MODEL 4809 owners manual
Introduction 3 Before You Proceed 4 Safety Precautions 5 Tools, Supplies and Required Equipment 6 Anatomy of Your Nitro 4-Tec 7 Quick Start: Getting Up to Speed 8 Decorating and Installing your Nitro 4-Tec Body 9 The Traxxas TQ Radio System 17 The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine 32 Driving Your Nitro 4-Tec 33 Adjusting Your Nitro 4-Tec 36 Maintaining and Storing Your Nitro 4-Tec 38 Troubleshooting 40 Index 2 • Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec 3.3™ all-wheel-drive nitro supercar.
Before You Proceed Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and any accompanying materials to prevent serious damage to your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3. Failure to follow these instructions will be considered abuse and/or neglect. WARNING! NOT A TOY! Read carefully! This product is capable of extreme speed and acceleration! It is intended for expert drivers only. Experience with nitro-powered radio controlled models is required.
Safety Precautions All instructions and precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to ensure safe operation of your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3. Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 is not intended for use by children under 16 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult. Not a Toy! For Expert Drivers Only! This product is capable of extreme speed and acceleration! It carries our highest skill level rating (5) and is intended for expert drivers only.
Tools, Supplies, and Required Equipment Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 comes with a set of specialty metric tools. You’ll need to purchase other items, available from your hobby dealer, to operate and maintain your model. Supplied Tools and Equipment Turnbuckle wrenches 1.5mm “L” hex wrench For more information on radio system batteries, see Use the Right Batteries on page 11. 2.0mm “L” hex wrench Required Tools and Equipment Glow plug and wheel nut wrench 4-way wrench U-joint wrench 2.
Anatomy of Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 Chassis (lower) TRX 3.3 Racing Engine see pg. 18 for details Racing Tires Pressure Line Antenna Mount Servo Saver Receiver Header EZ-Start Motor Crystal Access Pipe Steering Bellcrank Pipe Hanger Tie Rod (Turnbuckle) Front Camber Link (Turnbuckle) Front Bumper Plate Shock Tower Body Mount EZ-Start Plug Rear Differential Air Filter Fuel Line Center Drive Belt Rear Suspension Arm Two-Speed Transmission 6 • Nitro 4-Tec 3.
Quick Start: Getting up to Speed The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 running, from opening the box to breaking in and tuning your engine. Refer to the pages indicated for details on each step. Look for the Quick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages. 1. Read the safety precautions on page 4 For your own safety, understand where carelessness and misuse could lead to personal injury. 10.
Decorating Installing your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 Body Applying The Decals Installing The main decals have already been applied to your Nitro 4-Tec. The extra decals provided are die-cut for easy removal. Use a hobby knife to lift the corner of a decal and remove it from the backing. The body mount parts are located in a separate bag with your instructions. The front body mount posts attach to the front bumper with 3x10mm countersunk cap screws.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System Your Nitro 4-Tec (model 4809) is equipped with the TQ Radio System. The TQ is a 2-channel system that provides high-power output up to a quarter mile and control for two servos. The Nitro 4-Tec makes use of two channels for throttle/brake and steering. TQ Transmitter Antenna Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 Wiring Diagram 4-Cell Battery Holder Throttle Neutral Adjust Steering Wheel Throttle Trim Steering Trim On/Off Switch Antenna Steering Servo Throttle Servo Throttle Trigger CH.2 CH.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System Radio System Terminology Learn terms related to the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine beginning on page 19. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-system terms. They will be used throughout this manual. Channel - The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6 channels so that up to six models can be operated simultaneously. Each channel is referred to by its flag color and channel number, as shown below. 1 Frequency Band 26.995 Flag Color Brown Traxxas Part No.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System Installing Transmitter Batteries Your TQ transmitter uses 8 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. Use the Right Batteries CH.1 CH.2 4. Turn on the transmitter and check the power indicator for a solid red light. If the power indicator light flashes, then the transmitter batteries are weak, discharged or possibly installed incorrectly. Replace with new or freshly charged batteries.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System Installing the Receiver Batteries If you use rechargeable batteries in your receiver, be aware that when they begin to lose their charge, they lose power much more quickly than regular alkaline batteries. Signs of weak receiver batteries include sluggish steering response and shortened radio range. Caution: Discontinue running your Nitro 4-Tec at the first sign of weak batteries to avoid losing control. The radio receiver in your Nitro 4-Tec uses 4 AA batteries.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System Setting up the Antenna You must install the antenna mast (tube) before you operate your Nitro 4-Tec. You’ll find the plastic antenna tube and tip in the bag with your manuals and documentation. Antenna Tip Antenna Sleeve 1. Locate the black antenna wire that exits the receiver cover. The receiver cover is located between the fuel tank and the tuned pipe. The antenna wire exits the cover towards the front. Don’t shorten the length of the antenna wire.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System There are two settings available: TQ Radio System Controls RN RIGHT TU N LEFT TUR Steering 50/50: Allows equal travel for both acceleration and braking. 70/30: Allows more throttle travel (70%) and less brake travel (30%). 50/50 is the required setting for Nitro 4-Tec with the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System Always have the transmitter and receiver turned on before you start the engine. Never turn the radio system off while the engine is running. The on/off switch in the model only turns the receiver on and off. It does not turn off the engine. TQ Radio System Rules Each time you prepare to run your Nitro 4-Tec, you must clear your frequency to be sure no one else in the area is using the same channel as you.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System Using the TQ Radio System When the engine is running, do not use the throttle trim on the transmitter to adjust the engine idle speed. Always use the idle speed adjustment screw (see page 18) on the carburetor. Don’t attempt to operate your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 if there are any problems with your radio system or radio interference at your location. The TQ Radio System was pre-adjusted at the factory.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine™ Introduction The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is the next generation of TRX nitro power. The larger displacement and advanced porting generate class-leading horsepower while still maintaining the TRX Racing Engine characteristics of broad, linear power delivery and ease of tuning. Focused engineering and rigorous testing have yielded unprecedented power and uncompromising performance that turns ready-to-run into Ready-To-Race® .
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine TRX 3.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Terms to Know You’ll find these Nitro R/C engine terms throughout this section of the manual. .15 - .15 or “15” refers to the displacement of the engine. The TRX 2.5 Racing Engine is .15 cubic inches or 2.5 cubic centimeters (cc). The name “TRX 2.5” is derived from the cc measurement. .20 - .20 or “20” refers to the size of the engine. The TRX 3.3 is .20 cubic inches or 3.3 cubic centimeters (cc). The name “TRX 3.3” is derived from the cc measurement.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Glow plug driver - This tool clips onto the glow plug and supplies the required voltage to light the glow plug element. It is also called an igniter. EZ-Start equipped engines do not require this separate tool. Header - The aluminum tube that connects the exhaust system to the engine exhaust port. The length and diameter of the header must be carefully selected to extract the most power from the engine.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine The Fuel Use the Right Fuel It’s imperative that you use the correct fuel in your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine for maximum performance and engine life. Traxxas Top Fuel™ should be used to ensure correct engine lubrication, performance, and ease of tuning. Traxxas Top Fuel has been proven in thousands of engines, so you can count on it every day for great performance. Top Fuel is the only fuel which is 100% certified for use in Traxxas engines.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Filling the Fuel Tank Air Filter Cleaning Instructions Use a fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas Top Fueler, part# 5001) to put fuel into the Nitro 4-Tec’s fuel tank. To fill the fuel bottle, squeeze the air out, insert the dispenser tip into the fuel can, and release your grip on the bottle. As the bottle expands, fuel will be drawn into it. 1. Remove the air filter from the carburetor bore by pulling the entire filter assembly firmly to the side to release it.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine The Carburetor Understanding the Carburetor adjustments The carburetor performs several functions. It controls the engine’s speed by restricting the intake of air and fuel into the engine. It atomizes the fuel (suspends the fuel droplets in the air) and also controls the air/fuel ratio of the mixture entering the engine (how much air for a given amount of fuel). molecules) to maintain the correct air/fuel ratio.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine See Tuning Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine on page 29 for complete information on adjusting the air/fuel mixture and idle speed. Water Valve Richen (Controls Overall Flow) High Speed Needle Slightly rich fuel mixtures deliver cooler running and more lubrication but with slightly less power. Tuning the engine means finding the perfect balance between the two; excellent power to meet your needs while maintaining good lubrication for long engine life.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine The Traxxas EZ-Start Electric Starting System The Traxxas EZ-Start brings the convenience of push-button electric engine starting to your Nitro 4-Tec. The EZ-Start consists of a hand-held control unit and an on-board motorized starter. Power for the EZ-Start system comes from a 7.2-volt rechargeable battery pack installed in the hand-held control unit (battery sold separately).
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Using the EZ-Start off the power to the motor. Allow at least 3 minutes for the starter motor to cool and the circuit to automatically reset before continuing. Use the time to find and eliminate the condition that caused the excessive load on the starter motor.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Breaking in Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine uses a ringless, aluminum-brass-chrome (ABC) piston/sleeve construction. This type of engine design relies on a very precise running fit between the piston and sleeve for cylinder sealing. Engine break-in is necessary to allow the piston and sleeve to develop an extremely precise fit and optimum cylinder sealing. Therefore, proper engine break-in is critical to achieving the fastest, most reliable engine performance.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine High Altitude Operation: If you live in a high altitude region (5000 or more feet above sea level), the lower air density may require you to lean your high-speed fuel mixture slightly from the factory break in settings. Try this if you are experiencing difficult starting or extremely sluggish engine performance at high altitude.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Winter Break-in Tips During the break-in process, the piston and sleeve wear into each other to form a precise fit. The engine needs to heat up to a temperature around 200 to 215 degrees to allow the piston and sleeve to achieve this fit properly. A precise fit between these two components is critical for proper compression, and optimum performance.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine When adjusting the low speed fuel mixture, it is very important to make several high-speed runs with Nitro 4-Tec between adjustments to clear out any excess fuel. Perform the pinch test immediately after. If the engine is allowed to idle for a long period of time, it could “load up” with fuel and give you an inaccurate measurement from your pinch test. Higher nitro requires a richer fuel mixture.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Idle Speed Adjustment Once the high and low-speed mixtures have been set, reduce the idle speed to the minimum reliable idle speed. Remember, this adjustment should be made while the engine is running at normal operating temperature. 1. Turn the throttle trim on the transmitter so the brakes are applied (note its original position). This ensures that the throttle slide is resting against the idle adjustment screw. 2.
Driving Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 Introduction Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is broken in, the fuel mixture is balanced, and the idle is set…now it’s time to have some fun! This section contains instructions on making adjustments to your Nitro 4-Tec. Before you go on, here are some important precautions to keep in mind. Don’t run your Nitro 4-Tec in water, mud, snow, or wet grass. Water and mud are easily drawn through the air filter and will severely damage the engine.
Adjusting Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 Once you become familiar with driving your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3, you may wish to make adjustments for better driving performance. 0° 0° 7. Use 1/8 turn increments to find the approximate, desired shift point. 8. Check performance by running a test lap after each adjustment. -1°TOpoint. 9. Use 1/8-1/16 turn increments to fine tune the shift -2° Adjusting the Shift Point The Nitro 4-Tec comes equipped with a two-speed transmission.
Adjusting Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 At no time should the body of the car strike the ground or interfere with the suspension or tires. Either situation will cause extremely unpredictable handling. Toe In Belt Tension Adjustments Set the steering trim on your transmitter to neutral. Now, adjust your tie rods so that both wheels are pointing straight ahead and are parallel to each other (0 degrees toe in). This will ensure the same amount of steering in both directions.
Adjusting Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 Gear Ratios Another Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 feature is the ability to change the gear ratios. Currently, there are three optional gear ratios for the Nitro 4-Tec. The stock gear ratio will provide very high (70+ MPH) top speeds. The following gear ratio chart shows the available combinations with optional spur gears and clutch bells. Gear Clutch Teeth Spur Teeth Primary Reduction Overall Reduction Nitro 4-Tec Stock Equipment Explosive acceleration 1st 2nd 15 19 45 41 3.00 2.
Maintaining and Storing Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 If the engine is worn or damaged enough to require replacing the piston, sleeve, or connecting rod, consider exchanging your old engine for a brand new engine under the terms of the Traxxas Lifetime Engine Replacement Plan (ERP). It could save you time and effort. Details are in your model’s documentation package or on our website. The TRX 3.3 is designed to be easy to rebuild.
Maintaining and Storing Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 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. 6. Place a rag or paper towel over the engine to catch any WD-40 or afterrun oil that may come out the carburetor or glow plug hole. 7.
Troubleshooting Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 The following section addresses some very basic engine and radio questions you may have about your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3. Most questions arise from simple user errors or minor adjustments that are easy to correct. If you can’t find a solution for your Nitro 4-Tec here, then visit our Web site at www.Traxxas.com and click on the Customer Support menu. There you will find a much more extensive and detailed online troubleshooting area.
Troubleshooting Your Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 Engine spins but will not start: If the engine is spinning but will not start, first check to make sure that both the motor and glow plug LEDs on the EZ-Start controller light when the button is depressed. If the glow plug LED does not light, make sure the blue glow plug wire is tightly connected and is not damaged in any way. If the wire is good, then replace the glow plug. It is normal for glow plugs to require periodic replacement.
Index ABC, 19 Adjustments, 33 After-run procedure, 36 Air density, 30 Air filter, 6, 18, 19, 22 cleaning, 22 foam, 19 Air intake, 18 Air/fuel mixture, 23 Air/fuel ratio, 23 Alignment, 33 Altitude, 28 Ambient temperature, 31 Antenna (receiver), 9, 13 mount, 6 Antenna (transmitter), 9 Atmospheric conditions, 23, 31 Barometric pressure, 31 Baseline setting, 31 Batteries, 11 alkaline, 5 charging, 11, 25 compartment, 9, 11 installing, 12 NiCad (nickel-cadmium), 10, 11 NiMH (nickel-metal hydride), 10, 11 receiver
Index Fuel (Top Fuel), 5, 19, 21, 37 break-in, 27 dispensing bottle, 5 flow, 21, 23 handling, 21 other fuels, 21 unburned, 26, 36 Fuel intake, 18 Fuel line (fuel tubing), 6, 18, 19 Fuel mixture, 19, 23 Fuel tank, 6, 18 filling, 22 fuel tank lid, 6 Gear Ratios, 35 Glow plug, 19 driver, 20 glow plug wire, 18 Head (cylinder head), 18, 19 Head protector, 18 Header, 6, 18, 20 High-speed needle, 18, 20 adjustment, 30 Humidity, 30 Idle speed screw, 18, 20, 24 adjustment, 31 Lean, 20 leaning the mixture, 20 maximum
Notes 42 • Nitro 4-Tec 3.
Notes Nitro 4-Tec 3.
owners manual MODEL 4809 060602 1100 Klein Road, Plano Texas 75074 1-888-TRAXXAS
