Advertisement
After-run Procedure
You must perform after-run maintenance on your Traxxas engine
whenever the model will be stored for longer than a few hours. Taking
the time to prepare your engine for storage will reward you with longer
engine life, easier starting, and better performance.
When a nitro engine is shut off, some excess unburned fuel remains in
the engine. The methanol in model engine fuel is hygroscopic, which
means it easily attracts and absorbs moisture. This moisture can cause
rust and corrosion on the steel engine parts (crankshaft, bearings, wrist
pin and starter shaft) if the fuel is not removed from the engine. There are
after run oil products available from your hobby dealer or you can use
WD-40™, a common household lubricant. To ensure your TRX 3.3 Racing
Engine is protected from internal corrosion, use the following procedure:
1. Whenever possible, shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line
closed. This allows most of the excess fuel to be consumed by the
engine. Be sure the throttle is in the idle position. You may have to
pinch the fuel line closed for several seconds before the engine stops.
2. Completely empty the fuel tank. Use your fuel-dispensing bottle to
suck out the old fuel. Do not mix the old fuel with your fresh fuel
supply. If you leave fuel in the tank, transporting or handling your
Jato may cause fuel to run into the engine.
3. With the fuel tank empty and the throttle at the idle position, try to
start the engine. The engine will most likely start and run for a few
seconds as it uses up any fuel remaining in the engine and fuel lines.
4. Once the engine stops, clean the outside of the engine with
compressed air or spray motor cleaner. Once the engine is clean and
dry, remove the glow plug power wire, glow plug, and air filter.
5. Open the throttle fully and spray a one-second burst of WD-40 into
the carburetor and into the glow plug hole (Caution! Wear safety
glasses to prevent spray from getting into your eyes). If you are using
after-run oil, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Maintaining and Storing Your Jato 3.3
6. Place a rag or paper towel over the engine to catch any WD-40 or
after-run oil that may come out the carburetor or glow plug hole.
7. Connect the EZ-Start controller to the model and spin the engine
for 10 seconds.
8. Remove the rag or paper towel and repeat steps 5–7 two more times.
9. Clean and re-oil the air filter so it will be ready for use next time. See
page 22 for air filter maintenance instructions.
10. Replace the glow plug, reconnect the glow plug power wire, and
reinstall the air filter.
11. Rotate the engine so it is at bottom dead center (piston at the
bottom of the sleeve). The flywheel should be able to rotate freely
back and forth.
Denatured alcohol
(available from home
centers and paint supply
stores) in a spray bottle is
an extremely effective
cleaner. Be sure to wear
safety glasses and gloves
when working with
denatured alcohol.
Be sure to follow proper
maintenance and storage
procedures to avoid
damage to your engine
and other components of
your Jato.
Don't put the fuel from
your tank back into your
fuel jug. Dispose of it
properly, following city or
county regulations.
Always wear eye
protection when using
compressed air or spray
cleaners and lubricants.
Do not store your model
indoors with fuel
remaining in the tank or
the engine.
Jato 3.3 • 41
Advertisement
