Traxxas 70054-1 - Manual (Page 19)

1/16 SLASH 4WD • 19
DRIVING YOUR MODEL
• Not all batteries can be used in wet environments. Consult
your battery manufacturer to see if their batteries can be used
in wet conditions.
• The Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz transmitter is not water resistant. Do not
subject it to wet conditions such as rain.
• DO NOT operate your model during a rain storm or other
inclement weather where lightning may be present.
• DO NOT allow your model to come in contact with salt water
(ocean water), brackish water (between fresh water and ocean
water), or other contaminated water. Salt water is highly
conductive and highly corrosive. Use caution if you plan to run
your model on or near a beach.
• Even casual water contact can reduce the life of your motor.
Special care must be taken to modify your gearing and/or your
driving style in wet conditions to extend the life of the motor
(details below).
• Use special care when operating your model in muddy conditions.
Stop operating your model if it appears to be straining due to the
tackiness of the mud or build-up of mud on the chassis. Do not
allow mud to collect on the motor or pack around the motor.
Before Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions
1. Consult the section “After Running Your Vehicle in Wet
Conditions” before proceeding. Make sure you understand the
additional maintenance required with wet running.
2. The wheels have small holes molded in to allow air to enter and
exit the tire during normal running. Water will enter these holes
and get trapped inside the tires if holes are not cut in the tires. Cut
two small holes (4mm or 3/16" diameter) in each tire. Each hole
should be near the tire centerline, 180 degrees apart.
3. Confirm that the receiver box O-ring and cover are installed
correctly and secure. Make sure the screws are tight and the blue
O-ring is not visibly protruding from the edge of the cover.
4. Confirm that your batteries can be used in wet conditions.
5. Use lower gearing (smaller pinion gears) when running in mud,
deep puddles, snow, or other similar situations that will restrict the
tires and put much higher loads on the motor.
Motor Precautions
• Motor life can be greatly reduced in mud and water. If the motor
gets excessively wet or submerged, use very light throttle (run
the motor slowly) until the excess water can run out. Applying full
throttle to a motor full of water can cause rapid motor failure. Your
driving habits will determine motor life with a wet motor. Do not
submerge the motor under water.
• Do not gear the motor by temperature when running in wet
conditions. The motor will be cooled by water contact and will
not give an accurate indication of appropriate gearing.
After Running Your Vehicle in Wet Conditions
1. Drain the tires by spinning the tires at full throttle to “sling” the water
out. An easy way to do this is to remove the body and set the model
upside down on a flat surface. Apply full throttle so the tires spin and
throw the excess water out of the holes you cut into the tires.
2. Remove the batteries.
3. Rinse excess dirt and mud off the model with low-pressure water,
such as from a garden hose. DO NOT use a pressure washer
or other high-pressure water. Avoid directing water into the
bearings, transmission, differentials, etc.
4. Blow off the model with compressed air (optional, but
recommended). Wear safety glasses when using compressed air.
5. Remove the wheels from the model.
6. Spray all the bearings, drivetrain, and fasteners with WD-40
® or
similar water displacing light oil.
7. Let the model stand or you may blow off with compressed air. Placing
the model in a warm, sunny spot will aid drying. Trapped water and oil
will continue to drip from the model for a few hours. Place it on a towel
or piece of cardboard to protect the surface underneath.
8. As a precautionary step, remove the sealed receiver box
cover. While unlikely, humidity or tiny amounts of moisture or
condensation may enter the receiver box during wet running.
This can cause long-term problems with the sensitive electronics
in the receiver. Removing the receiver box cover during storage
allows the air inside to dry. This step can improve the long-term
reliability of the receiver. It is not necessary to remove the receiver
or unplug any of the wires.