat and cause an inconsistent running engine.If you suspect that some dirt has lodged itself in the carburetor, remove the needles and clean the carburetor with denatured alcohol or fuel. It can help to use compressed air to blow out the fuel passages as well.

OVERHEATING

One of the worst things you can do to your engine is overheat it.The oils that lubricate the engine are carried in the fuel. If your engine is set too lean, there will not be

enough oil in the engine to lubricate the internal par ts. This will cause premature wear in the engine and cause damage. The easiest way of checking the temperature of the cylinder head is by using one of the available temperature gauges (we recommend the DuraTrax Flashpoint Temperature Gauge, DTXP3100).This will give you a direct reading of the cylinder head temperature. Hold the temperature gauge directly on the cylinder head so the gauge is pointed directly at the glow plug.

BEFORE EACH RUN

1. IMPORTANT: Check to make sure that all screws are

tight. Always use threadlock (DTXR2010) on screws going into metal.

2. Before running always check the condition of your radio

system batteries and replace/recharge if necessary.

3. Check to make sure that all of the moving parts of the

TOWER Terror move freely and do not bind.

4. Check the fuel tank and fuel lines for leaks.

5. Before starting the engine, turn on the radio and make

sure the servos move easily and in the proper direction.

6. Inspect the air filter f or a torn or damaged element.Also look

for dirt in the air cleaner element and wash it if necessary.

7. Check for broken or damaged parts. Replace any broken

or damaged parts before running the TOWER Terror. Running of the TOWER Terror with broken or damaged parts could result in damage to other par ts.

8. Check to make sure that all wires are properly connected.

AFTER EACH RUN

1. Clean any large globs of dirt or debris from the chassis

and moving parts.

2. Drain the fuel tank of any leftover fuel.DO NOT return the

fuel to your fuel jug.

3. Check for any broken or damaged parts. This way parts

may be replaced before the next run.

4. Put 2 drops of after-run oil in the carburetor and 2 drops

in the cylinder (removing the glow plug to access the cylinder) and pull the recoil several times to work the oil into the engine. This will protect the engine from rusting, especially when stored for a long period of time.

AFTER EVERY 10 RUNS

1. Check to make sure that the bearings are free of dirt and

debris, and roll smoothly.

2. Check the shocks for oil leakage. Inspect the shaft and

seals for damage and replace if necessary.(A shock shaft with scratches you can feel with a fingernail should be replaced.)

3. Make sure the servo sa ver is free mo ving and does not bind.

This will help prevent stripping of the servo during running.

4. Check f or proper gear mesh between the spur and clutch bell.

Page 10

The following section is provided to help you with maintenance and repairs to your T O WER T error.Pay extra attention to the notes and tips f or proper assembl y .

FRFRONT/REAR GEARBO

ONT/REAR GEARBOXX

FRFRONT/REAR DIFF

ONT/REAR DIFF

Lightly coat each gear with

a thin layer of light grease.

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Make sure all bearings

are fully seated.

Make sure all bearings

are fully seated.

Page 11

CENTER

TRANSMISSION

SHOCK ASSEMBL

Y GUIDE

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Rear

Front

Flanged side must face

away from the spur gear.

Make sure all bearings

are fully seated.

Apply a small amount

of shock oil to the shock seals before installing them into

the shock body.

Apply a small

amount of shock oil

to the shock shaft

before installing it into

the shock seals.

Completely fill the

shock body with oil.

Slowly work the

piston up and down

to remove all air

bubbles before slowly

tightening the shock cap.

Page 12

FRFRONT SHOCK

ONT SHOCK TTOO

WER

AND BOD

Y MOUNT

REAR SHOCK

REAR SHOCK TTOO

WER

AND BOD

Y MOUNT

Page 13

100mm

FRFRONT SUSPENSION

ONT SUSPENSION

REAR SUSPENSION

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Make sure all bearings

are fully seated.

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Make sure all bearings

are fully seated.

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Page 14

BELLCRANK

20.5mm

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Make sure all clips

are fully seated.

Page 15

SER

SERVV

O ASSEMBL

O ASSEMBLYY

CLUTCH ASSEMBL

CLUTCH ASSEMBLYY

Make sure the servos

are centered before

installing the servo horns.

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

Make sure all bearings

Use threadlock on all

metal to metal screws.

are fully seated.

Page 16

The Engine Starts

TOWZ1120 For Kit TOWC03**

Clear the

engine of fuel.

It should be ready to go.

Is the high

speed needle

setting 3-1/2 to

YES YES

3-3/4 turns out

from closed

(if the engine

is broken-in)?

YES

Reset the high

speed needle.

The Engine Does Not Start

Does it run

continuously?

Is fuel getting

to the engine?

Make sure the

fuel line is connected and check for leaks.

Try starting the

engine again.

Does the engine

YES YES

quit when the glow plug clip

is removed?

Check that the

pressure line

is connected to

the muffler. The

fuel may be bad.

Replace the

glow plug.

Replace the fuel

line and flush out

the fuel tank.

Is foreign matter

clogging the fuel tank or fuel line?

YES

Remove the

obstruction

from the fuel

tank or fuel line.

Does the engine turn over easily?

YES

Is fuel in the

fuel line?

YES

Is the glow

plug red hot?

YES

Check the high speed

needle setting and

prime the engine.

Try starting the

engine again.

Does the engine

turn over easily

with the glow

plug removed?

YES

The engine may

be flooded. Clear

the engine of fuel.

Is the battery for

the glow starter

YES

Replace the

charged?

glow plug.

Check that nothing

is caught in the

engine. Check that

the pull starter

operates smoothly.

Charge or

replace the

batteries.