Hotbodies .46 Truckzilla

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DiscDawg@gmail.com - 05 Apr 2006 17:04 GMT

I had originally sent this to Hotbodies support but I have never
received a reply from them. (Nice customer service) Anyway, I will
post it here and hopefully some of you will take the time to help me
answer a few questions. ****I will post verbatim****

****I have read in the instructions that the .46 engine cannot be
started with a jump start until it is broke in completely.

I bought mine used so I have no idea how much it has been run. I have
used the pull starter for a couple tanks, (without much luck) and would
like to use the jump starter. The pull cord would stick (like a bad
Briggs and Stratton) and would never work on a warm motor. A standard
jump starter does not have enough power to get it to turn over. Your
troubleshooting guide says not to use a drill to turn the motor. What
is the damage that will happen? Is it a heat related issue, or is it
that the gears will not take the power that a drill will produce? I
won't lie; I have used a drill with success. I am worried that I will
wreck something so I figured I better dig into it. Also I have noticed
that it is much harder to start after it is warm (180-200F) I have
found that when warm, the cordless drill I used did not turn fast
enough to get it firing. I switched to a corded model and had much
better luck. Is there a maximum rpm that should not be exceeded when
trying to start? Are there any other jump start back plate gear ratios
that will turn the motor faster than the stock one?

On another note: This thing is fast! I need to get used to the power.
Its winter up here and hard to find room to run. My shop is only so big
and I can hardly get it into second gear.

Any hints and inside info would be greatly appreciated.****

It is now quite a bit nicer out side so I will get some time that is
not in a building.

I have also seen some issues with the engine after it is up to
operating temp, it will kill if I am not careful on how I apply the
throttle. If I ease into it, it stays running. If I hit it fast it
wants to burp and die. Does anyone have any thoughts as to what might
be causing this behavior?

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nospam@noway.com - 05 Apr 2006 18:22 GMT

Accidentally sent the reply to your e-mail. Sorry! I have posted it here
as well.

----- Original Message -----
From: <DiscDawg@gmail.com>
Newsgroups: rec.models.rc.land
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 12:04 PM
Subject: Hotbodies .46 Truckzilla

>I had originally sent this to Hotbodies support but I have never
> received a reply from them. (Nice customer service) Anyway, I will
[quoted text clipped - 35 lines]
> wants to burp and die. Does anyone have any thoughts as to what might
> be causing this behavior?

On the drill start, if it starts the truck, go for it. They advise you not
to use it until it's broken in as the extra torque produced by a drill
compared to a pullstart could snap the rod in the event the piston gets
stuck in a brand new, un-broken-in sleeve, which is quite commom. After
breakin, when tolerances aren't so tight, there is very little chance the
piston will get stuck hence a drill is ok to use.

Your HSN is either too rich or too lean which is causing the engine to cut
out when you mash the throttle. Based on your temps and the fact that
easing the throttle keeps it running I'd opt for an overly rich setting.
Adjust the HSN 1/8 turn at a time clockwise (lean) and see if it gets
better. If it doesn't, return the HSN to initial setting and turn 1/8 at a
time counterclockwise (rich) and see if it gets any better. Optimum
operatring temp for big block nitros in 4x4 monsters is in my experience
usually between 220-280F. As long as you keep it under 300* and have a nice
smoke trail at WOT you'll be fine.

A cordless drill will not work for most big block engines as it just doesn't
spin fast enough, so your problem there wasn't specific to your engine.
Grab a HPI or Hot Bodies rotostart unit so you aren't limited to a corded,
electrical device to start your truck. That way you can play in the park,
etc. Hot bodies dual-battery, dual-motor one would have the oomph needed to
start that big motor.

FWIW, I've heard nothing but bad things about the Hot Bodies .46 per way of
starting, tuning and performance, so the issues you're experiencing are not
unique.

Also, FWIW, Hot Bodies has NEVER responded to any of my e-mails. Drop them
a phone call which they do answer during business hours.

HTH,

Doc

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / April 2006

Hotbodies .46 Truckzilla