8 replies to this topic

[Ribbit]

I've tried a couple different motors including the silver can that came in the box, and it seems that something is a little out alignment no matter what. The pinion gear is pressed a little too firmly against the spur, and the noisebox has a very loud whine as a result.

I somewhat alleviated the problem by inserting a small washer (from the "A" bag) onto the uppermost screw on the motor, between the motor and the plastic motor mount. This angles the motor by a degree or two, which removes some pressure off the gear. It's much quieter, although the gearbox has a bit of a rattle. Is that normal? Did I just get a malformed part? Without the motor installed, the gearbox spins freely and smoothly (ball bearings are installed).

I went ahead and left it that way and so far have gotten all the axle and suspension parts installed, I just need to mount the wheels and tires now.

The SECOND issue I had was the steering linkage. It seems the servo was really straining against the servo-saver when turning hard left or right. I think it's just built at a weird angle. I had to back the EPA down to 50% in both directions to avoid stressing the part!

[wolfdogstinkus]

The pinion gear is pressed a little too firmly against the spur, and the noisebox has a very loud whine as a result.

Gearbox? Noisebox
Sorry, I would suggest stripping the gearbox and re-building as per manual to check everything is correct

[Ribbit]

Gearbox? Noisebox
Sorry, I would suggest stripping the gearbox and re-building as per manual to check everything is correct

It seemed fitting.

[Shodog]

double check your motor mount plate cause you have something amiss. The LB tranny is butter smooth.

[berman]

I have the same problem, it's quite notchy too when you grab both wheels and turn in the same direction with the motor installed,
you can feel the teeth of the motor pinion meshing with the spur gear.
I've rebuilt it three times and nothing is amiss.
The gearbox is fine without the motor installed and freewheels perfectly, untill you install the motor.
Even checked that the pinion is directly in the centre of the spur, and not rubbing on the insides of the case.

Thing is I have a mint unused (well, used now) pumpkin here to compare against and this thing IS buttery smooth, quiet as a mouse.

[Ribbit]

I have the same problem, it's quite notchy too when you grab both wheels and turn in the same direction with the motor installed,
you can feel the teeth of the motor pinion meshing with the spur gear.
I've rebuilt it three times and nothing is amiss.
The gearbox is fine without the motor installed and freewheels perfectly, untill you install the motor.
Even checked that the pinion is directly in the centre of the spur, and not rubbing on the insides of the case.

Thing is I have a mint unused (well, used now) pumpkin here to compare against and this thing IS buttery smooth, quiet as a mouse.

Adding the washer seemed to help. I tore down and rebuilt the gearbox, everything is as it should be, but it still meshed too tightly. One small washer (From the A bag) seems to do the trick though, if used on the topmost screw hole on the motor (when the motor is oriented in its installed configuration). It tilts the motor out slightly and angles the pinion up just enough to clear the spur.

Anyway it seems to drive OK. It took a while to get the steering dialed in. Had to do with 75% EPA left, and 60% EPA right for the steering servo, otherwise it strains against the servo saver.


Here's my finished project, sans paint job! Seems to drive just fine. I feel like a 12 year old bouncing this thing around. It's bone stock for now, except bearings. I have a faster motor to put in it but I'll probably leave the suspension alone... it seems that doing too much (oil shocks, lowered front, 3rd rear shock) kind of defeats the purpose. But I WILL be getting an LED light kit for this!

[berman]

Looks sweet! Give it a lick of paint soon!

Well I might give the washer trick a try, thanks for that My lunchie doesn't seem to be any slower than the pumpkin in terms of speed or acceleration, well not enough that I notice, and the pumpkin has a MSC and the lunchie a TEU, so I'm not going to worry too much.

Yeah I have a LRP 17x2 and a 13t ESC somewhere that I might throw in for a laugh

Are the LED's the same size as the original light set and do they fit? I just bought 5 sets of tamiya R/C light sets (#50320) for my trucks, and combined with the tinted look lunchbox lenses give a very grimacing look (cue 'Christine'), probably not as bright or useful as the LED's though

[Ribbit]

A couple other things... it seems like this truck has a wiiiiide turning radius. I can't set the steering EPA's any higher though because it just strains the servo.
Maybe it's just not meant for navigating my basement.

Also, the 540 motor hits the right rear shock spring under acceleration... is that normal?

[wolfdogstinkus]

Also, the 540 motor hits the right rear shock spring under acceleration... is that normal?

Yes that's normal, It will lesson with the addition of the 3rd shock but my motor still hits the spring.