RC Maintenance Tips & Tricks
Use a Hex Driver for Holding Pinion & Spur Gears
Since we all have a set of hex drivers at our bench, why not use one of your drivers as a gear keeper? Just line up your gears in size order, starting with the spur gears and ending with the pinions, and tighten the last pinion. Now you’ll have your gears organized and within easy reach.
On/Off Switch Mounting Tips
If you’re care has an on/off switch that is mounted inline with the chassis, make sure you mount it so that the on position is facing the front end. This way when it takes a hard front hit the switch will stay on instead of turning off. This is even more important if you’re running a nitro or gas powered car. If that switch goes off you may have a run away on your hands.
Keep Slipper Clutch Pads From Moving During Installation
If you’re having a hard time keeping your slipper clutch’s pads in place as you stack the pressure plates, pads, and spur gear, just grab a glue stick out of the junk drawer. The glue will hold the pads in place as you build, but releases easily and cleans up with water when it’s time to remove the pads.
Pool Noodle Tool and Bottle Stands
Waterproofing
Waterproofing Connections, Plugs and Wires
Waterproof your electrical connections by wrapping tightly in electrical tape and/or a light spray or later of plasti-dip. Silicone sealant also works good too. The main idea is to keep all electrical leads separated in any ionic substance (like non-pure water).
When cleaning off after a water-splashing session, don’t forget to lube all components. A good silicone protector like CowRC's Moo-Slick used sparingly for the motor is good enough to keep all bearings lubricated and metal parts protected
Waterproofing Servo (balloon method)
Simply poke a hole smaller than the output shaft through the balloon. Let the diameter of the output shaft expand the diameter. Install the control horn over the balloon. Keep it mind, this will keep you waterproof, but not submersion proof. Just zip tie the open end of the balloon and you’re ready to go!
Waterproof your electrical connections by wrapping tightly in electrical tape and/or a light spray or later of plasti-dip. Silicone sealant also works good too. The main idea is to keep all electrical leads separated in any ionic substance (like non-pure water).
When cleaning off after a water-splashing session, don’t forget to lube all components. A good silicone protector like CowRC's Moo-Slick used sparingly for the motor is good enough to keep all bearings lubricated and metal parts protected
Waterproofing Servo (balloon method)
Simply poke a hole smaller than the output shaft through the balloon. Let the diameter of the output shaft expand the diameter. Install the control horn over the balloon. Keep it mind, this will keep you waterproof, but not submersion proof. Just zip tie the open end of the balloon and you’re ready to go!
Water-Proof Not Submerge-Proof
Body Cleaning
Make Your Own RC Body Cleaner
Keeping your R/C vehicle clean is essential. And using store bought cleaners can be expensive and sometime do not work that entirely great. So today I’ll show you how to make your own RC cleaner so you can save a few bucks. And you will be surprised how great it work while being safe to use on the body, chassis and parts. Click on the link to get the full set of instructions for making your own RC Body Cleaner. It's safe to use and does not hurt the Lexan body. http://dirtkingsrcracing.weebly.com/dirt-rc-blog/make-your-own-rc-car-cleaner
Keeping your R/C vehicle clean is essential. And using store bought cleaners can be expensive and sometime do not work that entirely great. So today I’ll show you how to make your own RC cleaner so you can save a few bucks. And you will be surprised how great it work while being safe to use on the body, chassis and parts. Click on the link to get the full set of instructions for making your own RC Body Cleaner. It's safe to use and does not hurt the Lexan body. http://dirtkingsrcracing.weebly.com/dirt-rc-blog/make-your-own-rc-car-cleaner
General Maintenance
Post Bash or Crash Checklist
There is more to a RC car than its electronics. Other parts that require regular attention are…
LIPO Battery Maintenance
What do you think is the biggest cause for failure in lipos? Crashes? Over discharge? Although there are a fair number that likely see this unfortunate end what it actually comes down to is lack of use. Lipos are designed to be used. When they sit for long periods they build up internal resistance. After a while the pack will develop dead spots. At this point the pack can puff on the shelf, during the next charge, or on its next use. So how do you avoid this? Cycling (charging and discharging) your packs if they are not being used will keep your cells fresh and your pack working. Again a lot of today’s smart chargers have a cycle option which will do most of the work for you. You should cycle your pack once a month if you do not use it in your RC. If you are not going to play for a while set a reminder to cycle your packs once a month on your smart phone.
There is more to a RC car than its electronics. Other parts that require regular attention are…
- Differentials – check for leaks.
- Dog Bones – inspect for bends or breaks
- Turnbuckles, ball-ends and ball cups – check for wear bends and slop
- Shocks – check for leaks, bent shafts and mounting points for loose hardware
- Bearings – major source of problems, check, clean and lube
- Gear Mesh – pinion to spur
LIPO Battery Maintenance
What do you think is the biggest cause for failure in lipos? Crashes? Over discharge? Although there are a fair number that likely see this unfortunate end what it actually comes down to is lack of use. Lipos are designed to be used. When they sit for long periods they build up internal resistance. After a while the pack will develop dead spots. At this point the pack can puff on the shelf, during the next charge, or on its next use. So how do you avoid this? Cycling (charging and discharging) your packs if they are not being used will keep your cells fresh and your pack working. Again a lot of today’s smart chargers have a cycle option which will do most of the work for you. You should cycle your pack once a month if you do not use it in your RC. If you are not going to play for a while set a reminder to cycle your packs once a month on your smart phone.
RC Tire Maintenance
RC Car Stands "Store You RC Cars Elevated"
It is very common for us all to just throw our RCs on the shelf when we are done using them until next time. Well the weight of the RC, plus the use of cleaning, softening and traction sauces tend to soften the rubber and the foams tend to get flat spots. Flat spots are brutal on RC race tires and not much better for bashers. So one thing you can do to extend the life of your tires and foams is to elevated your RC so the weight is taken off the tires. There are various “stands” available or you can make your own. This is a must for those of your who have crawlers and scalers.
It is very common for us all to just throw our RCs on the shelf when we are done using them until next time. Well the weight of the RC, plus the use of cleaning, softening and traction sauces tend to soften the rubber and the foams tend to get flat spots. Flat spots are brutal on RC race tires and not much better for bashers. So one thing you can do to extend the life of your tires and foams is to elevated your RC so the weight is taken off the tires. There are various “stands” available or you can make your own. This is a must for those of your who have crawlers and scalers.
Clean & Soften RC Tires
Keeping your tires clean is essential for both racing and bashing. Dirty treads limit the contact patch, drastically affecting traction, and while wheel spin is good for a kick, it slows down the vehicle. Keeping your tires clean is a great way to be faster, and it is practically free. Although it may sound simple, properly cleaning tires is a process. Over the years, enthusiasts have devised some great methods and tips for cleaning off-road tires, and here are some of the best.
With most of the surface debris out of the way, add some new water and about 25% Simple Green cleaning solution and then repeat washing the tires with the nylon brush. Simple Green is non-toxic, cleans very well, and will not dry out the tire compound over time. Also, it also softens the tire compound, adding more traction and tire elasticity.
Keeping your tires clean is essential for both racing and bashing. Dirty treads limit the contact patch, drastically affecting traction, and while wheel spin is good for a kick, it slows down the vehicle. Keeping your tires clean is a great way to be faster, and it is practically free. Although it may sound simple, properly cleaning tires is a process. Over the years, enthusiasts have devised some great methods and tips for cleaning off-road tires, and here are some of the best.
With most of the surface debris out of the way, add some new water and about 25% Simple Green cleaning solution and then repeat washing the tires with the nylon brush. Simple Green is non-toxic, cleans very well, and will not dry out the tire compound over time. Also, it also softens the tire compound, adding more traction and tire elasticity.