SLASH 4x4 • 19
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 (3mm or 1/8” diameter)
in each tire. Each hole should be near the tire center-line, 180 degrees apart.
3. Confirm that the RX 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, as low as 9T or spur gear as large as
54T) 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
• Velineon motor life can be greatly reduced in mud and water. If the motor gets
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 high speed to “sling” the water out. One way
to do this is to make several high-speed passes on a flat, dry surface, if possible.
2. Remove the batteries.
3. Rinse excess dirt and mud off the truck with low-pressure water, such as from a
garden hose. Do NOT use pressure washer or other high-pressure water. Avoid
directing water into the bearings, differentials, etc.
4. Blow off the truck with compressed air (optional, but recommended). Wear
safety glasses when using compressed air.
5. Remove the wheels from the truck.
6. Spray all the bearings, drivetrain, and fasteners with WD-40
®
or similar water
displacing light oil.
7. Let the truck stand or you may blow it off with compressed air. Placing the truck
in a warm sunny spot will aid drying. Trapped water and oil will continue to
drip from the truck 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.
•
Differentials
: Remove, disassemble, clean, and re-grease the differential
components. Use a light coating of wheel bearing grease (from an auto parts
store) on the metal gear teeth. Refer to your exploded view diagrams for help
with disassembly and reassembly.
•
Velineon motor
: Remove the motor, clean with aerosol motor cleaner, and
re-oil the bearings with lightweight motor oil. Be sure to wear eye protection
when using spray aerosol cleaners.
RECEIVER BOX: MAINTAINING A WATERTIGHT SEAL
Removing and Installing Radio Gear
The unique design of the receiver box allows the removal and installation of the receiver
without losing the ability to maintain a watertight seal in the box. The patent-pending
wire clamp feature gives you the ability to also install aftermarket radio systems and
maintain the watertight features of the receiver box.
Removing the Receiver
1. To remove the cover, remove the two 3x10mm button-head cap screws.
2. To remove the receiver from the box simply
lift it out and set to the side. The antenna
wire is still inside the clamp area and cannot
be removed yet.
3. Remove the wire clamp by removing the two
2.8x8mm cap screws.
4. Unplug the servo cables from the receiver
and remove the receiver.
Receiver Installation
1. Always install the wires into the RX box before installing the receiver.
2. Install the antenna wire and the servo cables into the receiver box.
3. Arrange the wires neatly using the wire guides in the receiver
box. The excess wire will be bundled inside the receiver box.
Label which wire is for which channel.
4. Apply small bead of silicone grease (Traxxas part #1647) to the
wire clamp.
5. Install the wire clamp and tighten the two 2.8x8mm cap
screws securely.
6. Install the receiver into the box and plug the wires into
receiver. Refer to page 10 for the wiring diagram.
7. Make sure the O-ring is properly seated into the groove
in the receiver box so that the cover will not pinch it or
damage it any way.
8. Install the cover and tighten the two 3x10mm button-head cap screws securely.
9. Inspect the cover to make sure that the O-ring seal is not visible.
DRIVING YOUR MODEL