Tower Hobbies Tower Terror Assembly And Operation Manual

Page 1
®
ASSEMBL
ASSEMBL
Y AND OPERA
Y AND OPERA
TION MANU
TION MANU
AL
AL
www
www
.to
.to
werhobbies.com
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
2
ENGINE TUNING
SCREWDRIVER
DTXR0185
AFTER RUN OIL
HCAP3000
WRENCH
DTXR1170
GLOW STARTER
TOWP1193
BODY SCISSORS
DTXR1150
Page 3
SAFETY PRECA
SAFETY PRECA
UTIONS
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
SPECIFICA
TION AND DESCRIPTION
TION AND DESCRIPTION
CHANGES
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
REP
AIR SER
AIR SER
VICE
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).
3
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.
4
RECEIVER B
RECEIVER BAA
TTER
TTER
Y INST
Y INST
ALLA
ALLA
TION
TION
TRANSMITTER PREP
TRANSMITTER PREP
ARA
ARA
TION
TION
RECEIVER ANTENNA INST
RECEIVER ANTENNA INST
ALLA
ALLA
TION
TION
DO NO
DO NOTT
CUT
CUT
THE
THE
ANTENNA
ANTENNA
WIRE!!
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.
R
STTH
N
ST
TH
AA
AA
+
AA
AA
+
+
+
+
+
AA AA AA AA
+ – + –
“AA
Radio
Box Lid
AA
Receiver
Battery
Holder
s
lip
C
Radio Box
Receiver Antenna
Antenna Tube
Antenna Mount
Page 5
5
AIR FIL
AIR FIL
TER INST
TER INST
ALLA
ALLA
TION
TION
RADIO SYSTEM CHECK
RADIO SYSTEM CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
THE RADIO SYSTEM
THE RADIO SYSTEM
FOR PR
FOR PR
OPER FUNCTION
OPER FUNCTION
BEFORE
BEFORE
EAEACH R
CH R
UN!
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
R
STTH
N
Dual Rate
ANTENNA
Steering
Trim
Throttle
Throttle
Trim
ST
TH
Brake
Page 6
6
BOD
BOD
Y PREP
Y PREP
ARA
ARA
TION AND INST
TION AND INST
ALLA
ALLA
TION
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.
7
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.
8
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.
9
Page 10
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
11
CENTER
CENTER
TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION
SHOCK ASSEMBL
SHOCK ASSEMBL
Y GUIDE
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
12
FRFRONT SHOCK
ONT SHOCK TTOO
WER
WER
AND BOD
AND BOD
Y MOUNT
Y MOUNT
REAR SHOCK
REAR SHOCK TTOO
WER
WER
AND BOD
AND BOD
Y MOUNT
Y MOUNT
Page 13
13
100mm
FRFRONT SUSPENSION
ONT SUSPENSION
REAR 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
14
BELLCRANK
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
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**
Entire Contents Copyright © 2006
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
NO
Reset the high
speed needle.
The Engine Does Not Start
Does it run
continuously?
NO
Is fuel getting
to the engine?
NO
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?
NO
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
NO
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
NO
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
NO
turn over easily
with the glow
plug removed?
YES
The engine may
be flooded. Clear
the engine of fuel.
Is the battery for
NO
the glow starter
YES
Replace the
charged?
glow plug.
Check that nothing
is caught in the
NO
engine. Check that
the pull starter
operates smoothly.
Charge or
NO
replace the
batteries.
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