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Transmission Tuning
Adjusting the Slipper Clutch
Your Jato is equipped with an
adjustable Torque Control
™
slipper
clutch. The slipper clutch is integrated
into the main spur gear on the
transmission (see page 6). The slipper
clutch is adjusted by loosening or
tightening the spring-loaded locknut
on the slipper shaft. Use the supplied
4-way wrench. To tighten or loosen the slipper nut, hold the spur gear to
prevent it from turning and turn the adjustment nut. Turn the adjustment
nut clockwise to tighten (less slippage) and counter-clockwise to loosen
(more slippage). The slipper clutch has two functions:
1. Limiting the engine's torque output to the wheels to prevent
wheelspin on low-traction surfaces and uncontrolled wheelies on
high-traction surfaces.
2. Protecting the drivetrain from sudden impact or shock loads (such as
landing from a jump with the engine at full throttle).
From the factory the slipper clutch is set for minimal slippage, just
enough to protect the drivetrain from shock loads. On slippery, low
traction surfaces such as a hard-packed, dry racetrack you may benefit
from loosening the slipper adjustment nut to allow for more clutch
slippage. This will make the truck easier and more forgiving to drive by
helping to reduce the amount of wheel spin. Loosening the slipper
adjustment can also improve performance on extreme high traction
surfaces by preventing the front end from lifting off of the ground when
accelerating. Make slipper adjustments in small 1/8 turn increments.
The maximum tight setting for the slipper is just at the point where
there is little or no tire slippage on a high traction surface such as carpet
or a prepared racetrack. The slipper should not be tightened to the point
that clutch slippage is completely eliminated. Do not over tighten the
slipper nut or you could damage the slipper bearings, pressure plates, or
other components.
Basic Tuning Adjustments
Adjusting the Two-Speed Transmission
Jato comes equipped with an adjustable two-speed transmission. When the
shift point on the transmission is adjusted correctly, it will maximize
acceleration and improve drivability. Use a 2mm hex wrench to adjust the
shift point. To make the adjustment, the engine must be off (not running).
1. Remove the rubber access plug from
the top of the transmission housing.
2. While looking through the opening,
rotate the spur gear to align the cutout
(notch) on the internal 2-speed clutch
drum with the opening.
3. Hold the spur gear and slowly roll the
truck forward until the hex on the black
adjustment set screw becomes visible in
the opening. Note: The two speed will
only rotate inside the drum when the
truck is rolled forward. The truck can be
rolled forward and back until the set
screw becomes visible.
4. Insert the 2.0mm hex wrench
through the clutch drum and into
the adjustment screw.
5. Turn the adjustment screw 1/8 turn
clockwise to raise the shift point (shifts
later). Turn the adjustment screw
counter-clockwise to make Jato shift
sooner. Be careful not to loosen the
adjustment screw too much or you may
cause the screw and spring to fall out
(requiring major disassembly and repair).
6. Reinstall the rubber access plug to prevent dirt from entering the
transmission. Do not put oil or other lubricants into the transmission
through the two-speed adjustment access.
7. Check performance by running a test lap after each adjustment. On a
small race track with many tight turns, try setting the shift point later so
the truck only shifts into second gear on the main straightaway. This will
prevent an unexpected shift in the middle of a turn. On larger tracks it
may be necessary to allow earlier shifts for increased speed.
Shift
Later
Jato 3.3 • 37
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