Wild Willy M38 Problems

[Will16]

Hi all,

A few years ago I got a WW M38 (for free ) and it was the first real car that got me into RC cars. The main reason being that it was a WW2 Willys Jeep and at the age of 10 that is what I loved. I haven't used it since the summer because when you connect the battery up the resistors get burning hot. Also when you lift the car up to put it on the floor the wheels spin full throttle. This is when the transmitter is one when the car is off! Any ideas what I shoud do?????

Will

[tamiya monkey]

sounds like the three step msc is stuck on full or a wire is shorted on the bottom of it.

[Will16]

I've read a few old threads on converting it to a esc. Is it as simple as it sounds- ripping out the resistors and msc and simple putting the esc in it's place?

[deannos]

I've read a few old threads on converting it to a esc. Is it as simple as it sounds- ripping out the resistors and msc and simple putting the esc in it's place?

I have just done this on a 26 year old Hornet and it works a treat.

[tonysmini]

I've done this with all my old cars, alot tidier in many respects without the resistor wiring, no chance of a runaway as the ESC just slows down instead of the servo sticking on full throttle, plus better run times.

A winner all round.

[Will16]

Ok cool. I'll probably go for a Modelsport one as they are cheaper than a Tamiya and have a built in failsafe and are waterproof.

[tonysmini]

RV12 assaults are foolproof, plus Lipo ready, I use them in most of my cars, the only other ESC's I have came with cars I got.

[wildwillydriver]

For sure your MSC is shorted somewere...

WW loves ESC it will run smoother and longer with it, you have just to check for a small enogh one to fit inside the the radio lid.

You can remove all the MSC and resistors and just leave the MSC servo as a base for the steering one (if you have an old broken servo would be better).

At the moment i have Futaba MC230CR ESC on both my WW (LWB and SWB), they works wonder and are small.

Here below a picture of my WW with his firts ESC (Tekin) just to show you how i put them.

Hope this help.

Bye

WWD

[Will16]

I finally changed the M38 to ESC. Fitted it all up with a Tamiya ESC as I just changed my HB 2010 one, and it works except that it doesn't! It turns on fine but it wont get any connection to the TX. I think it may be the RX as it is the old acoms, with the massive plug ports from the 80s! Any ideas??

[Neo Tamiya]

Oops...looks like the electrical gremlins have been at your rec too pal!?....junk it & install a fresh new one!.

About the ESC's...from owning the fossilized MSC's in the eighties....glad we have moved on with technology now!!...i found the ESC's far far smoother & very accurate transition..also the fail-safe..is one of the main things i noticed...car slows down/stops..not shoots off uncontrollably & does damage!!....& lots LOTS more run time/ & better more efficient batteries....(but folk still buy those crusty old tamiya Ni-cads!!) useless they may now be...but look good in a glass cabinet!?

[Will16]

Cheers for that Neo Tamiya. Put a new receiver in it (not really new but i defo knew it worked) and a Kyosho Prefex servo in and it great!! Taking it to the lake district tomorrow for a week with my HB! Should be great!

[WillyChang]

Tamiya ESC like TEU101BK do not have "BEC" and will be supplying 7.2V to the little red plug.

RXes which do not have "BEC" builtin expect no more than 6.0V powering it.

They usually shutdown if higher voltage but they can also release their magic smoke.

[Will16]

Well the Wild Willy is holding up great. Apart from the drive shaft grub screw came loose and the left steering tie rod screw where it attachs to the upright came out and I lost it!

[wildwillydriver]

Nice to know about another Wild Willy that is used as it should! I had a battery with mine yesterday and it was great fun as always!

Keep your WW running!

Bye

WWD

[Will16]

Well its not running anymore . Yellow motor wire came disconnected from motor.

[wildwillydriver]

Well its not running anymore . Yellow motor wire came disconnected from motor.

Easy fix, isn't it?

Bye

WWD

[Will16]

Yeh now I'm home but I didnt take a soldering iron with me!