Schumacher 4WD Menace Truck Forum

[DodgeRamSRT]

I'd like to ask something about this car. In the hands of a person who can tune an engine, takes it easy while driving, does little jumping, can fix their own car, can diagnose drivetrain problems and clutch problems, can a person successfully use this car and have a successful experiance? Or does it just not work good?
I would have to say that for the amount of money this thing costs new, you shouldn't have to buy so many expensive hop-ups (available only from shuie as no aftermarket exists for this thing) to keep it on the road. You pretty much have to buy the aluminum suspension upgrades as the plastic is fragile, the shocks are not the best, and just in MHO, belt drive and dirt dont mix. The trucks have been updated to address some problems I had on mine (one of the early one's), however you need to make sure parts are available where you are to reduce downtime. Mine's in a box after 1/2 gal of easy driving, and I'm not thinking I'm gonna waste anymore money on it, it's just too fragile. It's very fast, and tons of fun when it's running, and has a very user friendly engine. You could easily spend alot less somewhere else and get a better handling, more durable truck - it probably won't go as fast though. If you do get one, get the version without the radio and buy a decent radio seperate. Just my .02 from my experiences.

[phillipsac111]

I agree w/ some of what ya say....it's a pricey truck...but it's super fast! Haven't had any problems w/ mine in the dirt.....but I will say those are the worst wheels ever! Change them over to the MIP cvd axles for traxxas and put some prolines on those baby's. As for 4wd stadiums...it's probly one of the BEST. Where else are you gonna pick one up that has that much aluminum and carbon on it! It'd cost u just as much to take an HPI MT and replace it w/ aluminum and graphite and big block conversion! I've thought about it and would try this if I could pick up a mt2 decent...but still it's a 2speed...vs the 3speed in the Menace.

[doesgo]

Have any of you had problems with breaking fuel tanks?

What things have you typically been breaking?

[xdamxincx]

Have any of you had problems with breaking fuel tanks?

What things have you typically been breaking?

i somehow broke a fuel tank ...


i am thinking about selling my modified menace it has a wider suspension than any u have ever seen ..it will take turns with the venom tires at high speeds without flipping..... its like brand new ... prolly 5 tanks after break in ... i have pics .. email me if interested...
xdamxincx@aol.com

[slowmt]

how do you remove the flywheel from teh menace 21 engine? just cant get it off

[Quinton]

Hi
Just got a used Menace from phillipsac111 and have some questions for you guys.

My Savage's rotostart won't work with it because it spins the .21 the wrong direction. So does anyone know if the rotostart backplate will fit on the .21? If not, what pullstart mates up to it?

Also, I had to install new servo's in it and I can't see how your can run full throttle and turn left at the same time. The carb throttle arm hits the steering servo arm when turning. What am I doing wrong in order to get these to gel?

Thanks!!

(more questions later as they arise :)

[doesgo]

Can't help you on the rest, but for the Rotostart, just remove the connector from either the Rotostart unit or the stick pack and reinstall it backwards. I accidentally did that with the starter for my LST and all it did was spin the engine the wrong way (well, it tried to, but the one-way prevented it). Or else just use a reversible, high-speed cordless drill.

[Quinton]

Ah ha, thanks!! But I will be using it on my Savage as well, so it needs to be able to flip back anytime I wish. I wonder if I just try and force the Tamiya plug on backwards if it will work. I'll try. : )

[Quinton]

Trimmed the plug a little and it worked perfectly. Thanks!

How do I adjust when the 2 and 3 speed kicks in?

(where is more info on the Menace 21?)

[doesgo]

Glad it worked! I don't believe the shift points are adjustable on the Menace, however. :(

[Quinton]

Nope they're not, but since I WAS getting it tuned up (until I hit a tree) it was hitting 3rd at a good time.
Speaking of hitting a tree, I am wanting to get some nice billet aluminum arms made up so we aren't just stuck with ugly purple. The company I'm emailing make these parts.
http://atomrcproducts.com/savageproducts.html

They won't consider making them until we get enough people emailing them requesting them. Please email them if you would like to see some nice billet parts for our Schumacher's.
atomrcp@gmail.com

Thanks

[Rickula]

Hey Guys,
I have just found this forum and just finished reading all the replies. I have had my Menace for about 2 years now. It does seem to be true that it spends way too much time out of commission, however it is an awesome truck. The main problems I have encountered is the gear stripping/melting problem and breaking the front bumper. I have just took my Menace out of storage for the first time in 10 months and what do you know. All the clutch bearings are shot, which push the clutch bell out and chew up my gears. Luckily I had a spare set of gears, but I am waiting on the bearings. I am sure as soon as I get it back together, something else will break. :mad: I solved my front bumper problem by building the exact same bumper out of aluminum. I got tired of buying a plastic bumper after every run. :rolleyes: I would love to see steel gears for this thing, but I believe I was told the steel gears would cause radio frequency problems. I have not seen that posted on this thread, but I was told that by one of the Schumacher U.S. reps. If any of you guys are still out there, I would love some new feedback on the issues at hand. Reason being, no matter how many times mine breaks, I will NEVER sell it. It does indeed "ROCK"!!! Please keep this thread going.

Thanks,
Rick :cool:

[AdrianM]

99% of the time stripping gears are the result of too high an idle speed. As the motor breaks in and you lean out the high and low needle the idle will naturally increase. The increase in idle rpm makes the clutch begin to engage and the truck will creep forward at neutral trigger. Most guys just use the throttle trim to crank in some brakes to hold the car still. This is incorrect. All you have to do is lower your idle speed so the car will sit still at neutral trigger.

If you are stripping gears do this test.

1. Turn you transmitter on.
2. Turn you receiver on but do not start the truck.
3. Put the truck on the ground and push it back an forth.

If you feel drag from the brakes you need to adjust you throttle trim or throttle servo linkage until the car can coast freely at neutral trigger.

4. Start you car

If it roll away from you lower the idle speed with the small idle adjustment screw on the carburetor.

Thats it...no more stripped gears!

[Rickula]

Thanks Adrian. I am glad to see this forum is still alive. I just got my new clutch bearings in and got them installed. I will finish the truck at work tonight. I called someone at Schumacher U.S. and made sure I knew how to set the gear mesh. I really hope I can keep it going this time. $500.00 is too much to be sitting out of commission for ten months. Anyway, like I said earlier. I will not sell it, no matter how many times it breaks. I have a machine shop where I work (a power plant) and I have a little fabricating ability not to mention stainless and aluminum material to work with, so I can mod things as necessary.

Talk Later,
Rick

[AdrianM]

I get emails when people post here so if you need anything just post here and I will reply as soon as I can.

[Rickula]

I sure will Adrian. The only positive thing about breaking stuff is that I learn more and more about nitro vehicles. :D Guess it's true what they say and that is the easiest way to learn something is by doing it! Do you work at the Schumacher in Tampa, FL? I think I have spoken to an Adrian there. As a matter of fact, I know I have. Wonder if it's you???

Rick

[Rickula]

Adrian,
I have ran into a couple of problems already. Maybe you can help. I got the Menace back together and thought I had the gears meshed properly. NOT!!!!!!! It ate 2nd gear up. I have never seen that. Luckily, I had a spare 2nd gear and fixed it. I took it out and it did great. I guess I got it meshed right this time. Here is the problem now:
I tried to idle it down to where it won't creep forward. It stays idled down for a minute, then seems to be idling back up. My trim on my radio is set to neutral, so that is not the problem. Also if I take the air filter off when I set the idle screw, the valve is just barely cracked. Could it be with the mixture screws? Next problem:
Then, as I am running it, it just cuts off. I ran a tank and a half through it with no problem. It was not overheating. I found a hole in the blue rubber piece that connects the two exhaust pipe pieces together. It was actually leaking fuel. This would cause that problem, correct? So, I find a piece of tygon tubing that will fit over the pipes and hose clamp the pieces together. It ran for about 1 minute under throttle and died. It keeps on doing that. Is that blue rubber the only type of connection that will work? This is why I originally parked the truck to begin with. I could not keep it running. It is impossible to tune it if I can't keep it running!!! Please help. :confused: Can you give me some direction on things to check for and maybe approximately where the needle settings should be on a broken in engine?

Thanks In Advance,
Rick

[Skee]

Hi!
Just purchased a Menace .21, and Im now looking for some new rims for the car as i have a bunch of 2.2" truck tires i want to use (Dirt Hawg, Road Hawgs).
The reason i do not want to buy the standard (schumacher) rims is because its v-shaped and designed for tires without foams:

http://www.nortrading.no/default.as...03&product=3387

As such it does not support the foam as would a standard rim.

The cars is fitted 14mm drive hex'es, but I have 12mm hexes i can use.
Can anybody recommend suitable rims for 12mm or 14mm drive hexes and 2.2" truck tires?
Earlier this thread mugen rims where mentioned, but i was unable to find anything.

[brokelildude]

Adrian,
I love the truck but i have had a problem with the brakes since the day i bought it. The truck is so fast so i know it wont stop on a dime, but i can barely get the truck to slow down. The wheels dont lock up , even in mid air with full brakes applied. I have had to shelve the truck too many times becuase it is so frustrating to keep braking things becuase the truck wont stop... any suggestions?? I have tried adjusting the brake linkage, clean the brake disk and metal pads, and bought a stronger throtle brake servo. I havent found an upgrade kit or a dual set up like are available with other kits, so what else can i do???? Like i said i love the truck but i cant stand the lack of control.

Thanks.
matt

[AdrianM]

Is there oil on the brake disk when you clean it? If there is oil coming out of the front engine seal it may be fouling your brake disk.

I suggest sanding the brake pads and disk on both sides with 200 grit sand paper. Put the brake rod in the 2nd in from the outer most hole on the servo arm.

[brokelildude]

the first time i took the brakes apart there was some grease on the disk, but that was right after the brake in so i figured it was excess fuel from something. The second time i tore the thing apart it was dry but dirty, and this last time it was bone dry and pretty clean. I will try the 200 grit tomorrow and i will move the linkage in one hole to the second, if that doesnt work, what else can i do. :confused: :confused:

[sinister]

got the heart ready for the Menace

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/eosio/100_1406.jpg
:cool:

[doesgo]

That ought to be rather insane! :)

[sinister]

well the truck with engine in and new body :cool:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/eosio/100_1439.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/eosio/100_1438.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/eosio/100_1437.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/eosio/100_1436.jpg


and after the fourth run :p
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/eosio/100_1440.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/eosio/100_1441.jpg

[doesgo]

So how'd it do? Did you radar it or anything?

[sinister]

no I will radar it when i get it fixed :p

all I am waiting on is the "outer diff housing"

[sinister]

ordered a new "pro diff" and steel CVD's

and already got my new shocks on

[DPS]

I have a menace 21 and my e-start is leaking. Its leaking where the bolt goes in to the engine, not at the back plate. I cant figure out how to get it apart to replace the seal. Can anbody help me

[sinister]

dont know if you can replace the seal. Might have to replace the backplate
http://www.racing-cars.com/usa/search.asp?searchbox7=Nitro+Motors+%26+Parts&subcategory=Menace+4x4x21&category=New+Cars+%26+Parts&templateid=12
here are all the parts separately

if not I will sell you my old motor :wave:

[sinister]

new HPI shocks for front
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v332/eosio/Savage/100_1539.jpg

[Spoiler]

Anyone out there still running this truck????

[AdrianM]

Anyone out there still running this truck????

Its still Schumacher's best seller in the US. So yeah there are a few thousand out there right now.

[Spoiler]

Awesome....I'm picking one up today....and a Menace in the very near future.. Adrian you should be getting a call from my guy at Denises RC Outlet so I can support my local hobby shop with your awesome products...

[Spoiler]

question will the wheels for the Menace GTR work on the Menace 21??? I noticed they are not wedged and look like they would except other sneakers??? thanks inadvance...also are all the parts pretty much interchangeable from plat form to plat form...they look very similiar....

Brad Ray

The Strand R/C Raceway
www.strandrcracing.com

[Spoiler]

A have a question regarding the belt tension adjustment....mine is all the way to the front...Do the belts stretch "need a new belt?" or is that where it is? any and all help with this and tires selection is appreciated...

[Spoiler]

All questions answered thanks Adrian....awesome product support!!!!!!

[ralph_da_legend]

hi,
im going to get a Menace on Saturday ( :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D ) and have been reading posts about alloy and aluminium parts... i cant find any on the internet though!!! :confused: !!! any sites woud be helpfull!

Also any advice on running and driving it... I'v only ever had eletric cars before...

[AdrianM]

www.racing-cars.com
www.schumacher-rc.com
www.superiorhobbies.com

[ralph_da_legend]

ok thanks.

I've been told that schumacher is going to stop making the menace pretty soon... althought im not sure how true that is and my local sockist is finding out for me. But i have asked them to order me one if this is not true seeing as they were out of stock today. if not I'm going to have to get a Havock.

But back to the menace, which parts are the most vital to get in aluminium?? I've got some carbon fiber shock brackets on order and am contemplating an aluminium suspension mount and wishbones althought not sure wheter these would be the best places to upgrade it. any help?

[ekizzle]

How fast is it with the big block conversion? My LHS has nothing good to say about this truck. However it seems if he does not stock something he seems to bash it.

[ralph_da_legend]

Is there any way to fit bigger tires... perhaps from the havoc onto my new shiny menace?

[Jambo-menace]

Hi Guys, dont know if anyone has seen my post on the nitro threadm (Administrators, maybe you could move it to the nitro off road threads!)

Anyway im building a twin engine menace for a bit of fun, heres the link

http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=237073&page=1&pp=25

Jambo

[DriveFor5Racing]

I just got a Menace from Superior Hobbies and I also ordered the following parts. Did I miss anything? I want to make sure all the weak spots are out of the way. Also, is the Fusion 28 motor a direct replacement for the 21? When the 21 goes I would like to upgrade to the 28. I hear Schumacher is going to come out with a Menace 28. Any truth to this? I am loving the Menace. This thing rocks. Hope to start racing with it soon. We have a sadium truck class here in Wilson, NC.

Here are the list of parts. I hope this doesn't add too much weight to it. I want to keep it fast!!!

Alloy Front Wishbones
Alloy Rear Wishbones
M4 Nyloc Wheel Nut - Purple Alloy
Carbon Fiber Rear Shock Bracket
Alloy Rear Hub Carrier
Alloy Yoke
Alloy Front Hub Carrier
Carbon Fiber Front Shock Bracket
Pivots; Alloy Front Hub Carrier
Carbon Fiber Top Deck & Acc's
Alloy Pivot Blocks
Alloy Diff Mount
Air Filter; Purple Alloy
Servo Saver Metal Parts
Alloy Pivot Block
Dirt Cover; gears

Billy

[crazy4rc]

Get some extra pins for the cvd's. I went through a few when I had mine:cool:

[DriveFor5Racing]

THanks, I'll order some right now.

[siddall280]

Hi just a quick one i recently split my rear diff and ordered the pro diff my question is is this the same as the stamdard diff that comes on the truck or is this a proffesional built version thanks.