MODEL 4807 owner’s 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 TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM 14 THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE 29 DRIVING YOUR NITRO 4-TEC Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec 3.3™ all-wheel-drive nitro supercar. The Nitro 4-Tec 3.3 was designed to deliver extreme power for expert drivers. It is the most powerful Ready-To-Race® allwheel-drive nitro supercar ever conceived.
BEFORE YOU PROCEED Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and any accompanying materials to prevent serious damage to your model. Failure to follow these instructions will be considered abuse and/or neglect. Support Before running your model, look over this entire manual and examine the model carefully. If for some reason you decide it is not what you wanted, then do not continue any further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a model for return or exchange after it has been run.
bluehighway font SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 2 3 3+ 4 5 All instructions and precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to ensure safe operation of your model. All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new Nitro 4-Tec. Operate your Nitro 4-Tec sensibly and with care, and it will be exciting, safe, and fun for you and those around you. Failure to operate your Nitro 4-Tec in a safe and responsible manner may result in property damage and serious injury.
TOOLS, SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT Your Nitro 4-Tec 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” wrench U-joint wrench 2.0mm “T” wrench NiMH 7.2V battery charger* Antenna nut wrench 2.
ANATOMY OF THE NITRO 4-TEC 3.3 Chassis (lower) TRX 3.3 Racing Engine see pg. 15 for details Racing Tires Pressure Line Antenna Mount Servo Saver Receiver Header Pipe Steering Bellcrank Pipe Hanger Tie Rod (Turnbuckle) Front Camber Link (Turnbuckle) EZ-Start Motor 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 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 or damage to your Nitro 4-Tec. 9.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO system INTRODUCTION To prevent loss of radio range do not kink or cut the black wire, do not bend or cut the metal tip, and do not bend or cut the white wire at the end of the metal tip. Correct No No Learn terms related to the TRX 3.3 racing engine beginning on page 16. 8 • NITRO 4-TEC 3.3 No Your model includes the latest Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link™ technology.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO system Your model is equipped with the newest Traxxas 2.4 GHz transmitter with Traxxas Link.™ The transmitter has two channels for controlling your throttle and steering. The receiver inside the model has 5 output channels. Your model is equipped with two servos and a receiver. TQ 2.4GHz Transmitter Antenna Multi-Function Knob Nitro 4-Tec 3.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO system INSTALLING TRANSMITTER BATTERIES If the radio system doesn’t appear to work when the transmitter and receiver switches are turned on, check for correct battery installation. Your TQ 2.4GHz transmitter uses 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located in the base of the transmitter. not indicate the charge level of the battery pack installed in the model. Refer to the Troubleshooting section on page 37 for more information on the transmitter’s Status LED codes.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO system TQ 2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM CONTROLS In order for the transmitter and receiver to bind to one another, the receiver in the model must be turned on within 20 seconds of turning on the transmitter. The transmitter LED will flash fast red indicating a failure to link. If you miss it, simply turn off the transmitter and start over. Always have the transmitter and receiver turned on before you start the engine. Never turn the radio system off while the engine is running.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO system Using the TQ 2.4GHz 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 15) on the carburetor. Throttle The TQ 2.4GHz Radio System has been pre-adjusted at the factory. The adjustment should be checked before running the model, in case of movement during shipping. Here’s how: 4.
TRAXXAS TQ 2.4GHz RADIO system Steering Sensitivity (Exponential) The Multi-Function knob on the TQ2.4GHz transmitter has been programmed to control Steering Sensitivity (also known as exponential). The standard setting for Steering Sensitivity is “normal (zero exponential),” with the dial full left in its range of travel. This setting provides linear servo response: the steering servo’s movement will correspond exactly with the input from the transmitter’s steering wheel.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE INTRODUCTION Traxxas strongly discourages changing or modifying any part of the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine. Old tech tips and tricks that may have boosted the power of other engines could seriously diminish the performance of the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine. There’s more advanced thinking, development and testing in the stock parts of your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine than in many aftermarket manufacturer’s performance parts. The TRX 3.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Illustrated Air Filter Base Head Protector PowerTune head (Cylinder head) ™ Idle Speed Screw Air Filter Housing Nitro 4-Tec’s fuel tank is equipped with a built-in sintered bronze fuel filter.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE TERMS TO KNOW You’ll find these Nitro R/C engine terms throughout this section of the manual. 16 • NITRO 4-TEC 3.3 .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 High-speed needle (HSN) - Adjusts the carburetors fuel/air mixture at high throttle openings. Idle speed - The speed (rpm) the engine runs at when the transmitter’s throttle trigger is at neutral. Idle speed screw (ISS) - Located on the carburetor body. This screw adjusts the idle rpm of the engine. Lean - A running condition where the engine is not getting enough fuel (for the available air).
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE The Fuel DANGER! Model engine fuel is poisonous to humans and animals. Drinking the fuel can cause blindness and death. Handle with care and respect. Keep fuel out of reach of small children at all times! While driving, do not leave your fuel dispensing bottle on the ground where a child could have access to it. Follow fuel label warnings. 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.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Filling the Fuel Tank Use a fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas Top Fueler, included) to put fuel into 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. To fill your model, pull up on the fuel cap handle, insert the tip of the fuel bottle through the windshield and into the fuel filler. Squeeze to dispense the fuel.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE The Carburetor See page 27 for more information on how air density affects engine tuning. A “turn” refers to tightening (“turning in”) or loosening (“turning out”) mixture needles. A “full turn” refers to turning the needle 360°, so a “1/2 turn” would be 180°, a “1/4 turn” would be 90°, and so on. Full Turn 360° Start Understanding the Carburetor adjustments The carburetor performs several functions.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Water Valve Richen (Controls Overall Flow) Slightly lean fuel mixtures deliver stronger, more efficient combustion and more power, but with less lubrication. Slightly rich fuel mixtures deliver cooler running and more lubrication but with slightlyless power. High Speed Needle 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 Motor If the Glow Plug LED fails to light, the glow plug may be bad, or the glow plug wire may be damaged or disconnected. 2, 6,11 22 • NITRO 4-TEC 3.3 Glow Plug If the Motor LED fails to light and the starter fails to operate, then the EZ-Start is in protection mode.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Protection Mode The EZ-Start uses Smart Start™ technology to monitor the condition of the system and detect failures. The controller monitors the load being placed on the EZ-Start motor. If the load becomes excessive, the system shuts off power to the motor to prevent costly damage to the motor and the controller. This may occur, for example, if the engine floods with fuel during starting.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE BREAKING IN YOUR TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE See Important Points to Remember on page 4 for other precautions. Never run your Nitro 4-Tec indoors. Since the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine exhaust fumes are harmful, always run your model outdoors, in a wellventilated area. Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine doesn’t usually require priming. If you do need to prime your engine, watch the fuel line carefully to avoid flooding your engine. See page 34 for information on clearing a flooded engine.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Tank 1 1. Drive the model with the body off. 2. Driving procedure: Gently pull the throttle trigger to 1/4 throttle over a 2-second count. Then gently apply the brake to stop. Count the two seconds out while accelerating: one thousand one, one thousand two, and then stop. Operate the throttle trigger as smoothly as you can. Repeat this starting and stopping procedure until the first tank of fuel is nearly empty. 3. Look for thick blue smoke exiting the exhaust outlet.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE When tuning for performance, watch closely to notice when there is no longer any increase in speed or power when the high-speed mixture is lean. If you lean the high-speed mixture to the point that the engine cuts-out, hesitates, or stalls, you are well into the danger zone and engine damage is likely. Richen the high-speed needle 1/4 turn and retune.
THE TRX 3.3 RACING ENGINE Before you begin tuning, the engine should be warmed up to its normal operating temperature and running slightly rich. All final tuning adjustments must be made to the engine at its normal operating temperature. You can tell the engine is running rich by noting any of the following: Sluggish acceleration with blue smoke coming from the exhaust. Nitro 4-Tec may not shift into second gear. There is unburned fuel spraying from the exhaust tip.
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 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.
0° 0° ADJUSTING YOUR NITRO 4-TEC 3.3 It is important that your engine is properly tuned and has reached full operating temperature before making shift point adjustments. Stop the engine before making adjustments. The transmission may not shift if the adjustment screw is turned too far in (locked in first gear), or too far out (locked in second gear). If the model has quick acceleration and does not appear to shift, the transmission is never reaching the shift point.
ADJUSTING YOUR NITRO 4-TEC 3.3 Toe-in 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. If you run out of adjustment, then the steering servo may have to be re-centered (see Centering the Servos on page 34). Fine Tuning the Shocks The four shocks on your Nitro 4-Tec have the most influence on its handling.
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.
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR NITRO 4-TEC Your Nitro 4-Tec requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top running condition. Neglecting the maintenance could allow dirt, deposits, and moisture to build up inside the engine leading to internal engine failure. The following procedures should be taken very seriously. After each hour of running: Clean and re-oil the air filter. The instructions for this procedure are on page 19.
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR NITRO 4-TEC 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 Nitro 4-Tec. 7. Connect the EZ-Start controller to the model and spin the engine for 10 seconds. 8.
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NITRO 4-TEC 3.3 The following section addresses some very basic engine 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 Traxxas.com and click on the Customer Support menu. There you will find a much more extensive and detailed online troubleshooting area.
TQ 2.4GHz ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Starting Over: Restoring Factory Defaults When programming your 2.4GHz transmitter, you may feel the need to start over with a clean slate. Follow these simple steps to restore the factory settings: 1. Turn transmitter off. 2. Hold both MENU and SET. 3. Turn transmitter on. 4. Release MENU and SET. The transmitter LED will blink red. 5. Press MENU three times. LED will blink red 4 times repeatedly. 6. Press SET to clear settings.
TQ 2.4GHz ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Model Lock The Traxxas Link feature can store up to twenty models (receivers) in its memory. If you bind a twenty-first receiver, Traxxas Link will delete the “oldest” receiver from its memory (in other words, the model you used the longest time ago will be deleted). Activating Model Lock will lock the receiver in memory so it cannot be deleted.
TQ 2.4GHz ADVANCED TUNING GUIDE Press MENU to move through options. Press SET to select an option. MENU TREE The menu tree below shows how to navigate through the TQ 2.4GHz transmitter’s various settings and functions. Press and hold MENU to enter the menu tree, and use the following commands to navigate through the menu and select options. MENU: When you enter a menu, you always start at the top. Press MENU to move down the menu tree.
TQ 2.
owner’s manual MODEL 4807 100304 KC1250-R00 1100 Klein Road, Plano Texas 75074 1-888-TRAXXAS
