Martyn_T

Today I discovered why my steering had been going haywire (it looked a bit like it had got Parkinson's Disease). The solder on the servo had failed but the cables were making intermittent connections. So I dug out the old soldering iron, cleaned up the joins and leads and fixed it up. Put it all back together and it works. Not often I get a win but this was one! So I should be able to break it again tomorrow. ;-)

I use Kays Fasteners too. They are local to me so I tend to drop in on a Saturday morning (I email to check there will be someone there first because they don't advertise being open on Saturdays). They are really well priced and have thousands of lines and are pretty good at identifying the items you have. A mate suggested I take one of (almost) every bolt from my RC and get a few of each. I did that and also the website and took a shopping list in. I got about half a dozen of loads of things and it came to just over a tenner. Very happy with them.

I didn't remove the carb however when I removed the metal plate which covers the primer bulb the four screws are long and it is conceivable that the gasket has got moved a bit. I'll check that and the breather hole too. Thanks chaps. Martyn.

Evening all. You probably know I am a new recruit to R/C so excuse me if this is (another) bone question. Last week I took the car for a walk and after maybe 30 minutes of driving the engine stalled. When I walked over to it (it never stalls at your feet does it?) there was smoke over the top of the muffler. I tried restarting it and got nothing. So I left it for about 10 minutes then it started pretty nicely - but then did the same after maybe another 20 minutes. A further 10-15 minutes to cool down and then I was able to get it home. I'm not the most adventurous driver just yet - really just pootling about, accelerating up and down hills, tiny jumps that would likely make the majority of you laugh but I am just really trying to get used to handling it. As a result I wouldn't really expect me to be stressing the engine too much. So then I wondered if it was the opposite - that I was driving so (relatively) slowly that there wasn't enough air movement across the engine to be cooling it (a bit like when you are in a 1:1 car and stood in a long queue and it overheats cause not enough air across the radiator). But I took it out tonight and it stalled after only about 10 minutes driving - and I definitely hadn't been thrashing it. So then maybe I am completely barking up the wrong tree. I am using correct fuel mix (25:1) and have not modified engine in any way. Air filter is clean. Only thing that has changed recently was the primer bulb but that was a like-for-like replacement and engine primes/starts fine (better than it ever has!). Does anyone have any ideas? It is a 8 weeks old 'vanilla' Maverick Blackout XB. Fresh fuel (mixed yesterday). Thanks - again - for your wisdom.

Thanks for the advice here. Great thread.

Today I went to what I am guessing will be my standard bashing spot. Mostly grass but some dry earth to spin over too. Loads of space which is good for me beginning and learning to jump and keep the car on its wheels. Google maps http://goo.gl/maps/U14yn

It has been a good weekend. Took the car out for a spin. Wife got it cartwheeling which I am not sure it is designed for and I hit a tree branch causing the primer bulb to get a tiny puncture in it. So got a pair on order and looking forward to replacing that bad boy later this week.

How about this (don't laugh... oh... go on then). http://www.wilko.com/ironing-boards+accessories/wilko-functional-laundry-ironing-board-assorted-small-110cmx32cm/invt/0189749?VBMST=ironing%20board EDIT: Sorry - cancel that... didn't read the bit about fitting on a desk.

Ha ha, you're not wrong. It is a pretty narrow path and it did get caught up in the long grass (it is really long grass). It needs a bit more space and maybe somewhere where Mrs T can get a good view with the camera too. I've just discovered threadlock too which might mean I can keep bolts in place for longer than a few circuits. Thanks for the vote of confidence ;-) . Now all together "Mirror, signal, manouvre".

I think this is exactly what the problem was. I just used about 1000 words to describe what you did in one sentence. I am actually still tinkering with this because the brake linkage (I think) needs attention. It is needing adjustment so I am thinking instead of both throttle and brake linkages been on the outer most (furthest from gear servo) hole of the arm, that one needs to moved in to 'balance' it. When I brake initially it is OK but then the collet on the brake linkage is being pushed up. So next time no brakes. So it needs more attention definitely. At least the blooming car is running now... that's a bonus for me to be honest.

Thought I would send an update on this in case anyone has the same problem again. The problem was the plastic servo arm had lost all its splines - they had torn off due to the power of the servo I guess. The metal teeth on the gear wheel must have chewed through the plastic. So it would push forwardsd to throttle but then slid inside the arm. Therefore the arm never returned to a neutral position. It also meant that the brakes weren't being fully applied. I have replaced with a new plastic arm and have an aluminium on its way which I will replace when the plastic one finally gives up the ghost - or maybe straightaway if I can be bothered with swapping it all around. Thanks for help though - hopefully this post might help others in the future.

Alright. I've finally managed to get a bit of footage of my XB. I'm not much of a driver but IMO it goes like hot stuff off a shovel. I think the 4WD must help. Anyway, I have put a link here for you to view (if it works).

Cheers for this Thunderwolf and everyone else. I took it to a mate who knows far more about this than me (not difficult, granted). He checked the original spark plug by lining it up against the new one that was in the hole and there was a clear spark. So after a bit of swearing by me (and laughing by him), we put it all together and it started at the second pull. Maybe I am just cursed! Similar problem with muffler this afternoon so on his recommendation I got some threadlock to reduce chance of two bolts coming loose. When the blooming thing runs it is great fun!

Well. There was no spark. So I got a replacement plug. No spark. I have had this vehicle since 18/03 and probably had 90 minutes run time from it. Pretty hacked off with it all to be honest. So far these are problems I've had; After 10 minutes 1x throttle servo failed 1x exhaust coupling split (thought to be due to jubilee clip which were stock - have changed for cable ties) Modelsport were great and replaced these for me. After maybe 60 minutes Muffler came loose. Lost gasket and one bolt. Replaced and tightened all bolts up. After 90 minutes 1x throttle servo arm mashed (splines tore off). Symptoms were everytime I set the middle point for throttle, after a couple of revs the arm wouldn't drop back to neutral. This was diagnosed by my bro-in-law. So fixed this (quite enjoyed doing it because it seemed that it all made sense). Put it all back together and now it doesn't start. :-( Checked and there is no spark at the plug. Replaced plug and still no spark. I really want to learn about engines and gears and taking this stuff apart and together where necessary but I really thought I would have a better ratio of driving time to garage time. Have I just been unlucky? Don't get me wrong. Some of these problems are my own fault - and possibly they all are, because of my inexperience. Well. Postman has just delivered something so fingers crossed it will improve my mood a bit (ordered an alu servo arm for when this plastic one breaks/snaps/sheers etc! Thanks again for everyone's help.

Thanks everyone for your patience. I am pretty sure there is no spark - I did have the electrode close to the hole (mm). I've had no shocks and not set car/me alight. I'll try and get a replacement tomorrow morning. This is a massive learning curve so cheers to everyone for their support. It is appreciated. Martyn PS - if spark plug isn't the cause I'll need to start looking further afield. No doubt I'll be back...

Thanks for this Thunderwolf. I did that already (although it was sunny and like an idiot/novice I did it directly over the hole). There was no spark but would that also be the case if the coil was broken too? I have no hair on my head anyway but I am still attached to my eyebrows... currently. I'll be more careful in future. Apologies if that isn't the case - I am a complete newb to this.

Evening all. Having some great fun with my Maverick Blackout XB (buggy). Having problems getting it started. Read a few threads on here about running the engine and not idling it at all etc. So now I am trying to get the engine to start and it is not making any effort to turn over - at all. I am thinking fouled spark plug or coil failure? (Assuming kill switch is ok - dangerous assumption). Is there an easy way for someone without any test equipment to check if it is one of these things? My mind says get a replacement spark plug (cheaper and will need one at some stage anyway) but if possible I would prefer an 'elegant' way of zeroing in on the problem. Obviously - any other suggestions will be welcomed (fuel is fresh and at correct 25:1 ratio). Fuel is deffo getting to engine because after a few pulls on the starter you can smell it. Thanks in advance. Martyn. (Hoping to take it out in the sunshine tomorrow).

Hi again Vortex. Didn't really get much of a chance to go out today. The wife was running in a race this morning so all I got was a few seconds of it setting off then stopping. There was a problem with the throttle linkage which I had to come on here to get advice on... So I'll try again in next few days... I am new to this myself too.

Rover Man, Thanks for this. I'll give it a try tomorrow evening. That does make sense. I didn't want to start messing about with any settings without getting advice first but I will give this a go tomorrow. Thanks to you both for the replies. Martyn

Thanks for the quick reply SSS, Is that (end points) different to the Trim? On my transmitter it has the Throttle trim and Throttle dual rate. I tried pulling back on the 'trim' but there is not enough play for it to do that. The dual rate seems to alter the 'gain' of the throttle but I must admit I didn't think to alter that. It is all standard equipment (Tx/Rx) that came with the Maverick.

Hi all, Complete new user so have little experience of RC at all. I have a Maverick Blackout XB (buggy) which has had a few teething difficulties. The throttle servo broke within 10 minutes of first use so this has been replaced by the shop. Then the muffler came loose - losing a bolt and the gasket. I have replaced what was necessary (and cleaned up the vehicle and cover too - this was covered in oil and stuff from the exhaust). So the problem I have now is that the buggy throttle is a little open on when I start the engine. I have tried using the trim but that isn't enough. So then I attempted to take off the servo arm when the power to both buggy and Tx were on and re-align the arm in a 'neutral' position but somehow whenever I re-start the engine the servo seems to know I have tried to make a change and it leans the arm 'forward' a bit so the throttle is open a little - and the car creeps forward. It is back in the garage right now because I am not sure it will be doing the servos/brakes/car any good for it to be always chomping at the bit. Additionally I am concerned that if there is a loss of communications and the brakes fail then the car is just going to shoot off into the sunset. Is there a guide on here to explain how to set the throttle so that it doesn't race all the time? I have read about altering the pins etc but haven't touched them - and in any case it seems to be the throttle arm itself and not the carb settings. (I did wonder if it was due to the back pressure from the muffler/tailpipe but these are all standard - and fitted - so can't think it is this). Any advice please? Finally, please make any answers simple for a newb to understand. ;-) Thanks, Martyn.

I have never owned a RC car before and plumped for the Maverick in my ignorance really (didn't join this forum until after I had bought it). I'll get a video done tomorrow though and then try and get it uploaded here... I do drive like a big girl though so don't expect a lot. ;-)

Is it rare to have a trouble free day then?

I own a Maverick XB but in all honesty I aren't experienced enough to comment on it especially compared to other units. Only owned it a few weeks but it is good fun. EDIT: just re-read my post and realise it is completely unhelpful!!! However if you do buy one then have any questions specific to that model then feel free to get in touch and I'll try and help.

Thanks once more for the advice. I took it back to the shop this morning and they were apologetic about the servo failure. They have replaced it for me with an 'uprated' one and given me the receipt for that. They have also set the end points for me. I've brought it home and eventually fired it up (it has only had about 10 minutes run time so far from new). The engine sounds sweeter now. Before it was a bit like an angry mosquito but now it more like a contented bee. Then I found when I increased throttle the engine just stalled... boo! After a few online searches I checked the fuel vent on the cap was ok (I guess a pin in the top and pressing the rubber bit underneath should be sufficient?). It all seems OK now so in about half an hour I am off out to continue the break in process. Miss Daisy rides again! (Wish me luck).