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Traxxas 44094 Motorized Toy Car User Manual

1. 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 2 5 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 Nitro Rustler may cause fuel to run into the engine 3 With the fuel tank empty and the throttle at the idle position try to sta
2. Q Refers you to a page with a related topic If you have any questions about your model or its operation call the Traxxas Technical Support Line toll free at 1 888 TRAXXAS 1 888 872 9927 Technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8 30am to 9 00pm central time Technical assistance is also available at Traxxas com You may also e mail customer support with your question at support Traxxas com Join thousands of registered members in our online community at Traxxas com Traxxas Offers a full service on site repair facility to handle any of your Traxxas service needs Maintenance and replacement parts may be purchased directly from Traxxas by phone or online at BuyTraxxas com You can save time along with shipping and handling costs by purchasing replacement parts from your local dealer Do not hesitate to contact us with any of your product support needs We want you to be thoroughly satisfied with your new model In order to serve you better as our customer please register your product within 10 days of your purchase online at Traxxas com register Iraxxas com register Toll free support is available to U S residents only Traxxas 1100 Klein Road Plano Texas 75074 Phone 972 265 8000 Toll free 1 888 TRAXXAS Internet Traxxas com E mail support Traxxas com Entire contents 02012 Traxxas Traxxas EZ Start Smart Start Ready To Race Ready To Win Rustler TRX Top Fuel Ultra Shocks and
3. refers to turning the needle 360 so a 1 2 turn would be 180 a 1 4 turn would be 90 and so on 20 e NITRO RUSTLER THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE 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 i l Air l j lt AVR To help provide a better understanding of engine tuning and why it s necessary the following is a brief explanation of the air fuel combustion process that takes place inside the engine In order to create the cylinder pressure that results in power the engine burns the air fuel mixture Both air and fuel in correct amounts are needed for proper combustion It is the carburetor s job to mix the air and fuel together atomize the fuel in the correct proportion for the best possible combustion This is the ideal air fuel ratio The ideal air fuel ratio required for the engine remains roughly constant Due to variations in atmospheric conditions temperature humidity altitude etc fuel flow adjustment valves called fuel mixture needles are required to meter the fuel and maintain the ideal air fuel ratio in these ever changing conditions For example colder air is more dense more air molecules
4. Low Battery Alarm Link Failure Error Name Normal Driving Mode Binding Fail Safe Low Voltage Detect TRAXXAS TQ 2 4GHZ RADIO SYSTEM Notes See page 11 for information on how to use the transmitter controls See this page for more information on binding Put new batteries in the transmitter See page 10 for more information Transmitter and receiver are no longer bound Turn the system off and then back on to resume normal operation Find source of the link failure i e out of range low batteries damaged antenna Notes See page 11 for information on how to use your transmitter controls See this page for more information on binding Consistent low voltage in the receiver triggers Fail Safe so that there is enough power to center the throttle servo before it completely loses power 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 SM Correct No No No No mp Fail Safe Your Traxxas radio system is equipped with a built in fail safe function that returns the throttle to its last saved neutral position in the event of a signal loss The LED on the transmitter and the receiver will rapidly flash red when the fail safe mode is activated If Fail Safe activates while you are operating your model determine the reason for signal loss and resolve the problem be
5. for a given volume of air and therefore requires more fuel more fuel molecules to maintain the correct air fuel ratio Warmer air is less dense fewer air molecules and therefore needs less fuel to maintain the correct air fuel ratio The tuning needles are there to adjust how much fuel is made available for the carburetor to mix with the available air atomization Cold Air More Dense EES ie The amount of fuel metered and atomized by the carburetor is controlled by the two mixture needles the high speed needle and the low speed needle The low speed needle is used to meter the fuel used by the engine at idle and low rpm part throttle engine speed The high speed needle is used to meter the fuel when the throttle is open from part throttle to wide open throttle WOT Two needles on the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine provide precise control of the air fuel ratio across the engine s entire rpm range The maximum possible fuel flow is always controlled by the high speed needle It works like the main water valve on a garden hose Turn it clockwise to close the valve counterclockwise to open it When the throttle is at idle or partially open the low speed needle meters the fuel flow at the outlet needle seat where the fuel enters the carburetor venturi This second valve acts like the spray nozzle at the end of the garden hose in our example When you accelerate from idle the throttle opens and the low speed needle is pulled away
6. ProGraphix are trademarks or registered trademarks of Traxxas Other brand names and marks are the property of their respective holders and are used only for purposes of identification No part of this manual may be reproduced or distributed in print or electronic media without the express written permission of Traxxas Specifications are subject to change without notice NITRO RUSTLER 3 i All instructions and precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to ensure safe operation of your model This model is not intended for use by children under 16 years of age without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable adult Previous experience with radio controlled models is mandatory These models are capable of high speeds requiring experienced driving control Models require detailed setup and or maintenance procedures with required support equipment LIS 4 NITRO RUSTLER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new Nitro Rustler Operate your Nitro Rustler sensibly and with care and it will be exciting safe and fun for you and those around you Failure to operate your Nitro Rustler in a safe and responsible manner may result in property damage and serious injury The precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed to help ensure safe operation You alone must see that the instructions are followed and the precautions are adhe
7. controller L 8 Turn on the radio system See page 10 Make a habit of turning the transmitter on first and off last LJ 9 Check servo operation See page 12 Make sure the throttle shifting and steering servos are working correctly LJ 10 Range test the radio system See page 12 Follow this procedure to make sure your radio system works properly at a distance and that there is no interference from outside sources L 11 Fill the fueltank See page 19 Use a fuel dispensing bottle to fill the tank LJ 12 Connect the EZ Start to the model See page 23 Learn the proper way to use the EZ Start electric starting system L 13 Start the engine See page 24 Learn to use the correct starting procedure for your TRX 2 5 LJ 14 Break in your engine See pages 24 26 Follow the break in instructions exactly to ensure the best performing longest lasting engine LI 15 Tune your engine See page 27 Learn how to set the fuel mixture needles for optimum engine performance L 16 Drive your Nitro Rustler See page 30 Driving tips and adjustments for your Nitro Rustler L 17 Maintaining your model See pages 32 Follow these critical steps to maintain the performance of your Nitro Rustler and keep it in excellent running condition i The Quick Start Guide is not intended to replace the full operating instructions available in this manual Please read this entire manual for complete instru
8. does not turn off the engine Always use new or freshly charged batteries for the radio system Weak batteries will limit the radio signal between the receiver and the transmitter Loss of the radio signal can cause you to lose control of your model Forward Steering Trim The steering trim knob located on the face of the transmitter adjusts the neutral center point of the steering channel If your model pulls to the right or left when the steering wheel is centered turn the knob until the model drives straight when the steering wheel is centered Servo Reversing The TQ 2 4GHz transmitter has been programmed with the correct servo direction settings for your model and should not require adjustment TRAXXAS TQ 2 4GHZ RADIO SYSTEM Reversing a channel reverses the direction of the corresponding servo For example if you turn the steering wheel to the right and the model turns left Channel 1 would need to be reversed to correct the servo direction Use the following procedures to reverse the steering or throttle channel if necessary Servo reversing should only be required if you accidentally reset the direction of a channel Do not reverse the throttle or steering channels unless necessary Note Before performing these procedures make sure that both the transmitter and receiver are powered on Steering reversing procedure 1 Press and hold the SET button on the transmitter for two seconds The status LED will flash gre
9. during gentle acceleration richen the high speed needle 1 4 turn by turning the needle counterclockwise 1 From tank 2 forward Nitro Rustler should be driven with the body on 2 Driving procedure Gently pull the throttle trigger to 1 2 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 Repeat this starting and stopping procedure until the second tank of fuel is nearly empty 3 When the fuel tank is nearly empty shut off the engine and let it cool for 15 minutes 1 Driving procedure Gently pull the throttle trigger to 1 2 throttle over a 3 second count Then gently apply the brake to stop Count the three seconds out while accelerating one thousand one one thousand two one thousand three and then stop Repeat this starting and stopping procedure until the third tank of fuel is nearly empty 1 4 2 Seconds 1 15 Minutes 2 1 2 2 Seconds 15 Minutes 3 1 2 3 Seconds 4 Full 3 Seconds 5 Full 5 Seconds 1 yy THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE As the engine loosens the idle speed may increase and cause the model to try to creep forward when stopped Reduce the idle speed by turning the idle speed adjustment screw see page 15 on the carburetor counterclockwise When the fuel tank is nearly empty shut off the engine and refuel From here on you do not need to let the engine cool between
10. engine by placing your finger over the exhaust outlet especially if you are through driving for the day This will leave more unburned fuel in the engine that could lead to harmful corrosion Always be careful not to touch the exhaust pipe after running It can become very hot qh When the EZ Start controller is in protection mode wait at least three minutes before attempting to start the engine to give the starter motor time to cool It s normal for your EZ Start controller to become warm after repeated use See page 35 for information on clearing a flooded engine OS 12 NITRO RUSTLER 23 See Important Points to Remember on page 4 for other precautions Never run your Nitro Rustler indoors Since the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine exhaust fumes are harmful always run your model outdoors in a well ventilated area Your TRX 2 5 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 35 for information on clearing a flooded engine Factory Needle Settings Your carburetor is preset at the factory to give the correct air to fuel ratio and idle speed for engine break in Do not adjust the carburetor unless you observe a poor running condition that requires correction see page 21 for stock settings Higher nitro requires a richer fuel mixture When running 33 fuel richen your high
11. form on the plug leading to plug failure Change or clean your air filter after break in Follow the instructions exactly for each of the first 5 tanks of fuel Before you start your TRX 2 5 Racing Engine for the first time make sure you have read all instructions and precautions in this manual Pay close attention to the tank by tank break in instructions in the next section and make sure you have read and understood them before you run your engine Your engine must be at room temperature 70 F or 21 C or above the first time you start it If it s cooler than room temperature outside remove all fuel and keep your Nitro Rustler indoors until you re ready to start it and then take it outside If it s colder than 45 F special considerations should be made See cold weather break in on page 26 We do not recommend running the model in temperatures below 35 F 1 Turn on the radio system see page 10 2 Make sure the throttle trigger on the transmitter is in the idle neutral position 3 Connect the EZ Start controller according to the instructions on page 23 4 Press the starter button in short two second bursts and watch for fuel moving through the fuel line up to the carburetor Watch closely The fuel moves very fast If the fuel doesn t move through the line within 5 seconds prime the engine by briefly one or two seconds covering the exhaust outlet with your finger until the fuel is just visible in the ca
12. of its presence Keep small children at a safe distance away from the operating area Because Nitro Rustler is controlled by radio it is subject to radio interference from many sources beyond your control Since radio interference can cause momentary loss of control always allow a safety margin in all directions around your model to prevent collisions The engine can be loud If the noise makes you uncomfortable wear ear protection Be considerate of your neighbors by not running your model early in the morning or late in the evening Do not kink the antenna wire Kinks in the antenna wire will reduce range Do not cut the antenna stinger or any other part of the antenna wire Cutting the antenna will reduce range You must extend the antenna wire in the model as far as possible for maximum range In doing so the antenna wire will be extended outside of the vehicle body Do not wrap or coil the antenna wire to keep it from extending out of the body Do not allow the antenna wire to extend outside the body without the protection of an antenna tube or the antenna wire may incur crash damage that could reduce range Most importantly use good common sense at all times Your model uses rechargeable batteries that must be handled with care for safety and long battery life Make sure to read and follow all instructions and precautions that were provided with the battery packs and your charger It is your responsibi
13. 2 4GHz system automatically selects and locks onto an open frequency and offers superior resistance to interference and glitching Current Current is a measure of power flow through the electronics usually measured in amps If you think of a wire as a garden hose current is a measure of how much water is flowing through the hose Frequency band The radio frequency used by the transmitter to send signals to your model This model operates on the 2 4GHz direct sequence spread spectrum mAh Abbreviation for milliamp hour a measure of the capacity of the battery pack The higher the number the longer the battery will last between recharges Neutral position The standing position that the servos seek when the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting NiCad Abbreviation for nickel cadmium The original rechargeable hobby pack NiCad batteries have very high current handling high capacity and can last up to 1000 charging cycles Good charging procedures are required to reduce the possibility of developing a memory effect and shortened run times NiMH Abbreviation for nickel metal hydride Rechargeable NiMH batteries offer high current handling and much greater resistance to the memory effect NIMH batteries generally allow higher capacity than NiCad batteries They can last up to 500 charge cycles A peak charger designed for NiMH batteries is required for optimal performance Receiver The r
14. For example if the engine was allowed to ingest dirt from lack of air filter maintenance or running through water then the internal engine components could wear out extremely fast Glow plug may have failed If using an EZ Start check to see if the glow plug light is on during starting If not replace the glow plug If using a glow ignitor remove and check the glow plug Engine performance sluggish Engine performance depends mostly on the fuel mixture settings and how they compensate for the current atmospheric conditions Before you suspect other failures with the engine richen the high speed needle at least 1 4 turn and then retune the engine for performance see page 27 If the fuel mixture seems to be set correctly make sure the fuel is fresh If the fuel is old or was left uncapped for a long period then some of the important fuel components could have evaporated Try new fresh Traxxas Top Fuel Try anew Traxxas glow plug Sometimes a glow plug will work well enough to start the engine but will not be able to deliver the engine s full performance potential e Check to make sure there is no binding in the driveline that would cause excessive loads on the engine Clearing a Flooded Engine If the engine is primed for too long during startup then it can become flooded with fuel When the engine is flooded it will no longer turn due to excess fuel in the combustion chamber preventing upward movement of the p
15. MODEL 44094 fons N lt Aa rom a ee AS A el A e N ks 7 OWNER S MANUAL BEFORE YOU PROCEED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TOOLS SUPPLIES AND REQUIRED EQUIPMENT ANATOMY OF THE NITRO RUSTLER QUICK START GETTING UP TO SPEED TRAXXAS TQ 2 4GHZ RADIO SYSTEM THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE DRIVING YOUR MODEL TUNING ADJUSTMENTS MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR MODEL TROUBLESHOOTING 2 NITRO RUSTLER INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Nitro Rustler stadium truck The Nitro Rustler is equipped with the all new TRX 2 5 Racing Engine that elevates its performance from Ready To Run to Ready To Race Extremely high speed is possible once the engine has been properly broken in The Nitro Rustler is a serious performance minded machine that incorporates race bred suspension geometry for precise responsive handling The oil filled Ultra Shocks can be fine tuned for most any track surface The Magnum 281 transmission features smooth running ball bearings an adjustable slipper clutch heavy duty gears and a rugged planetary gear differential A powerful disc brake provides outstanding stopping performance Traxxas Support Traxxas support is with you every step of the way Refer to the next page to find out how to contact us and what your support options are Quick Start This manual is designed with a Quick Start path that outlines the necessary procedure
16. SHOOTING YOUR MODEL The following section addresses some very basic engine and radio questions you may have about your Nitro Rustler 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 Rustler here then visit our Web site at Traxxas com support There you will find a much more extensive and detailed online troubleshooting area In addition you may call Traxxas Customer Service at 1 888 TRAXXAS outside the U S call 972 265 8000 Radio system does not work properly If the power light on the transmitter does not come on check for proper battery installation and that the batteries are new and or fully charged If the power light is blinking then the transmitter batteries are weak and should be replaced See page 10 for more details If the transmitter light is on but the radio is still not responding check for proper installation of the receiver batteries and that the batteries are new and or fully charged Check to make sure the on off switch on the model is in the on position Finally if there is still no response check the red and black wires that connect the battery pack to the batt terminal on the receiver you will have to remove the receiver cover Make sure the wires are not pinched or damaged and that the plug is secure in the receiver See page 10 for more details Short radio range The TQ 2 4GHz transmitter has a directional an
17. This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard s Operation is subject to the following two conditions This device may not cause interference and This device must accept any interference including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device Radio Frequency RF Exposure Information The radiated output power of the Traxxas LP Device is below the Industry Canada IC radio frequency exposure limits The antenna for this transmitter must not be co located with any other transmitters except in accordance with FCC and Industry Canada multi transmitter procedures Co location means having a separation distance of less than 20 cm between transmitting antennas 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 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 Throughout this manual you ll notice warnings and helpful hints identified by the icons below Be sure to read them ip An important warning about personal safety or avoiding damage to your model and related components Special advice from Traxxas to make things easier and more fun
18. able To find a recycling center near you ask your local hobby dealer or visit www call2recycle org 9 For more information on batteries see Use the Right Batteries on page 10 1 Turnbuckle wrenches U joint wrench ATETEA SAE Glow plug and L Paco mendes Equipment adapters wheel nut wrench These items are not required for the operation of your model but are a good idea to include in any R C toolbox e Safety glasses e Traxxas Ultra Premium Tire Glue Part 6468 CA glue Tem wrench gt mo h Various pre load spacers and shock Body clips and Foam air filter oil Side Ear eg or needle Omm L wrenc pistons on parts tree see page 31 body washers see page 19 HES SE NiMH 7 2V Extra glow battery pack plug Fuel dispensing bottle 10 quart 5010 20 quart 5020 33 quart 5030 10 gallon 5060 20 gallon 5070 33 gallon 5080 Traxxas Top Fuel After run oil to protect Small flat blade screwdriver see page 18 the engine from corrosion for tuning 1 8 inch blade O RX battery power pack RX Wiring Harness Traxxas part 3037 Traxxas part 3034 n NITRO RUSTLER e 5 Battery and charger style are subject to change and may vary from images ANATOMY OF THE NITRO RUSTLER Tie Rod Steerin Turnbuckle AG i Slipper Clutch Antenna Spur Gear Front Camber Mount Link Turnbuckle Half Shaft Throttle Brake l Servo r Rear Camber Link Shock Tower Filter FS Turnbuckle Chassi l
19. adio unit inside your model that receives signals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos Servo Small motor units in your model that operate the steering and throttle mechanisms Transmitter The hand held radio unit that sends throttle and steering instructions to your model Trim The fine tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the servos made by adjusting the steering trim knob on the face of the transmitter 2 channel radio system The TQ radio system consisting of the receiver the transmitter and the servos The system uses two channels one to operate the throttle and one to operate the steering e Do not kink the receiver antenna wire Kinks in the antenna wire will reduce range DO NOT CUT any part of the receiver antenna wire Cutting the antenna will reduce range You must extend the antenna wire in the model as far as possible for maximum range In doing so the antenna wire will be extended outside of the vehicle body Do not wrap or coil the antenna wire to keep it from extending out of the body The antenna wire must be installed into the antenna tube to protect it from getting cut or damaged which will reduce range When installing the antenna wire into the antenna tube be careful not to kink the wire by pressing it against the antenna tube cap The antenna wire should extend to just below or to within one half inch below the cap TRAXXAS TQ 2 4GHZ RADIO SYSTEM Your model is equi
20. ake the time to set them correctly 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 toe in This will ensure the same amount of steering in both directions If you run out of adjustment then the steering servo will have to be re centered see centering the servos on page 33 For increased stability add 1 to 2 of toe in to each front wheel Use the turnbuckles to adjust the alignment Toe Adjusting the Camber The camber angle of both the front and rear wheels can be adjusted with the camber rods upper turnbuckles Use Camber a square or right angle triangle to set the camber accurately Adjust the front wheels to 0 of camber wheel perpendicular to the ground In the rear adjust the wheels to 1 to 2 of negative camber These adjustments should be set with the truck positioned at its normal ride height Fine Tuning the Shocks The four shocks oil dampers on your Nitro Rustler have tremendous influence on its handling Whenever you rebuild your shocks or make any changes to the pistons springs or oil always do it carefully and in sets front or rear Piston head selection depends on the range of oil viscosities that you have available For example using a two hole piston with lightweight oil will give you the Same damping as a three hole piston with heavier oil We recommend using two hol
21. and both the piston and sleeve should be replaced Flame out Occurs when the engine stops running at high rpm Usually the fault of an excessively lean fuel mixture or glow plug failure Fuel 10 20 33 The TRX 2 5 must have model engine fuel to run Traxxas Top Fuel is recommended Fuel is sold in quarts and gallons from hobby dealers The 10 20 and 33 labeling refers to the percentage of nitromethane contained in the fuel Fuel mixture The ratio of fuel to air as determined by the needle settings of the carburetor Fuel tubing fuel line The thick silicone tubing that carries fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor Glow plug The glow plug is located in the cylinder head at the top of the combustion chamber It contains an element that glows red hot when voltage is applied When the engine is being started the heat from the glow plug ignites the fuel mixture and starts the combustion process 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 High speed needle HSN Adjusts the carburetors fuel air mixture at high throttle openings Idle speed The speed rpm t
22. andling the Fuel Follow all directions and warnings on the fuel can Keep the fuel tightly capped at all times Some components in the fuel can evaporate very quickly and upset the balance of the fuel Do not store unused fuel in the fuel dispenser Immediately return fresh unused fuel back into the fuel can Do not mix old and new fuel Never mix different fuel brands together Store the fuel in a cool dry location away from any source of heat ignition or combustion Read and follow the safety precautions on page 4 in this manual THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE Air Filter Cleaning Instructions 1 Remove the air filter from the carburetor bore by pulling the entire filter assembly firmly to the side to release it Do not pull straight up Filling the Fuel Tank Use the included fuel dispensing bottle to put fuel into the Nitro Rustler 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 dh Clean your air filter after every hour of runtime to avoid engine damage even if the filter looks clean 2 Disassemble the filter Pull the rubber air filter neck out of the filter body With the base removed the foam element is visible in the bottom of the filter body Pull out the foam element To fill your model flip up the spring loaded cap on the fuel tank insert the tip
23. argeable batteries in your transmitter Make sure rechargeable 2 Remove the battery holder and install four AA alkaline batteries batteries are fully Make careful note of the battery polarity by comparing against the charged according to the diagrams in the battery holder manufacturer s instructions If you use rechargeable batteries 3 Insert the battery holder into the battery compartment in your transmitter be aware 4 Direct the battery wires through the slot in the that when they begin to lose battery compartment If the wires are not properly Deepa a bowel routed they may become broken or shorted more quickly than regular alkaline batteries causing radio system failure and loss of control 1 Remove the battery cover by removing the body clip from the post If the status LED flashes red the transmitter batteries may be weak discharged or possibly installed incorrectly Replace with new or freshly charged batteries The power indicator light does not indicate the charge level of the battery pack installed in the model Refer to the LED Codes section on page 13 for more information on the transmitter s status LED codes Caution Discontinue running 5 Reinstall the battery cover and secure with the your model at the first sign of body clip weak batteries flashing red LED to avoid losing control Always turn your TQ 2 4GHz transmitter on first and off last This procedure will help to prevent your model fr
24. ciprocating assembly as needed Engine assembly is not difficult and replacing the reciprocating assembly does not require any special tools or skills OS 17 32 e NITRO RUSTLER MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR MODEL Your Nitro Rustler 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 We cannot stress enough the value of cleaning your air filter at the scheduled intervals Clean the outside of the engine of accumulated dirt oil and grime Accumulated grime will decrease the engine s ability to cool itself After each running session Perform after run maintenance on the engine This clears the engine of destructive moisture and other corrosive deposits This is extremely important for the life of the engine See following page for after run maintenance procedures Inspect the vehicle for obvious damage or wear Look for 1 Loose or missing screws 2 Cracked bent or damaged parts 3 Cut or loose wiring 4 Cut or kinked fuel lines 5 Signs of fuel leakage Inspect the gears for wear broken teeth or debris lodged between the teeth Other periodic maintenance Slipper clutch pegs
25. ctions on the proper use and maintenance of your model Look for the Quick Start logo at the bottom of Quick Start pages OS NITRO RUSTLER e 7 h 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 mal Correct No 9 Learn terms related to the TRX 2 5 racing engine beginning on page 16 Se NITRO RUSTLER TRAXXAS TQ 2 4GHZ RADIO SYSTEM Your model includes the TQ 2 4GHz transmitter When powered on the TQ 2 4GHz will automatically locate and lock onto an available frequency allowing multiple models to be raced together without frequency conflicts Just switch on and drive The included TQ 2 4GHz radio system has been programmed for your model at the factory and does not require adjustment but it does have settings you may need to access to maintain proper operation of your model The detailed instructions page 11 included in this manual will help you understand and operate the functions of the new TQ 2 4GHz radio system For additional information and how to videos visit Traxxas com Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio and power system terms They will be used throughout this manual 2 4GHz Spread Spectrum This model is equipped with the latest R C technology Unlike AM and FM systems that require frequency crystals and are prone to frequency conflicts the TQ
26. driving do not leave your fuel dispensing bottle on the ground where a child could have access to it Follow fuel label warnings 18 NITRO RUSTLER THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE Use the Right Fuel It s imperative that you use the correct fuel in your TRX 2 5 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 Traxxas Top Fuel is made with just the right balance of the highest grade natural and synthetic lubricants to allow excellent throttle response and the best top end performance without sacrificing long term durability All of the components in the fuel are carefully selected from the best materials available and then custom blended to match the metallurgy and temperature characteristics of Traxxas engines You may use 10 20 or 33 nitro content fuel Try to use the same percentage all the time avoid switching back and forth between fuels We recommend that if you break in your engine on 20 fuel that you stick with that percentage If you do move to a higher or lower percentage make sure you readjust your fuel mixture to compensate see below Choosing a Nitro Percentage A commonly asked question is what is the di
27. during starting The starter spins at first but when excessive fuel in the combustion chamber begins to lock up the engine the starter motor slows under the heavier load This causes the protection circuit to shut off the power to the motor Allow at least three 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 Use a Strong Starter Battery A weak starter battery or one that has not been fully charged may not deliver enough power to crank the engine over at the appropriate rpm to keep the piston from sticking at top dead center TDC A new engine will typically have a tight fit between the piston and the top of the sleeve This is a tapered fit and a tight piston sleeve fit on initial Start up is desirable for those who want the best performing engine Make sure you are using a good quality battery pack that is fully charged new batteries usually require several charge cycles to reach peak voltage and full capacity This is especially important with a new engine that needs to be broken in If the engine sticks at TDC see page 35 for instructions on freeing the engine Shutting Off The Engine Turning off the switch for the radio will not shut off the engine To shut off the engine pinch the fuel line Squeeze the line closed to shut off the fuel supply to the engine Avoid shutting off the
28. e pistons with a range of oil viscosities from 10W to 40W available from your hobby shop The thinner viscosity oils 30W or less flow with less resistance and provide less damping while thicker oils provide more dampening Use only 100 pure silicone shock oil to prolong seal life From the factory the Nitro Rustler uses 30W oil Pre load Spacer rT 8 e ee MH niig A i The ride height for the Nitro Rustler can be adjusted by adding or removing the clip on spring pre load spacers Note that changes in ride height will occur when changes in shock angle or spring rates are made You can compensate for ride height changes by changing the pre load spacers on the shocks NITRO RUSTLER e 31 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 with Traxxas Power Up It could save you time and effort Details are in your model s documentation package The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine is designed to be easy to rebuild Critical engine components such as the crankcase crankshaft and engine bearings are made to extremely high quality standards and should under normal circumstances outlast multiple sets of pistons sleeves connecting rods and wrist pins reciprocating assemblies It could be more economical for you to continue to use your good bearings and crankshafts and simply replace the re
29. e the model 4 Operate the controls on the transmitter once again to be sure that the model responds correctly 5 Do not attempt to operate the model if there is any problem with the radio system or any external interference with your radio signal at your location Higher Speeds Require Greater Distance The faster you drive your model the more quickly it will near the limit of radio range At 5 0mph a model can cover 73 feet every second It s a thrill but use caution to keep your model in range If you want to see your model achieve its maximum speed it is best to position yourself in the middle of its running area not the far end so you drive the model toward and past your position In addition to maximizing the radio s range this technique will keep your model closer to you making it easier to see and control No matter how fast or far you drive your model always leave adequate space between you the model and others Never drive directly toward yourself or others TQ 2 4GHz Binding Instructions For proper operation the transmitter and receiver must be electronically bound This has been done for you at the factory Should you ever need to re bind the system or bind to an additional transmitter or receiver follow these instructions Note the receiver must be connected to a 4 8 6 0v nominal power source for binding and the transmitter and receiver must be within 5 feet of each other 1 Press and hold the SET but
30. ed with use the following settings 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 optimal fuel mixture setting is rich to provide a safety margin against having a lean condition if some variable changes such as the temperature from one day to the next Set the high speed needle to 4 turns out from closed General fuel mixture settings are measured by the number of turns Set the low speed needle so the needles are turned out from fully closed The fuel mixture settings aneis than l the screw head red in Fig A is have been pre set from the factory to typical break in settings Do flush even with the endof the not re adjust your carburetor from the factory settings until after the slide yellow in Fig A engine is started and running and you have been able to observe the N engine running to assess what minor adjustments may be required to compensate for fuel temperature and altitude Adjustments are usually made in 1 8 or 1 16 turn increments If the engine sticks at TDC see page 35 for instructions on freeing the engine ON ped Needle Adjustment Always use the factory settings for initial starting Only use these settings when the factory settings have been lost The Idle Speed Adjustment The idle speed adjustment screw controls the closed position of the throttle slide When the throttle servo i
31. en 2 Turn and hold the steering wheel to the full left or full right position it does not matter which position you choose 3 While holding the steering wheel in position press the SET button to reverse the channel 4 The channel is now reversed Confirm correct servo operation before running your model Throttle reversing procedure 1 Press and hold the SET button on the transmitter for two seconds The status LED will flash green 2 Move and hold the throttle trigger to the full forward or full brake position 3 While holding the throttle trigger in position press the SET button to reverse the channel 4 The channel is now reversed Confirm correct servo operation before running your model Warning Changing the direction of the throttle servo will also change its neutral position Be certain to confirm the throttle servo properly closes the engine s throttle opening when the transmitter s trigger is at neutral 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 model at the first sign of weak batteries to avoid losing control Remember to always turn the transmitter on first and off last to avoid loss of control and damage to your model If the status LED does
32. en 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 Only use Traxxas heavy duty long glow plugs see your parts list TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR MODEL e Check your fuel mixture settings It may be necessary to adjust the fuel mixture if the outside temperature or barometric pressure has changed significantly since the last time the engine was run see Fine Tuning the Carburetor on page 29 Turn the high speed needle out rich counterclockwise 1 4 turn hold the throttle trigger at about 1 2 throttle and try again to start the engine Once started retune the engine for performance see page 27 e Check to make sure the fuel is getting to the carburetor Remove the fuel line where it connects to the carburetor to see if there is fuel in it If not you may need to prime the engine Reconnect the fuel line and then refer to page 24 for instructions on priming the engine The engine could be worn If the fit between the piston and sleeve is loose compression is reduced and the engine will be difficult to start when it is warm and may tend to stall when running and when the throttle is closed suddenly to idle Engine life depends on many factors including fuel type air filter maintenance needle settings and how the engine was used
33. er O shaped ring used as a sealing gasket Pipe Abbreviation for the tuned exhaust pipe on a nitro engine See Tuned Pipe Piston The piston is the internal engine part that is attached to the upper end of the connecting rod and moves up and down in the cylinder sleeve The precise fit between the piston and the sleeve creates a seal that allows the engine to have the required compression for combustion THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE Port Ports are openings in the sleeve that allow atomized fuel to enter the combustion chamber and burned exhaust gases to exit The shape and location of the ports are a large factor in controlling the engine timing and power output Priming Manually causing fuel to move from the fuel tank up to the carburetor This is sometimes necessary after the engine has been sitting for a long period of time and all of the fuel has drained back to the tank On a Traxxas model this is done by holding your finger over the exhaust tip for one or two seconds while the engine is starting Punch A term that refers to how quickly the model responds to throttle input or how quickly it accelerates Rich A running condition where the engine is getting too much fuel for the available air It is better to run an engine slightly rich to increase engine life Excessively rich mixtures cause the engine to have sluggish performance with exaggerated blue smoke and unburned fuel coming from the exhaust rpm Abbreviat
34. fference between 10 20 and 33 fuels Increasing the nitro in the fuel is almost like adding extra oxygen to the combustion process It burns more efficiently improves combustion and delivers more power When increased nitro is used more of the other fuel components are then required inside the combustion chamber to maintain the perfect air fuel ratio Therefore overall fuel mixtures need to be richened slightly on the high speed needle about 3 4 of a turn counterclockwise when changing from 20 to 33 about 1 2 of a turn counterclockwise when changing from 10 to 20 This allows greater fuel flow through the engine and promotes cooler running even at the maximum lean settings If 33 improves power then it seems that the highest nitro content available beyond 33 should always be used in the engine In reality there are practical limitations Engines are designed to run best within a range of nitro percentages How the engine is ported the size of the combustion chamber and other factors determine how much nitro can be efficiently used in the engine The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine responds well to a maximum of 33 nitro returning cool temps more power and a smooth throttle response For those who want to run higher nitro 33 Top Fuel is the optimum nitro percentage for the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine Increasing the nitro beyond 33 can introduce the need for engine modifications ports head shimming etc to avoid starting and t
35. fore operating your model again LI NITRO RUSTLER e 13 dh Traxxas strongly discourages changing or modifying any part of the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine Old tech tips and tricks that may have boosted the power of other engines could seriously diminish the performance of the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine There s more advanced thinking development and testing in the stock parts of your TRX 2 5 Racing Engine than in many aftermarket manufacturer s performance parts The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine is already one of the most powerful engines in its class and may not benefit from average low tech aftermarket bolt on performance items 14 NITRO RUSTLER THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine is a specialty high performance racing engine Its impressive performance is the result of years of focused engineering development and thousands of hours of controlled testing and rigorous real world running It offers unprecedented power and performance that turns ready to run into Ready To Race The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine takes a total system approach Each part of the engine from the air filter to the exhaust tip is carefully engineered to work in harmony with other engine components Each part complements the next to extract maximum power The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine is designed to be tolerant of variations in tuning and to run successfully through a wide range of variable atmospheric conditions such as changes in tempera
36. friction material The slipper clutch pegs will wear over time and require replacement The life of the pegs depends on how the slipper clutch was adjusted and how the Nitro Rustler was used If the slipper will not tighten or you are seeing signs of wear on the face of the gear then the pegs should be replaced e Piston sleeve The life of the piston and sleeve will vary greatly with how the engine was used and maintained The piston and sleeve should be replaced when they no longer seal effectively rs loss of compression Symptoms include the engine being difficult to start when warm stalling when warm and stalling when throttle is suddenly closed to idle Replace the wrist pin and G clip whenever the piston and sleeve are replaced Connecting rod The connecting rod should be replaced when the piston and sleeve are replaced or after three gallons of fuel whichever comes first Also replace the piston wrist pin and G clip whenever the connecting rod is replaced As with other internal engine components connecting rod life depends on engine usage and the quality and frequency of engine maintenance EZ Start The cush drive elements in the EZ Start drive unit should be inspected after 3 gallons of fuel If the cush drive elements appear deformed or hardened they should be replaced Inspect the EZ Start gears for any signs of wear Damaged gears should be replaced Coat the gears with a thin layer of white lithium grease
37. from the needle seat This allows more fuel to flow with the Water Valve Controls Overall Flow High Speed Needle gt Richen y Water Nozzle Controls Fine Flow Low Speed Needle increased air flow As the throttle is increased the low speed needle is pulled completely away from the needle seat leaving it fully open At that point fuel metering is entirely controlled by the high speed needle Again using our water hose example when the spray nozzle at the end of our garden hose is fully open then the main water valve can be used to adjust how fast the water flows The engine s performance is directly linked to the fuel mixture Richening the fuel mixture increases the amount of fuel in the air fuel mixture ratio and leaning the fuel mixture decreases the amount of fuel in the air fuel mixture ratio i j Lean L aq oe SS Se a an i B vi aai Sam mo 5 e E a 4 P E J m sad K Sa T THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE 9 See Tuning Your TRX 2 5 Racing Engine on page 28 for complete information on adjusting the air fuel mixture and idle speed e 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 slightly less power A Factory Needle Settings If your factory preset carburetor adjustments have been tamper
38. gine should never be run without the air filter in place BDC Bottom dead center The bottom most position of the engine piston stroke Break in Break in is the procedure for running a brand new engine according to specific instructions This correctly prepares the engine for normal running The break in procedure can be different for different makes of engines Follow the Traxxas directions for break in exactly Carb Abbreviation for carburetor Carburetor The carburetor atomizes mixes the fuel with the air so that the engine can burn it There are two types of carburetors slide carbs and barrel carbs The TRX 2 5 uses the superior slide carburetor design Clean out Cleaning out is a condition that occurs when the engine is accelerating and the fuel mixture becomes sufficiently lean to allow the engine to continue into its upper rpm power band It is usually characterized by a noticeable decrease in blue exhaust smoke and a dramatic increase in engine speed Combustion chamber The combustion chamber is machined into the bottom of the cylinder head This is where the glow plug ignites the fuel The shape of the combustion chamber is designed to promote more efficient burning of the fuel Connecting rod The connecting rod transfers the piston motion to the crankshaft The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine uses a knife edged connecting rod The aerodynamic sharpened edges allow it to slice through the pressurized air fuel mixtu
39. he engine runs at when the transmitter s throttle trigger is at neutral Idle Speed Adjustment Screw Located on the carburetor body This screw adjusts the idle rom of the engine Lean A running condition where the engine is not getting enough fuel for the available air Symptoms include engine overheating or the engine runs for a short time and then stalls particularly at high speed This is a dangerous condition that should be corrected immediately or it can ruin your engine Leaning the mixture Turning either the high speed and or low speed needle s clockwise to decrease the amount of fuel the engine receives Low speed needle LSN Needle valve that controls the fuel mixture at low throttle openings Needle valve Valve consisting of a tapered needle that closes against a corresponding seat to regulate fuel flow Nitro Abbreviation for nitromethane a component of model engine fuel that improves fuel combustion and power output Nitro also refers to a class of R C powered by model engines instead of electric Nitro content The amount of nitromethane used in the fuel Usually measured as a percentage of the total fuel volume Traxxas engines are optimized to use 10 20 nitro 33 nitro may be used for racing Nitromethane Nitromethane is a component in the fuel that increases power from the combustion process up to a point Engines are generally optimized to use a range of nitro content for the best power O ring Rubb
40. he voltage to the glow plug is kept constant regardless of the load placed on the starter by the starter motor The Glow Plug LED light emitting diode on the control unit indicates the condition of the glow plug e The Motor LED indicates the status of the EZ Start electric starter motor The cush drive mechanism in the drive unit prevents damage to the gears caused by engine kickback Smart Start protection circuitry prevents damage to the motor by cutting power if the load on the motor or other electronics exceeds safe limits Charging the EZ Start Battery The included charger can be used to charge the included battery pack The battery pack should be removed from the vehicle before charging Do not leave the battery unattended while charging 1 Plug the charger into the wall The LED on the charger should glow green 2 Connect the included EZ Start battery pack to the charger output cord The LED will glow red indicating the battery is charging 3 The battery should charge for approximately 4 hours The LED will turn green when the battery is fully charged Installing the EZ Start Battery 1 Press the tab in the end of the battery compartment door to open A 2 Plug a fully charged 7 2 volt battery pack into the connector inside B 3 Twist the battery 2 or 3 times to twirl the battery plug wires This helps hold the wire and battery in place when the battery is installed
41. in the compartment C 4 Install the battery into the compartment and press the wires securely into place 5 Snap the battery compartment door back on and lock the end tab D Using the EZ Start Your EZ Start controller plugs into a 4 prong receptacle mounted on the battery box of your Nitro Rustler When the red button on the controller is pressed the EZ Start motor begins to spin the engine and power from the control unit heats the glow plug Assuming all settings and preparations are correct the engine should start almost immediately Each of the two status indicator LEDs on the hand held control unit the Motor LED and the Glow Plug LED should light green while starting If either LED fails to light while starting there is a fault indicated with that function If the Glow Plug LED fails to light the glow plug may be bad or the glow plug wire may be damaged or disconnected If the Motor LED fails to light and the starter fails to operate then the EZ Start is in protection mode Motor a q N THE TRX 2 5 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
42. ion for revolutions per minute how many times the engine crankshaft spins in a minute Sleeve Internal engine part that contains the piston The precise fit between the sleeve and the piston creates a seal that allows the engine to have the required compression for combustion The sleeve in a TRX engine is made of brass and is then hard chrome plated Slide carburetor The throttle on a slide carburetor closes and opens by sliding a barrel in and out of the carburetor body This type of carburetor is preferred for performance use because it provides a less restrictive straight through air path than the barrel carburetor design Stall When the engine stops running usually due to an incorrect fuel mixture setting or running out of fuel TDC Top dead center The top most position of the engine piston stroke Tuned pipe The tuned exhaust pipe usually consists of a specially shaped metal or composite chamber with baffles that is designed to enhance the power output of the engine Wear in Fitment process that occurs during engine break in where internal engine parts develop an even more precise matched fit through actual use under controlled circumstances WOT Abbreviation for wide open throttle NITRO RUSTLER e 17 q DANGER Model engine fuel is poisonous to humans and animals Drinking the fuel can cause blindness and death Handle with care and respect Keep it out of reach of small children at all times While
43. iston Use the following procedure to clear a flooded engine 1 Remove the blue glow plug wire 2 Remove the glow plug and gasket with the glow plug wrench supplied with your model A 5 16 or 8mm nut driver will also work 3 Turn the model upside down and plug in the EZ Start controller 4 Push the EZ Start button for several seconds to clear the engine of excess fuel Do not look into the glow plug hole while the engine is spinning or you could spray fuel into your face 5 Turn the model over and reinstall the glow plug and gasket 6 Reconnect the blue glow plug wire to the glow plug 7 Reconnect the EZ Start controller 8 Do not prime the engine Pull the throttle to 1 2 throttle and push the EZ Start button The engine should start immediately Piston stuck at top dead center TDC Top dead center is the position where the piston is at the very top of the tapered sleeve Occasionally an engine can get stuck at this position This is most likely to happen on new engines during break in but can also happen at other times If the engine is stuck at TDC use the following procedure to release the piston from the sleeve 1 Remove the glow plug using the included tool or 8mm 5 16 nut driver and verify that the piston is at the top of its stroke 2 Use a flat blade screwdriver to rotate the flywheel Place the blade of the driver into one of the grooves of the flywheel and push down turni
44. l drops divided among the 3 surfaces Squeeze the filter element an avery hou E repeatedly to help spread the oil throughout The filter element an This includes the break in time Clean your air filter after should be evenly colored by the oil Even color indicates that the oil is The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine air filter assembly consists of 3 pieces 1 A rubber filter base 2 Aplastic housing consisting of a permanently assembled mesh cap and body 3 An oiled foam element break in Dust which is often too fine to see and dirt constantly move distributed evenly Do not squeeze out excess oil through the filter anytime the engine is running Even if you can t see dirt Note Do not use the air filter oil for anything other than the air filter on the filter it is present inside the foam after any amount of run time It is not meant to be a lubricant If you exceed the recommended cleaning intervals your engine will be 6 Reassemble the filter and install it on the engine making sure damaged Engine damage or wear due to dirt ingestion is easy the rubber filter neck fits securely on the carburetor with no gaps to detect and one of the top causes of premature engine failure or air leaks OS 71 NITRO RUSTLER e 19 9 See page 28 for more information on how air density affects engine tuning it A turn refers to tightening turning in or loosening turning out mixture needles A full turn
45. lity to charge and care for the battery packs properly In addition to your battery and charger instructions here are some more tips to keep in mind Use the supplied charger to charge the included battery See Charging the EZ Start Battery on page 22 Never leave batteries to charge unattended Allow the battery pack to cool off before charging Do not use battery packs that have been damaged in any way Do not use battery packs that have damaged wiring exposed wiring ora damaged connector Children should have responsible adult supervision when charging and handling batteries Only use approved chargers for NiMH battery packs such as Part 2921 or the Traxxas EZ Peak Plus Part 2933 Do not exceed the maximum charge rate of 1 amp Do not short circuit the battery pack This may cause burns and severe damage to the battery pack Do not burn or puncture the batteries Toxic materials could be released If eye or skin contact occurs flush with water Store the battery pack in a dry location away from heat sources and direct sunlight e Nickel metal hydride NiMH batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly Recycling Your Traxxas Power Cell NiMH Battery Traxxas strongly encourages you to recycle your Power Cell battery when it has reached the end of its useful life All Power Cell battery packs display the RBRC Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation icon indicating they are recycl
46. m closed the low speed needle adjustment is set to OS 15 NITRO RUSTLER e 27 When adjusting the low speed fuel mixture it is very important to make several high speed runs with Nitro Rustler 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 When running 33 fuel richen your high speed needle 3 4 turn if previously running 20 nitro and then re tune the engine for maximum performance See page 18 for more information 28 e NITRO RUSTLER THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE Low Speed Fuel Mixture Adjustment Idle Speed Adjustment The low speed mixture is always set after the high speed needle is Once the high and low speed mixtures have been set reduce the idle correctly adjusted The low speed mixture is set using the pinch test speed to the minimum reliable idle soeed Remember this adjustment should be made while the engine is running at normal operating temperature Always use the idle speed adjustment screw to control engine idle 1 Once the engine is warm do several high speed runs to confirm that the high speed needle is set correctly 2 Bring the vehicle in and pinch closed the fuel line going into the carburetor use the engine shut off clamp The engine sh
47. mum performance If the or does not evaporate at all then the engine is too cool engine runs too cold during break in the piston and sleeve will not expand to their appropriate sizes for break in and this can lead to premature wear of these components This wear may not become apparent until after winter has past and the engine is operated under warmer running conditions We do not recommend that you operate your engine below 35 F If you insist on running your vehicle below 35 F be aware that nitro engines may be very difficult to start and tune at extremely cold temperatures Also at temperatures below freezing nitro fuel can actually begin to gel up and this can be harmful to the engine e Warm the engine to approximately room temperature by removing o l a all fuel and storing the vehicle inside at room temperature until just Follow the remaining break in procedures as outlined in this Owner s before starting the engine An extremely cold engine can become Manual This along win the steps listed above will ensure a good Aificuitto stad break in for your new nitro engine and provide many hours of enjoyment e After the engine is running it is important to keep the temperature of the engine up around 200 to 215 F during break in In weather below 45 F the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine will tend to run at lower temperatures between 160 to 180 F when tuned at proper break in mixture settings This is too cool for break in Do n
48. n t light green check the polarity of the batteries Check rechargeable batteries for a full charge If you see any other flashing signal from the status LED refer to the chart on page 13 to identify the code Make certain the model s receiver antenna is properly installed before operating your model See Installing the Receiver Antenna Failure to properly install the receiver antenna will result in greatly reduced radio range and potential loss of control NITRO RUSTLER e 11 1 Always use the idle speed adjustment screw see page 21 on the carburetor see page 15 to adjust engine idle speed M U The Nitro Rustler s on off switch does not have an indicator plate to show which direction is on However you can tell by looking at the wires that come out of the switchbox Moving the switch towards the gray gray white wires turns the receiver on x I Lia 12 NITRO RUSTLER TRAXXAS TQ 2 4GHZ RADIO SYSTEM The TQ 2 4GHz Radio System has been adjusted at the factory for correct operation with your model The adjustment should be checked before running the model in case of movement during shipping Follow these steps 1 Turn the transmitter switch on The status LED on the transmitter should be solid green not flashing Turn on the receiver switch in the model The switch is located on the rear shock tower 3 Position the model so that its front wheels are off the ground Tu
49. ng the flywheel counterclockwise when viewed from the front The flywheel should turn unsticking the piston from the sleeve Bottom Dead Center 3 Put two or three drops of light machine oil into the glow plug hole to lubricate the piston and sleeve Do not use too much oil It will hydro lock the engine Verify the starter will spin the engine with the glow plug out 4 Rotate the flywheel so the piston is at bottom dead center and replace the glow plug with the gasket Reconnect the blue glow plug wire 5 You should now be able to start the engine with the EZ Start If you have questions or need technical assistance call Traxxas at I SSES TRAXXAS 1 888 872 9927 U S residents only NITRO RUSTLER e 35 OWNER S MANUAL 1 883 8 TRAXXAS 121130 KC1797 R01
50. of the fuel bottle and squeeze to dispense the fuel Fill the tank until the fuel level reaches the base of the filler neck Close the fuel tank lid making sure it closes tightly di If you use compressed air to dry your air filter assembly wear Safety glasses and avoid directing compressed air toward your skin 3 Clean the filter parts by thoroughly washing all three pieces of the filter assembly in hot soapy water dish washing detergent works well The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine air filter is specifically designed to deliver Repeat twice maximum performance while protecting your engine from dust and dirt Use only the supplied filter You will not improve engine performance by switching to an aftermarket filter and you may risk engine damage due to poor filtration i If foam filter oil is not 4 Thoroughly dry the parts with a clean towel or compressed air available clean 20 0140 Remember to wear your safety glasses when working with weight motor oil can be compressed air substituted but is not preferred Never run the 5 Oil the foam element with foam filter oil Use the supplied Traxxas filter Serre ihe a ado oil part 5263 or a high quality special purpose foam filter oil like darane what is used for off road motorcycle and ATV engines This type of filter oil is available at motorcycle pro shops Apply 30 drops of the Traxxas filter oil evenly to the top bottom and sides of the filter element 30 tota
51. om receiving stray signals from another transmitter or other source and running out of control Your model has electronic fail safes to prevent this type of malfunction but the first best defense against a runaway model is to always turn the transmitter on first and off last battery holder Your TQ 2 4GHz transmitter uses 4 AA batteries The battery r compartment is located in the base of the transmitter p N R 1 Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the tab and N A p n U lifting the door up aN la ur bn ya i Always turn your Always turn your 2 Install the batteries in the correct orientation as indicated in the transmitter on first receiver on second Then start your engine battery compartment 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 3 Reinstall the battery compartment door and snap it closed gt 4 Turn on the transmitter and check the EM status LED for a solid green light 56 8 10 e NITRO RUSTLER Neutral TROVGAS e 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
52. ot lean the fuel mixture to increase engine temperature This will also decrease lubrication and cause your piston sleeve to wear prematurely e Wrap the cooling head with a paper towel clean rag or sock to help keep the engine running around the recommended 200 to 215 F break in temp If too much heat is contained the engine can actually run too hot Make sure that you monitor the engine s temp closely for the first couple of tanks until you get the right E amount of cover for the cooling head This will of course depend on your current weather conditions Adjusting the cover up and down exposing more or fewer cooling fins is a convenient way to regulate engine temps 26 NITRO RUSTLER The engine s performance depends on the fuel mixture Turn the mixture needles clockwise to lean the fuel mixture and counterclockwise to richen it Leaning the fuel mixture will increase engine power up to the engm s mechanical limits it be leaning the e engine beyana the cafe allowable limits will result in poor performance and almost certain engine damage Indications of an overly lean mixture include Overheating temperature beyond 270 F at the glow plug Little or no blue smoke coming from the exhaust If any of these conditions are present stop immediately and richen the high speed mixture 1 4 turn The engine will probably be slightly rich at that setting and you can then re tune for performance Always tune for
53. ould run for 2 3 seconds speed up and then shut off 1 When the throttle servo is in its neutral position the throttle slide should be stopped against the idle speed adjustment screw 2 Turn the screw counterclockwise to reduce the idle speed or clockwise to increase it The idle soeed should be set as low as possible while still maintaining reliable running characteristics 3 If the engine runs longer than 3 seconds then lean the low speed needle 1 16 turn make several more high speed runs and retest 4 Ifthe engine shuts off immediately without speeding up then richen the low speed needle 1 8 turn make several more high speed runs and retest When the low speed needle is set correctly the engine s throttle response should be very quick even to the point of making it difficult to keep Nitro Rustler from doing a wheelie when you accelerate Fuel Mixture Adjustment Chart Humidity Lower Slightly more dense Slightly richer Higher Slightly less dense Slightly leaner Pressure barometer Lower Less dense Leaner Higher More dense Richer Temperature Lower More dense Richer Higher Less dense Leaner Altitude Lower More dense Richer Higher Less dense Leaner Nitro Lower Leaner Higher Richer Fine Tuning the Carburetor After fine tuning your TRX 2 5 Racing Engine at the end of the break in procedure no major adjustments to the fuel mixture are usually necessary Make note of the temperature humidity and barometric p
54. ower RI Transmission Bulkhead EZ Start Plug Front Bumper Receiver a O Tie Bar MA E Battery Box On Off Chassis Switch upper Shock Oil Damper Fuel Tank Lid Suspension Engine Arm Pressure Line see pg 14 for details Fuel Tank Fuel Line Body EZ Start Motor Mount Header 6 e NITRO RUSTLER IG UP TO SPEED 4 The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your model running 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 L 2 Charge the EZ Start battery pack See page 22 The EZ Start requires a fully charged battery pack included L 3 Detail the body See page 9 The Nitro Rustler body comes with most decals already applied If you wish to add more decals do it now before you break in your engine L 4 Install the antenna See page 13 The receiver antenna and antenna tube must be properly installed before operating your model LJ 5 Install batteries in the transmitter See page 10 Nitro Rustler requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries for the transmitter LJ 6 Install batteries in the model See page 10 The Nitro Rustler requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries for the receiver LJ 7 Install the EZ Start battery See page 22 Install and connect the charged battery pack in the EZ Start
55. own one of the best performing trucks in the market and that it is backed by a team of professionals who aim to provide the highest level of factory support possible Nitro Rustler is about experiencing total performance and satisfaction not just with your model but also with the company that stands behind it Thank you again for going with Traxxas We work hard every day to ensure you receive the highest level of customer satisfaction possible We truly want you to enjoy your new Nitro Rustler FCC Compliance This device contains a module that complies with the limits for a Class B digital device as described in part 15 of the FCC rules Operation is subject to the following two conditions 1 This device may not cause harmful interference and 2 this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation The limits for a Class B digital device are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential settings This product generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not operated in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user s authority to operate the equipment Canada Industry Canada IC This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES 003 and RSS 210
56. performance by starting rich and moving leaner toward the ideal setting Never try to tune from the lean side There should always be a light stream of blue smoke coming from the exhaust 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 There is unburned fuel spraying from the exhaust tip Leaning the high speed fuel mixture increases performance High Speed Fuel Mixture Adjustment With the engine warm and running at a rich setting gradually lean the high speed fuel mixture in 1 16 turn increments Make several high speed passes after each adjustment to clear out the engine and note any change in performance The TRX 2 5 is extremely powerful Remember to apply the throttle gradually to prevent wheelies or loss of control Continue this procedure until there is no longer any performance improvement If any one of the following conditions occurs the fuel mixture is already past the maximum safe lean setting 1 There is no longer any performance improvement THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE 2 The engine begins to cut out at high speed Danger There is a sudden loss of power during acceleration Danger 4 The engine begins to overheat Sym
57. placing the glow plug with a new one included after the engine break in procedure Use the supplied glow plug wrench to remove the glow plug from the engine s cylinder head see page 15 Engine Break in Procedure The focus during break in is to vary and limit the engine speed This will be accomplished by accelerating and stopping at different rates for the first 5 tanks of fuel As the engine begins to break in the duration and intensity of the acceleration will gradually increase Sustained high speed running is not permitted until the 6th tank of fuel Perform the initial break in on a large flat paved surface Nitro Rustler is very fast and by tanks 4 and 5 you will need plenty of room for the truck to run in Apply all throttle and braking actions gently Abrupt acceleration or braking could cause the engine to stall unnecessarily Special break in fuels are not recommended Use the same fuel you plan to use everyday If possible avoid breaking in the engine on extremely hot or cold days see page 26 e Pay careful attention to the fuel level Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty An extremely low fuel level causes the mixture to run too lean This could result in a burned glow plug or extremely high engine temperatures Do not attempt to break in the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine by idling it on a stand This will produce poor results Keep extra Traxxas glow plugs handy The break in process can cause deposits to
58. pped with the Traxxas TQ 2 4GHz transmitter The transmitter has two channels Channel one operates the steering O and channel two operates the throttle The receiver inside the model has three output channels Your model is equipped with two servos M Applying The Decals and a receiver Steering Wheel Red Green Status LED Set Button 4 Cell Battery Holder Steering Antenna Trim CH3 Battery CH2 Throttle Servo CH1 Steering Servo CH1 Channel 1 Not used Receiver Throttle Trigger Channel 2 Throttle Servo TROPAS Power Switch L Battery Compartment Channel 1 Steering Servo The main decals for your model have been applied at the factory Additional decals are printed on self adhesive clear mylar and are die cut for easy removal Use a hobby knife to lift the corner of a decal and lift it from the backing To apply the decals place one end down hold the other end up and gradually smooth the decal down with your finger as you go This will prevent air bubbles Placing both ends of the decal down and then trying to smooth it out will result in air pockets LIS NITRO RUSTLER 9 TRAXXAS TQ 2 4GHZ RADIO SYSTEM Use the Right Batteries The radio receiver in your model uses 4 AA batteries Your transmitter uses AA The battery holder for the receiver batteries is located underneath batteries Use new alkaline the battery cover on the rear bumper batteries or rech
59. ptoms of overheating include a Steam or smoke coming from the engine not exhaust e Hesitation or stalling during acceleration Popping or clattering sound when decelerating detonation e Fluctuating idle speed Temperature measurement above 270 F at the glow plug A temperature reading above 270 alone does not necessarily indicate overheating Look for other symptoms of overheating combined with temperature for a more accurate warning Richen the fuel mixture to the optimum setting by richening the high speed needle at least 1 8 turn counterclockwise and retest This setting will extend engine component life High Speed Power Loss Overheating LEAN Cutting out stalling Optimum RACING for High Speed Performance __ EVERYDAY Optimum RUNNING for Climbing amp Low Speed Operation SAFE RANGE RICH Sluggish Performance Break In Settings 1 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 re tune For your convenience the low speed needle has a positive stop that prevents it from being over tightened and damaging the needle and seat This also provides an easy way to gauge how many turns out fro
60. r is in the air to keep the truck s nose up and land level on all 4 wheels Be careful not to over rev the engine or land at full throttle Either could seriously damage your Nitro Rustler If the nose of the truck is too high then quickly tap the brake to level the truck in the air Change or clean your air filter element after each hour of running This is critical for the life of your engine Running time includes the engine break in period Once you become familiar with driving your Nitro Rustler you may wish to make adjustments for better driving performance Adjusting the Slipper Clutch The Nitro Rustler features an adjustable slipper clutch on the spur gear to help protect the drive train from sudden shock loads such as landing off of jumps with the engine at full throttle Under normal conditions the slipper clutch should not slip Before adjusting the slipper clutch turn the model off Do not adjust the slipper clutch while the engine is running Use the supplied glow plug universal wrench to tighten the slipper nut clockwise until it stops and then back the nut out 1 4 of a turn If you notice any decrease in performance after making changes to the slipper clutch adjustment then it may be too loose The slipper must not be allowed to slip during normal acceleration or the slipper could be damaged Adjusting the Toe in Geometry and 2 alignment specs play an important roll in your truck s handling so t
61. rburetor fuel line Watch carefully If the engine is primed too long it will flood with fuel and stop turning Once fuel reaches the carburetor the engine should quickly start and idle Disconnect the EZ Start controller from the model Proceed with the engine break in 8 Do not rev your engine with no load wheels off the ground N OV Ur If your engine doesn t start refer to the troubleshooting tips beginning on page 34 or go online to Traxxas com support If your factory fuel mixture settings have been altered refer to page 21 If you still have problems contact Traxxas Customer Support at 1 888 TRAXXAS or support Traxxas com 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 If there is no smoke richen the high speed needle 1 4 turn by turning the needle counterclockwise 4 When the fuel tank is nearly empty shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line connected to the carburetor use the installed clamp 5 Let the engine cool for 15 minutes Note If at any point the engine cuts out or stalls
62. re could be internal engine damage Note It is normal for the engine to be extremely tight and hard to turn when the piston reaches the top of the compression stroke Engine extremely sluggish hard to start and will not idle during tank 1 of the break in e It is possible that the factory adjusted break in settings on your carburetor are too rich for your geographic location atmospheric conditions or fuel brand Extremes in temperature humidity barometric pressure and altitude can t always be accounted for with a single high speed needle setting The symptoms described above can occur when the air density is very low such as in high mountainous elevations and extremely cold temperatures Under these conditions lean the fuel mixture slightly 1 8 turn to see if there is any improvement in starting and idling Only lean the fuel mixture just until the engine will run and idle reliably and then proceed with the break in The contents of different brands of fuel other than Traxxas Top Fuel in combination with extreme atmospheric conditions can also make the factory preset break in settings too rich and cause the symptoms described above Again try leaning the fuel mixture slightly 1 8 turn to see if there is any improvement in starting and idling 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 wh
63. re inside the crankcase Crankcase The engine s body that contains all of the running mechanical components Crankshaft The main shaft of the engine that holds the reciprocating assembly Cooling fins The cooling fins are milled into the cylinder head and crankcase and cause heat to be drawn away from the engine Heat is removed when it dissipates into the air passing across the cooling fins It is important to keep the fins clean of dirt and debris for maximum cooling efficiency Cylinder head head The finned aluminum part on top of the engine that is responsible for dissipating most of the engine s heat The combustion chamber is machined into the bottom of the head Dyno Abbreviation for dynamometer A precise piece of testing equipment that accurately measures engine power and torque output over the engine s entire rpm range EZ Start Traxxas on board electric starting system The system consists of a hand held starter control unit and an on board gearbox with an electric motor to spin the engine Filter foam The oiled foam element inside the air filter housing The filter foam in the TRX 2 5 must be thoroughly cleaned and re oiled after every hour of run time Fit Usually refers to the fit of the piston and sleeve If the fit is tight the piston will feel very tight at the top of the sleeve top dead center and the engine will have good sealing and compression If the fit is loose compression will be low
64. red to Nitro Rustler is very fast The Nitro Rustler is intended for experienced users with a high level of skill The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine is extremely powerful and may require skilled driving to maintain control Children under 16 years of age and inexperienced drivers should not operate the Nitro Rustler without the supervision of a responsible and knowledgeable experienced adult Always follow all directions and precautions printed on the fuel container Model engine fuel is poisonous to humans and animals Drinking the fuel can cause blindness and death Handle with care and respect Model engine fuel especially when in a fuel dispensing bottle may look like a cool drink to a child Model engine fuel is flammable Never allow smoking sparks heat or flame in the presence of fuel or fuel vapors The engine brakes and exhaust system may become extremely hot during use Be careful not to touch these parts especially when refueling or stopping the engine Prolonged exposure to the engine exhaust can be harmful Avoid breathing the engine exhaust Always run your Nitro Rustler outdoors in a well ventilated area Never run the engine indoors Do not operate your Nitro Rustler at night or anytime your line of sight to the model may be obstructed or impaired in any way Never operate your Nitro Rustler in crowds of people or busy pedestrian areas Nitro Rustler is very fast and could cause injury to those unaware
65. ressure at the time you finished fine tuning your carburetor Current weather conditions can be found online from national websites local TV news websites and television This information will be considered your baseline setting You may need to adjust your carburetor needles to compensate for changes in temperature and barometric pressure air density from day to day Generally you ll need to richen the fuel mixture when the weather is colder than your baseline temperature and the air density is higher Lean the fuel mixture when weather is warmer than your baseline temperature and the air density is lower The chart on the previous page provides general guidelines on how weather conditions affect air density when they move higher or lower than your baseline setting see page 20 for detailed info on how air density affects mixture settings Tuning the Engine by Temperature The following procedures require an optional infrared temperature probe or on board temperature gauge Traxxas on board digital temperature gauge part 4091 Engine temperature can be used as an effective tuning aid when you understand the relationship between engine temperature and ambient temperature The engine operating temperature when tuned for maximum performance will vary according to atmospheric conditions engine load gauge accuracy and many other factors The atmospheric condition that has the most influence on engine temperature is air temperature Expec
66. rn the steering wheel on the transmitter back and forth and check for rapid operation of the steering servo Also check that the steering mechanism is not loose or binding If the steering operates slowly check for weak receiver batteries When looking down at the model the front wheels should be pointing straight ahead If the wheels are turned slightly to the left or right slowly adjust the steering trim control on the transmitter until they are pointing straight ahead Operate the throttle trigger on the transmitter and check for rapid operation of the throttle servo When the throttle trigger is pulled back the carburetor should open When the throttle trigger is pushed all the way forward the brake should lock Once adjustments are made turn off the receiver on your model followed by the hand held transmitter The TQ 2 4GHz transmitter has a directional antenna For maximum range hold the antenna upright and pointed in the direction of the model Pointing the transmitter away from the model will reduce radio range Range Testing the Radio System Before each running session with your model you should range test your radio system to ensure that it operates properly 1 Turn on the radio system and check its operation as described in the previous section 2 Have a friend hold the model with the engine off 3 Walk away from the model with the transmitter until you reach the farthest distance you plan to operat
67. rt 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 6 Place a rag or paper towel over the engine to catch any WD 40 or after run oil that may come out of 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 19 for air filter maintenance instructions 10 Replace the glow plug reconnect the glow plug power wire and reinstall the air filter Centering the Servos Whenever your radio system has been removed for service or cleaning the servos must be re centered prior to installing the radio system in the model If the radio system is installed in the truck disconnect the servo horns from the servos 1 Connect the steering servo to channel 1 on your receiver and the throttle servo
68. s in its neutral position the throttle slide should be stopped against the idle speed adjustment screw Always use the idle speed adjustment screw to control engine idle See page 28 for instructions on adjusting the idle speed q Higher nitro requires a richer fuel mixture When running 33 fuel richen your high speed needle 3 4 turn if previously running 20 nitro and then re tune the engine for maximum performance NITRO RUSTLER e 21 Using Other Chargers Another convenient option for charging the included battery is an AC peak detecting charger that plugs directly into an AC wall outlet such as the Traxxas EZ Peak Plus Part 2933 It contains special peak detection circuitry that automatically shuts the charger off when the battery is fully charged Caution Never use a 15 minute timed charger to recharge your model s battery packs Overcharging may result causing damage to the battery packs as EPZA 22 NITRO RUSTLER THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE The Traxxas EZ Start brings the convenience of push button electric engine starting to your Nitro Rustler The EZ Start consists of a hand held control unit and an on board motorized starter e Power for the EZ Start system comes from a 7 2 volt rechargeable battery pack installed in the hand held control unit e The engine glow plug is heated automatically by the EZ Start system eliminating the need to keep up with a separate glow plug igniter T
69. s to get your model up and running in the shortest time possible If you are an experienced R C enthusiast you will find it helpful and fast Be sure and read through the rest of the manual to learn about important safety maintenance and adjustment procedures Turn to page 7 to begin The Nitro Rustler s TRX 2 5 Racing Engine is one of the most powerful engines of its size ever available in a Ready To Race truck Two years of engineering development and advanced design along with thousands of hours of testing puts the TRX 2 5 in a class by itself Each part of the TRX 2 5 from the air filter on the slide carburetor to the tip on the dyno tuned exhaust system has been carefully engineered to provide maximum power over the broadest rpm range We know you re excited about getting your new Nitro Rustler on the road but it s very important that you take some time to read through the Owner s Manual This manual contains all the necessary set up break in tuning and operating procedures that allow you to unlock the incredible performance and adjustment potential that Traxxas engineers designed into Nitro Rustler Even if you are an experienced R C enthusiast it s important to read and follow the procedures in this manual Nitro Rustler contains new technologies that you may not be familiar with Pay particular attention to the fuel and break in requirements for the engine The advanced des We want you to feel confident that you
70. speed needle 3 4 turn if previously running 20 nitro and then re tune the engine for maximum performance See page 18 for more information Li 24 e NITRO RUSTLER THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE The TRX 2 5 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 Allow yourself about 1 to 1 hours to complete the break in procedure The engine break in period will take 5 tanks of fuel in a Nitro Rustler The break in time is not the time to impress your friends with your new Nitro Rustler You must wait until the engine is fully broken in before attempting sustained high speed running Patience and careful attention during break in will reward you with the best performing TRX 2 5 Racing Engine possible During break in your engine may appear to malfunction with symptoms like stalling inconsistent performance and fouled glow plugs These are simply the normal break in pains engines sometimes go through They will disappear once your engine is fully broken in Many owners report not experiencing any of these symptoms with TRX Racing Engines We recommend re
71. t the engine temperature to vary almost in direct proportion to air temperature Assuming you tuned the engine for the same maximum performance each day the engine will run about twenty degrees hotter when it s ninety degrees outside than it would in seventy degree weather For this reason we cannot give you a definitive temperature range that indicates the best possible engine tuning THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE There is NO optimal temperature that can be used as a target to deliver the best engine tuning Do not rely on a temp gauge alone to tune your engine Tune the engine by paying very close attention to how it responds to changes in fuel mixture more smoke less smoke fast sluggish reliable stalling smooth sound muffled sound etc Once the engine is tuned then observe the temperature The temperature gauge can aid you in tuning by giving you a relative indication of how your adjustments are affecting the engine and to help prevent you from reaching excessive engine temperatures For example as you lean the fuel mixture the engine performance will increase along with the temperature If you continue to lean the fuel mixture and the temperature increases but the engine performance does not change then you have exceeded the maximum safe lean setting Make note of the engine temperature Generally try to keep your engine from exceeding 270 F when measured at the glow plug If necessary increase airflow to the engine by cutting o
72. tanks Driving procedure Gently pull the throttle trigger to full throttle over a 3 second count Then gently apply the brake to stop Count the three seconds out while accelerating one thousand one one thousand two one thousand three and then stop Repeat this starting and stopping procedure until the fourth tank of fuel is nearly empty Apply the throttle gradually Your finger should not reach full throttle until the end of the three second count Keep your driving smooth and consistent When the fuel tank is nearly empty shut off the engine and refuel Driving procedure Gently pull the throttle trigger to full throttle over a 3 second count hold for 2 more seconds and then gently apply the brake to stop Count the five seconds out while accelerating Repeat this starting and stopping procedure until the fifth tank of fuel is nearly empty When the fuel tank is nearly empty shut off the engine and refuel Clean your air filter before you proceed Refer to the instructions on page 19 During the sixth tank of fuel the engine can be tuned for general performance use Proceed to Tuning your TRX 2 5 Racing Engine Off Apply throttle gradually On Apply throttle gradually On Reduce idle speed if necessary On Keep your driving consistent On Accelerate over 3 second count hold for 2 seconds High Altitude Operation If you live in a high altitude region 5000 or more feet above sea level the lower air densit
73. tenna For maximum range hold the antenna upright and pointed in the direction of the model Pointing the transmitter away from the model will reduce radio range e Check that the antenna in the Nitro Rustler is in place and has not been cut or damaged e Make sure the batteries are all fresh or fully charged If you are still experiencing short range try a different location Sometimes there can be interference from various sources that can cause your radio to malfunction Engine will not spin EZ Start will not turn the engine If neither LED on the controller lights the EZ Start battery could be discharged or improperly connected Inspect and recharge if necessary If the glow plug LED lights and the motor LED does not then the EZ Start controller is in protection mode Allow the controller to cool for at least three minutes The circuitry should automatically reset e Check to make sure the wires are connected to the EZ Start motor in the Nitro Rustler The red wire should connect to the positive motor terminal indicated by a red dot next to the terminal The engine could be flooded If too much fuel accumulates in the combustion chamber at start up the engine will hydraulically lock Follow the procedure on page 35 for clearing a flooded engine e Check for binding at the engine flywheel If you are not able to turn the engine by hand the engine could be flooded there could be binding in the clutch system or the
74. to channel 2 The black wire on each servo cable is positioned towards the outside edge of the receiver Connect the red and black cable from the battery holder to the batt terminal on the receiver The red wire is positive and the black wire is negative 2 Place fresh AA batteries in the transmitter and turn the power switch on 3 Turn the Steering Trim knob to the center position 4 Now install fresh AA batteries into the battery holder and turn the power switch to the on position The servos will automatically jump to their center positions 5 Turn off the battery holder switch followed by the transmitter The servos are now ready to be installed Be careful not to move the servo shaft when reinstalling the servo horns 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 Rustler 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 NITRO RUSTLER e 33 34 e NITRO RUSTLER TROUBLE
75. ton on the transmitter 2 Turn on the transmitter and release the SET button The status LED will flash red slowly indicating that the transmitter is in bind mode 3 Press and hold the LINK button on the receiver 4 Turn on the vehicle and release the LINK button The LED on the receiver will flash red indicating that the receiver is in bind mode 5 When the LEDs on both the transmitter and the receiver turn solid green the system is bound and ready for use Confirm that the steering and throttle operate properly before driving your model The receiver antenna and antenna tube must be properly installed before operating your model Follow these steps to install the antenna and antenna tube 1 Slide the antenna wire into the antenna tube to its full extent When fully inserted the wire should reach to approximately 1 2 inch below the tube cap Do not leave any slack in the antenna wire 2 Insert the tube into the antenna mount Take care not to crimp the antenna wire Do not bend or kink the antenna wire Do not shorten the antenna tube See the side bar for more information LED Color Pattern Solid green Slow red 0 5 sec on 0 5 sec off Flashing medium red 0 25 sec on 0 25 sec off Flashing fast red 0 125 sec on 0 125 sec off LED Color Pattern Solid green Slow red 0 5 sec on 0 5 sec off Flashing fast red 0 125 sec on 0 125 sec off Name Normal Driving Mode Binding
76. ture and corrosion can build up very quickly inside the engine if it is not prevented A few minutes spent before and after each time you run your model will allow you to enjoy it for a long time to come Read on for more exciting details about your new engine THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE Air Filter Housin 9 Head Protector Head Cylinder head EZ Start Drive Unit O EZ Start r Plug Fuel Intake Glow Plug Ground Air Intake wire mile Positive T Carburetor Wire bi Flywheel EZ Start Negative Motor Wire Clutch Bell Crankcase Pressure Crankshaft Throttle Fuel Line Arm EZ Start Controller Exhaust Fuel Tank Tip Tuned Pipe NITRO RUSTLER o 15 16 NITRO RUSTLER THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE 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 ABC Abbreviation for aluminum brass and chrome Refers to engine construction that consists of an aluminum piston that slides in a chrome plated brass sleeve The TRX 2 5 uses ABC construction Air filter The air filter sits atop the carburetor and prevents harmful dust and dirt from entering the engine Dirt ingestion is the number one cause of premature engine failure so the en
77. ture humidity and altitude In order to get the longest engine life and keep the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine in top running condition it is very important to perform regular routine maintenance The number one cause of premature engine wear and failure is lack of care and maintenance The TRX 2 5 Racing Engine is manufactured to exacting tolerances and requires a specially designed break in procedure to accomplish the final precision fitting of the internal engine components It is very important that you follow the new break in procedure as closely as possible to achieve the best performance and longest life from your TRX 2 5 Racing Engine Engine break in will take between one and two hours Old style break in procedures such as idling the engine on the bench for several tanks of fuel or simply running the engine with a very rich fuel mixture for the first 4 tanks of fuel will not achieve the best results Follow the easy steps in this manual A clean air filter is critical for long engine life Due to the high performance nature of the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine a tremendous amount of vacuum is created to move a large volume of high velocity air through the carburetor Dirt is the worst enemy to your engine Clean the air filter after each hour of running to prevent sucking dirt into the engine Perform after run maintenance on the engine to prevent corrosion from building up on the internal engine components The fuel naturally attracts mois
78. uning difficulties There are limits to how much nitro an engine can effectively use to make more power Lower nitro percentages have their own advantages Nitro is an expensive component in the fuel so 10 nitro blend is more economical for the sport user 10 also provides greater latitude with the needle settings for easier tuning When using Traxxas Top Fuel using higher nitro percentages does not cause the engine to wear out faster 33 Top Fuel contains the same quality lubrication package as 10 and 20 Top Fuel Some non Traxxas high percentage nitro racing fuels do sacrifice some lubrication in attempts to increase performance We urge you to not take chances with your engine investment and use Top Fuel for consistent performance and long engine life What about Other Fuels Can other brands of fuel be used besides Top Fuel There are other fuels that can provide satisfactory performance however there could be long term costs in the form of decreased engine performance loss of tuning ease and shorter engine life Only use fuels that contain both castor and synthetic oil Everyone has an opinion or a claim to make about fuel The engineering team at Traxxas has spent years developing TRX Racing Engines No one knows more about the specific fuel requirements of Traxxas engines than Traxxas engineers We strongly urge you not to take chances with your engine investment and use the Traxxas fuel made for the TRX 2 5 Racing Engine H
79. ut the rear of the body windshield and front valance In some situations the engine may perform very well with no stalling lagging or hesitation at temperatures above 270 F particularly in very hot climates If richening the fuel mixture to bring the temperature down to 270 F results in poor sluggish performance engine never cleans out then return the engine back to a satisfactory state of tune based on how it sounds and performs always with a visible stream of blue smoke coming from the exhaust If engine temperature is exceeding 270 F with proper cooling and no signs of abnormal running then avoid running the engine at its maximum lean setting Watch closely for any signs of overheating Richen the fuel mixture slightly to provide a safety margin of additional cooling lubrication Symptoms of overheating include Steam or smoke coming from the engine not exhaust e Hesitation or stalling during acceleration Popping or clattering sound when decelerating detonation Fluctuating idle speed NITRO RUSTLER e 29 OS 30 e NITRO RUSTLER DRIVING YOUR MODEL Your TRX 2 5 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 driving and making adjustments to your Nitro Rustler Before you go on here are some important precautions to keep in mind e Don t run your Nitro Rustler in water mud snow or
80. wet grass It s tempting but water and mud are easily drawn through the air filter and will severely damage the engine Small amounts of moisture can cause electronics to fail and loss of control over your Nitro Rustler e The TRX 2 5 is extremely powerful Remember to apply the throttle gradually to prevent wheelies or loss of control Don t hold the Nitro Rustler off the ground and rev the engine excessively with no load on the engine This practice could result in internal engine damage Avoid over revving the engine when the Nitro Rustler is airborne after a jump e Avoid excessive high speed running for extended periods of time or over long distances This could cause the engine to build up enough speed to exceed maximum safe rpm limits e Don t drive your Nitro Rustler with drivetrain damage of any kind The engine could be damaged due to overloads on the engine caused by drivetrain friction or over revving caused by loose or missing parts e Don t tow anything with your Nitro Rustler The engine is cooled by airflow created by speed Towing creates a high load on the engine and at the same time limits cooling of the engine due to low vehicle speed e If your Nitro Rustler gets stuck stop driving immediately Move the vehicle and then continue driving Never turn off the radio system while the engine is running The truck could run out of control Driving Tips When jumping apply some throttle while the Nitro Rustle
81. y 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 As you gain experience in the hobby you may discover that many people have differing opinions on what is the proper procedure to break in a model engine Only use the Traxxas break in procedure Other break in procedures could result in a weak damaged or otherwise poor performing engine The procedure outlined here was extensively tested and proven to yield better performing engines than other common break in methods Even if you have years of experience using model engines please do not ignore this caution NITRO RUSTLER e 25 THE TRX 2 5 RACING ENGINE Winter Break in Tips For owners that do not have access to a temperature probe a drop During the break in process the piston and sleeve wear into of water on the cooling head around the glow plug area should each other to form a precise fit The engine needs to heat up to a slowly sizzle for approximately 6 to 8 seconds around 200 to 210 F temperature around 200 to 215 F to allow the piston and sleeve to If the water sizzles for only a few seconds then it is likely that it is achieve this fit properly A precise fit between these two components over 220 F and needs to cool down If the water takes a long time is critical for proper compression and opti

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