My introduction to Nitro R/C, a Savage teardown and rebuild

[crazydriver]

Hello folks, new to the forum and new to nitro r/c hobby. Over the holidays my sons were gifted some used nitro vehicles. Two Traxxas Nitro Sports and one Savage X. The Savage was the closest to running so we are tackling it first. We managed to get it started a few times through a lot of research and a bit of tweaking on the carb. However we could not get anything consistent. Supposedly there has been less than one gallon of fuel run through the kit but it is grimy as all get out. It may be slightly used but it is severely neglected. After lots of reading and video watching, plus the advice of a couple of members of this forum to reaffirm what was in the back of my mind I have decided to tear the whole kit down, run everything through the proverbial washing machine, and give the inner workings a thorough lube. This project looks like it will be a tedious process but the plus side is I will assuredly receive a very educational introduction to the hobby. I look forward and appreciate any advice and or criticisms as to how I am doing as well as possibly making some new friends along the way. So without any further ramblings here are a few pics of what I have and the start of the tear down.

 

[Jam Racing 1]

It sure is a grimy thing, i use denatured alcohol in a spray bottle to get all the grime and dirt loosened up and my air compressor to blow it all clean and dry..... a small tooth brush also works to brush crap, away takes a bit of time, but you will be happy when is all done......
I recently did one I got off a member here and it looked almost that dirty......
enjoy the rebuild, if ya have questions don't hesitate to ask......

 

[WoodiE]

Holy moly that thing is dirty. Lets hope they used a good air filter.

 

[X]

That thing looks like it was on the beach as the tide came in. haha

Always good to see a neglected savage go to a good home where it will get the love it deserves. Good luck on your rebuild and keep this thread updated with your progress.

 

[rcnut14]

i'll be watching this thread, that thing does look pretty dirty. I wonder if they spilled nitro on it than ran it in sand lol. anyway, welcome to the forum, and to the rc/nitro addiction. if u have any questions, feel free to ask. and don't worry, a savage is pretty simple once u get to know it.

 

[crazydriver]

Thanks for the greetings and words of encouragement. Only progress made this evening was the purchase of cleaning supplies, late day at work. I did tinker with the engine a bit. I wanted to disassemble it and give a it a good cleaning then swab it down with some marvel mystery oil. The flywheel seems to be a bit stubborn, any recommendations on how to get it off the crank without damaging anything?

 

[Jam Racing 1]

I have used a small battery terminal puller with much success.... about 10 bux at auto parts store....
also I use a light oil on my stuff, marvel mystery oil is a bit heavy I feel....a better solution is auto trans fluid and 5wt motor oil.....50/50 mix works much better.....

 

[crazydriver]

I just so happen to have a few gallons of each in the shed. The puller sounds like an excellent idea, I'll have to make a pit stop tomorrow and pick one up.

 

[Jam Racing 1]

I found the micro pin oiler somewhere, darned if I remember where but I put my mix into it and use it on bearings, oiling engine parts and the like.... comes in very handy and I have had it for years.... I do know some electronics supply houses have them and I highly recommend getting one to use......

 

[timatworksg]

I have one of those needles..lol! It was bearing oil from my Heli days. Use it on bearings now.

 

[fz1dave]

Looks like a project! I would recommend a complete engine teardown and seal it with gasket maker everywhere. It looks like that thing was flooded and cranked over forcing fuel out of everywhere... over and over again. There are some great threads on this forum showing how to do it. Also the best way to know the truck is to break it down and rebuild it. Good luck have fun.

 

[timatworksg]

You also get to know your truck more as you will see what could do with replacements, what is still good, how gears are, any rough areas, etc etc. Helps with troubleshooting and knowing what to swap out next!
I love the tearing and building!! Makes the house and me smell of grease, oil and WD40!!

 

[crazydriver]

Well after 4 parts houses and no luck on the terminal puller I remembered a handy little gem tucked away in the darkest depths of my toolbox. My little 3 pound slide hammer! I introduced it to the flywheel and after one slight tap it was free. Time on week nights being an issue (homework, helping the wife clean up from supper, evening bouts of wrestling with 8 year old, etc......) I only got as far as pulling the engine and carb down. If things go as planned I will have the engine cleaned up tomorrow. As far as oiling the bearings I was thinking along the ways of hydraulic lifters, a good overnight emulsion soak until they quit bubbling. If that's not a good route I can steal one of the wife's turkey injection needles as a substitute to the fancy oiling bottle shown above. Then start cleaning and lubing the rest of the truck over the remainder of the weekend. The only hang up I can foresee would be parts if needed. My local hobby shop is crap, rarely open and when he is, he's arrogant and not very helpful. I refuse to do business with him. The nearest option is 60 miles away, great guys though and well stocked. Been dealing with them for a few months in my attempts to fly. Enough rambling though. here are some pics from tonight. If you guys see anything other than the filth that needs to be addressed let me know. To my eye the internals seem to be okay.

 

[crazydriver]

 

[crazydriver]

just realized i need to adjust the date on my calendar!

 

[Jam Racing 1]

Looks like is just mainly filthy, do make sure to open up that little tiny hole in the crankshaft and clean it well... a paperclip works here and wont scratch anything important....also the little oiling hole in the rod too.... looks like alot of brushing and cleaning and brushing again...... as far as soaking the bearings in oil I would just lightly oil em and let the fuel do the rest for ya, no need to soak them..... in fact unless you have the right press tool I would leave the bearings in the case and just wash the hell outta them....
Good Luck and have a dirty ball with it...

 

[rcnut14]

looks like they told u the truth on the engine....the piston looks very slighty used to me

 

[crazydriver]

Yep, I'm pretty sure the run issues where from dirt in the carb.

 

[rcnut14]

well, if so, be sure to put a new air filter on. I suggest getting a motor saver air filter. only 15$, and they out perform any stock filter

 

[crazydriver]

Just wanted to check in, I was unable to get much accomplished this weekend. I had a few things pop up that were much higher priorities. I did manage to get the engine and carb cleaned up and coated with a light layer of oil. I set my son to cleaning on the chassis and suspension parts and that is about all we were able to get done. My wife for some reason thinks having a working sun roof in her car is more important than the boy and me playing with toys! I'll get some pics as I get things put back together.

 

[WoodiE]

My wife for some reason thinks having a working sun roof in her car is more important

In my experience they love it if you reply back to them that "you can't be bothered" 😀