TRAXXAS RALLY • 19
DRIVING YOUR MODEL
Not all batteries can be used in wet environments. Consult your
battery manufacturer to see if their batteries can be used in
wet conditions.
The Traxxas TQ transmitter is not water resistant. Do not subject it to
wet conditions such as rain.
Do NOT operate your model during a rain storm or other inclement
weather where lightning may be present.
Do NOT allow your model to come in contact with salt water (ocean
water), brackish water (between fresh water and ocean water), or
other contaminated water. Salt water is highly conductive and highly
corrosive. Use caution if you plan to run your model on or near a beach.
Even casual water contact can reduce the life of your motor. Special
care must be taken to modify your gearing and/or your driving style
in wet conditions to extend the life of the motor (details below).
Before Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions
1. Consult the section “After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions”
before proceeding. Make sure you understand the additional
maintenance required with wet running.
2. The wheels have small holes molded in to allow air to enter and exit
the tire during normal running. Water will enter these holes and get
trapped inside the tires if holes are not cut in the tires. Cut two small
holes (4mm or 3/16” diameter) in each tire. Each hole should be near
the tire centerline, 180 degrees apart.
3. Confirm that the receiver box O-ring and cover are installed correctly
and secure. Make sure the screws are tight and the blue O-ring is not
visible protruding from the edge of the cover.
4. Confirm that your batteries can be used in wet conditions.
5. Use lower gearing (smaller pinion gears) when running in mud, deep
puddles, snow, or other similar situations that will restrict the tires
and put much higher loads on the motor.
Motor Precautions
Motor life can be greatly reduced in mud and water. If the motor
get excessively wet or submerged, use very light throttle (run the
motor slowly) until the excess water can run out. Applying full
throttle to a motor full of water can cause rapid motor failure. Your
driving habits will determine motor life with a wet motor. Do not
submerge the motor under water.
Do not gear the motor by temperature when running in wet
conditions. The motor will be cooled by water contact and will not
give an accurate indication of appropriate gearing.
After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions
1. Drain the tires by spinning the tires at full throttle to “sling” the water
out. An easy way to do this is to remove the body and set the model
upside down on a flat surface. Apply full throttle so the tires spin and
throw the excess water out of the holes you cut into the tires.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Rinse excess dirt and mud off the model with low-pressure water,
such as from a garden hose. Do NOT use a pressure washer or
other high-pressure water. Avoid directing water into the bearings,
transmission, differentials, etc.
4. Blow off the model with compressed air (optional, but
recommended). Wear safety glasses when using compressed air.
5. Remove the wheels from the model.
6. Spray all the bearings, drivetrain, and fasteners with WD-40
®
or similar
water displacing light oil.
7. Let the model stand or you may blow off with compressed air. Placing
the model in a warm sunny spot will aid drying. Trapped water and
oil will continue to drip from the model for a few hours. Place it on a
towel or piece of cardboard to protect the surface underneath.
8. As a precautionary step, remove the sealed receiver box cover. While
unlikely, humidity or tiny amounts of moisture or condensation may
enter the receiver box during wet running. This can cause long-term
problems with the sensitive electronics in the receiver. Removing
the receiver box cover during storage allows the air inside to dry. This
step can improve the long-term reliability of the receiver. It is not
necessary to remove the receiver or unplug any of the wires.
9.
Additional Maintenance
: Increase your frequency of disassembly,
inspection and lubrication of the following items: This is necessary
after extended wet use or if the vehicle will not be used for an
extended period of time (such as a week or longer). This additional
maintenance is needed to prevent any trapped moisture from
corroding internal steel components.
•
Stub axle housing bearings
: Remove, clean, and re-oil the bearings.
•
Front and rear differential
: Remove, disassemble, clean, and re-
grease the differentials. Refer to your exploded view diagrams for
help with disassembly and reassembly.
