Traxxas 55077-1 - Manual (Page 35)

JATO 3.3 • 35
3. With the fuel tank empty and the throttle at the idle position, try to
start the engine. The engine will most likely start and run for a few
seconds as it uses up any fuel remaining in the engine and fuel lines.
4. Once the engine stops, clean the outside of the engine with
compressed air or spray motor cleaner. Once the engine is clean and
dry, remove the glow plug power wire, glow plug, and air filter.
5. Open the throttle fully and spray a one-second burst of WD-40 into
the carburetor and into the glow plug hole (Caution! Wear safety
glasses to prevent spray from getting into your eyes). If you are using
after-run oil, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Place a rag or paper towel over the engine to catch any WD-40 or
after-run oil that may come out the carburetor or glow plug hole.
7. Connect the EZ-Start controller to the model and spin the engine for
10 seconds.
8. Remove the rag or paper towel and repeat steps 5–7 two
more times.
9. Clean and re-oil the air filter so it will be ready for use next time. See
page 19 for air filter maintenance instructions.
10. Replace the glow plug, reconnect the glow plug power wire, and
reinstall the air filter.
Clearing a Flooded Engine
If the engine is primed for too long during startup, then it can become
flooded with fuel. When the engine is flooded it will no longer turn due to
excess fuel in the combustion chamber preventing upward movement of
the piston. Use the following procedure to clear a flooded engine:
1. Remove the blue glow plug wire.
2. Remove the glow plug and gasket with the glow plug wrench supplied
with your model. A 5/16 or 8mm nut driver will also work.
3. Turn the model upside down and plug in the EZ-Start controller.
4. Push the EZ-Start button for several seconds to clear the engine
of excess fuel. Do not look into the glow plug hole while the
engine is spinning or you could spray fuel into your face!
5. Turn the model over and reinstall the glow plug and gasket.
6. Reconnect the blue glow plug wire to the glow plug.
7. Reconnect the EZ-Start controller.
8. Do not prime the engine. Pull the throttle to 1/2 throttle and push the
EZ-Start button. The engine should start immediately.
Piston stuck at “top dead center” (TDC)
“Top dead center” is the position where the piston
is at the very top of the tapered sleeve. Occasionally
an engine can get “stuck” at this position. This
is most likely to happen on new engines during
break-in, but can also happen at other times. If the
engine is stuck at TDC, use the following procedure
to release the piston from the sleeve:
1. Remove the glow plug using the included tool or
8mm (5/16”) nut driver and verify that the piston
is at the top of its stroke.
2. Turn the Jato over and locate the flywheel
through the cutout in the chassis. Insert a flat
blade screwdriver as shown between the chassis
and flywheel. Using the chassis for leverage,
rotate the flywheel counterclockwise by pressing
down on the screwdriver. The flywheel will turn,
unsticking the piston from the sleeve.
3. Put two or three drops of light machine oil into
the glow plug hole to lubricate the piston and
sleeve. Do not use too much oil. Excess oil will
hydro-lock the engine. Verify the starter will spin
the engine with the glow plug out.
4. Rotate the flywheel so the piston is at bottom
dead center and replace the glow plug with
gasket. Reconnect the blue glow plug wire.
5. You should now be able to start the engine with the EZ-Start.
Top Dead Center
Bottom Dead Center
MAINTAINING AND STORING YOUR JATO
If you have questions or need technical assistance, call Traxxas at
1-888-TRAXXAS
(1-888-872-9927) (U.S. residents only)
Denatured alcohol (available
from home centers and
paint supply stores) in a
spray bottle is an extremely
effective cleaner. Be sure
to wear safety glasses and
gloves when working with
denatured alcohol.
Be sure to follow proper
maintenance and storage
procedures to avoid damage
to your engine and other
components of your Jato.
Don’t put the fuel from your
tank back into your fuel
jug. Dispose of it properly,
following city or county
regulations.
Always wear eye protection
when using compressed
air or spray cleaners and
lubricants.