Thunder Tiger EK4

[teamted2]

OH MY GOD, THAT THING IS IN DOUBLE SANE!!!! That must be the fastest monster truck ever made!! How many MPH does it go? Is it durable? How does it drive relative to the T-MAXX? What do you think it will cost? I NEED TO HAVE ONE!!!!

[novadude]

it probally only goes about 45 mph to 55 mph

[BUTTY]

CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THE EK4 IS LIKE , AS I HAVE ONE ON ORDER IN ENGLAND ,THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE YET HERE

[StevePond]

Visit the video page of this website:

http://www.radiocontrolzone.com/cars/index.asp

[nascarfreak88]

man i wish they made a .70 conversion for the maxx....... it would have to hit like 90mph..........

[junk4calata]

I already have one on order. It usually costs $500 USD but I have found it for $439 w/ free shipping in the USA. Its release date should be late November or early December

[gixxer]

http://www.rcnitro.com/articles/images/tt_ek4/sp_chart.jpg

READ, that's 37.55 mph. What I realize from people is that most, are very optimistic about speed. Sorry, i just can't stand when people say my car goes 60+mph, where as it really goes 52mph. I know it seems fast but plese clock it or have it verified b4 hyping it up.

[BUTTY]

THANKS STEVE ,CANT WAIT NOW IT WILL BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM RUNNING A LITTLE SAND MASTER

[ducklake1]

junk4

Where did you find it for $439??

[ido]

gixxer

the tiger goes about 38 and the maxx about 30 but
the tiger has a .70 engine and the maxx only have
a .15 :cool:
think about a maxx with a .70 engine :eek:

i bet its gone go WAY faster than the tiger :D

[Chief]

look the reason why it doesent go much facter than the max is because of the gearing! So stop comparing a "max with a .70" im getting tired of hearing it. If you just geared it lower and took some of the torque away you could give it a lot more top end.

[nascarfreak88]

look the reason why it doesent go much facter than the max is because of the gearing! So stop comparing a "max with a .70" im getting tired of hearing it. If you just geared it lower and took some of the torque away you could give it a lot more top end. that and the 2-speed........ but you have ta admit that would be pretty Sweet!!!!

oh and the 90mph thing, well if it goes 30 w/.15 and i've heard 60 w/.21 (weather thats ture i dont know) and a .70 is 'bout 3x a .21 it would hit some ware round 90mph mathmaticly, but i would gear it down as far as i could go..... but than it would probbibly still hit 70-80mph........

[MBX-4er']

But you must remember that the Heli engine in the Tiger will at the most only crank out about 16 thousand rpms. I really like the T-Maxx, it is the ONLY truck from the ground up that is a truck! But the EK4 is gonna be on my shelf before the Maxx will...

Jason

[RcRaven2]

junk 4 where did you find that price quote at? i really want one and dont have a whole lot of money. also, what kind of nitro is it gonna take? and is there gonna be an rtr deal?

[SixVi6]

Originally posted by nascarfreak88
that and the 2-speed........ but you have ta admit that would be pretty Sweet!!!!

oh and the 90mph thing, well if it goes 30 w/.15 and i've heard 60 w/.21 (weather thats ture i dont know) and a .70 is 'bout 3x a .21 it would hit some ware round 90mph mathmaticly, but i would gear it down as far as i could go..... but than it would probbibly still hit 70-80mph........

Man the size of the engine has nothing to do with top speed.. its all engine RPM and gearing. Thinking only for top speed.. A .21 t-maxxx with stock gearing and say a 28,000 rpm engine speed will be just as fast as a .15 with stock gearing and 28,000 rpm speed and if a .70 maxx with the same gearing and 28,000 rpm ever happened it they would all have the same top end. the difference would be in how fast they hit top speed.

[nascarfreak88]

well ok, i understand, but it would still have more power.. if it dosent than thats just a flippin' waste over a .21.

[MBX-4er']

since when did top speed every matter with monster trucks??:confused: :confused: :confused:

Jason

[Chief]

Oh come one now..... SPEED is everything lol

" I feel the need....The need, for Speeed!!!"

[MBX-4er']

Then buy an onroad car....or over power and over gear a 1/8 buggy..not a monster truck.

Jason

[Chief]

I tell you what you just stay slow and the rest of us will take our rediculos fast monster trucks and run circles around you ok... :D :D :D :D

[MBX-4er']

yeah..ok..what happens when a monster truck goes fast? Oh yeah forget to mention, dont run! ANY truck out there flips if you turn at any considerable speed, so i can see it now; your .70 powered T-Maxx at 80mph decides to make a laft turn, oh crap! there is goes cartwheeling off and blowing into peices...not m idea of fun...

Jason

[Chief]

Well since i dont like tmaxes thats gonna be hard yo do. Anyway my Monster Pirate is very stable at high speeds and does not flip over when i turn at speed. And oh yeah it does not break either

[MBX-4er']

Yeah, not at the speed the truck goes now, but with your "80mph" monster will break going that fast. Besides i had a MP, it was stable at speed but hit a little bump and the dum thing would go bouncing off in whatever direction is felt like...i had a RB C4 buggy engine in it. The truck was awesome with it, but it was only clocked at 51mph, i dont see how on earth you are gonna get one to go 80.....

Jason

[nascarfreak88]

did i say i wanted speed? no, but here in crappy west virginia we hav these things called hills an well the .15 dosent reallyt have enough "umph" or power to go up some of these banks, see i want a truck that has a HUGE amount of touq. and some speed like 40mph. also i LOVE to showoff and well this .70 thing sounds like the way to go...... like in the movie they full throtaled it and it acted almost like a electric truck.... instant torq!!!

[Chief]

I never said i was gonna make one go 80 in the first place maybe someone else. Anyway hey thats cool you clocked it at 51. Ive been wondering how fast mine was and im still gonna clock it but it must be close to that. Im running the O-1 which has some more rpm then the C4 but a little less bottom end. Anyway i was wondering were you running a two speed?

[MBX-4er']

No, i didnt have a 2-speed, they would just get messed up with the dirt getting into them. I dont think they are worth it unless its enclosed like on the maxx where it cant get messed up...

Jason

[Chief]

I have never had a problem with my two speed. I use it all the time and it works great. But thats awesome to hear, 51 with stock set up and the C4. Heh heh i cant wait to clock mine.

[MBX-4er']

I dunno, if it works for you, great! But the one i had in my Worlds 2 always got jammed up with dirt and all kinds of mess. It wouldnt shift, get stuck in 1st or 2nd, not worth the trouble to gain abother 5mph.

Jason

[junk4calata]

For all those of you that want to save over $100 on the EK4 ( Price difference + Tax + Shipping and Handling ) Here is the link: http://www.rconline.cjb.net/:D

[nascarfreak88]

heres the link for all you lazy ones----->http://www.acehobby.com/gfx/cars/6261-6-350.gif (http://www.rconline.cjb.net/)

[RCCARTMAN]

The Thunder Tiger EK-4 S2 PRO-70H statistics:
Practical RPM Range 2000 ~ 18000(MAXIMUM RPM)
Output (BHP/ RPM) PEAK HP 2.25 @ 16000 RPM

This truck has insane torque... but the top speed


No matter how you gear it 40 MPH max. I don't know about you all but I have the need for speed. Torque is nice, but how many competitions are based on power only. Sure they may beat at a tractor pull, but any type of race they'll lose to a 21. The this engine wasn't made for speed. I can put together an EMAXX that'd rip all of these trucks up in speed and torque. But it is all about what you all like. I like speed, and nitro. The thunder tiger reaches its top speed faster than the others. A TMAXX could never handle a 70 engine with plastic gears. If I equip a Thunder Quake with a Collari 21, which has an established bhp of 3 @ 32,000 RPM, and a rpm range of 2000-46000, the speed would win, unless its a small area where rapid throttle response is necessary. Let be realistic, this is a MT not a street car. I am buying this truck, and the new Thunder Quake. I have found an awesome engine to replace the pro70h with already... its the O.S. .91 VR-DF Max Output: 4.8 BHP at 22,000 rpm
Practical rpm Range: 2,500 - 25,000 rpm Thats more than 2.5 hp increase and 7,000 RPM's faster. SWEET

[junk4calata]

Great, most are already saying that the EK4 is already over powered from the factory and there are minds already thinking about a stronger engine. (The second video that came out for it on the grass shows that it cannot keep its front wheels down at just about any blip of the throttle only helps re-inforce that)

The fact that the engine alone costs almost as much as the truck itself is almost scary. In my honest opinion, I think a larger chassis is required for this truck to help put more weight up front ( as opposed to adding dead weigt ). Also, with a bigger chassis maybe a 1/6 scale or 1.5 scale body so it doesn't look like the rear wheels are trailing behind the body like on a 21 chassis conversion kit for the t-maxx.

While I have the truck on order for a first come first serve basis, I am honesly thinking about not getting it and instead get a 1/5 scale nitro on / off road rally type car. Those have even bigger engines, faster speeds, longer run times, and actually keep their front wheels on the ground when accelerating hard - It must suck to have to let go of the throttle once under acceleration to steer, then reapply throttle as opposed to applying throttle while coming out of a turn as in real racing.

If anyone wants to take my spot for the order ( $439 w. free shipping ) Please E-mail me ( first request takes the place if I decide to give it up )

[chucksolo]

Don't you just love seeing the body sitting way up exposing all of the innards on the chassis? Cheesy if you ask me, I don't care how fast it goes it LOOKS lousy.

[SixVi6]

Yes 2 gals to break it in!!!


in the new RC nitro in the green colum it talkes about the breakin and yes it says 2 gals! my buddy wanted to get an EK4 until he read that becuase he doesn't run his RC's enough.. it took him 5 months to run a gallon through his two HPI Nitro Rc's. his EK4 would be broken in just in time for soemthing better to come around.. lol..

edit.. and I quote from page 64 of the Jan 2002 RC Nitro the green column on the left of the page below the pic.. ...ringed engines take considerably longer to break in. The steel sleeve, combined with the hard materials used to form the compression ring, require that the engine be run through two full gallons of fuel or more before it is fully broken in.

ohh and I agree with the exposed engines and all thing that all the truggy's share to me it looks hack. I'd rather keep it a buggy ohh but keep the .70 in there too lol..

[nascarfreak88]

thats insane................ i was thinking biut trading my maxx in but man 2 GALLONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MAN I HATE BRAKING IN my maxx and thats only 4 TANKS!!!!!!!!! or is it 5?????? oh well thats sill sucks..............

[muswagon]

Did I miss something? How do you figure (RCCARTMAN) that no matter how you gear it, max 40mph?? If you gear higher = top speed increase, if you gear lower = speed decrease. Higher gearing = less torque, lower gearing = more torque. Why would an RC car be different than a real car?

Come on guys, this thing is not meant to "accelerate out of a turn", its meant to scare people at the beach, and in the shopping mall parking lot. It sounds awesome, and I am sure it can be modified to handle better. Longer arms and MP tires? Softer rear springs and lighter oil and the wheelies decrease.

I cant wait for this truck!

[muswagon]

To simplify more;

Geared 1 to 1, @ max 18,000rpm, = for example 40mph

geared 2 to 1, @ max 18,000rpm, = for example 80mph

I am still lost as to what you meant

[Coconut]

2 gallons before it is FULLY broken in.That normal with ringed engine;but it does not mean that you can't run before that. Think of like a real car,take about 10,000 miles. I've owned many ringed engines no problem. A RB .12 takes about 11/2 gals before it is broken in. The problem seems to me is controlling that much power.

[MBX-4er']

For starters you gonna love carb restrictors:D And when ur ready for more power, just pop on in that a little bigger, or take them all out.

Jason

[RCCARTMAN]

I am getting this truck, but i just don't think it will be a versatile monster truck like the others. Sure it'll bash on torque, and rough terrain, but all over it will not dominate, in my opinion.

[junk4calata]

Sorry to bust the bubble, but I just read in the Jan 2002 issue of RC Nitro about word going around of a possible Super T-Maxx. Any one know more about this? If that's true, than the new t-maxx should be able to kill the EK4 as traxxas will have more experience at designing real off road vehicles by then ( not buggies w/ huge tires ). Also, not to be out done, once a craze starts it usually gets bigger so just immagine what the new maxx will sport for an engine. Never mind the fact that all the aftermarket support suppliers for the current t-maxx should be able to "enlarge" their current pieces for hop ups.

[muswagon]

It will dominate on speed, as with that much torque, you can the thing to the moon! Just imagine a two speed, having that gut wrenching power with the speed!

Traxxas maxx's are nice, but lets face it, the .70 would shred even a modified T maxx.

[RCCARTMAN]

A 2 speed tranny will be shredded by a 70 engine, unless it is made of steel. The torque is too much for plastic. The spur gear must be metal as well as the rest of the gearing.

[muswagon]

Then go with a huge Spur, and look out, 50+mph+++. You dont have to worry about gearing too high, as we all agree there is torque to burn. The way I see it, the top speed of this truck will be limited only by the availability of steel (we agree on this also!) gear options. Probably would need a bigger head for cooling if you gear the heck out of it, as it runs hot now (according to RCNITRO).

[RCCARTMAN]

The spur gear is the largest that can be used without modifying the chassis, but you can go up a bit on the clutch bell.

[hooligan]

Originally posted by RCCARTMAN
"without modifying the chassis"

lets get out the dremels on this one then :)
i just love the power of the .70 engine.
on my quest for my first MT there were only 2 candidates for me,
the ttr ek-4 and offcourse the t-maxx.
i wanted some speed aswell torque.
my plans were to mount a powerfull .21 on the t-maxx but after doing some reading up, i decided to order the ttr instead.
in my humble opinion, the tmaxx can only handle so much power if you decide to do loads of hopups (chassis,gears etc etc) since here in the netherlands the hopups arent that widely available as in (for example) the us, i went for the ttr.

but, i dont exclude a t-maxx to accompany it if i like the monster truck buisness :D

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

Guys to make the truck go faster you need a SMALLER SPUR gear not a bigger one.

I think MP tires&rims would be really nice on the TTR MT.

[hooligan]

just received confirmation from the uk that my cheque is in and my order is sent !!

my thunder tiger ek4-s2 is on its way !! yeeeeha !:) :D

[Techspert]

Some of you guys trip me out complaining that the EK-4 is overpowered. Most people would rather dump $1200 into a T-Maxx, only to end up with a over-weight, gear stripping, aluminum truck, that can't handle the torque that a basic .21 puts out.

I would take an EK-4 any day. Gear it for more top-end speed (while reducing wheelies) and be happily ever after.

[muswagon]

Sorry Quake, you are correct on the small spur, big end bell. Cartman had me flustered!

[RCCARTMAN]

Yeah so i got it backward. So, Shoot me! but really what type of gearing do you all think could make this truck go its fastest. Does anyone have the specs on the clutch bell and spur?

[hooligan]

:D word can not describe my feelings.
i am unpacking one of the fu*kers right NOW !

be prepared for a full detail report very very soon !!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[MBX-4er']

you lucky @#^%#*#^$#:D:D:D:D I cant wait to hear how it is from somone besides rcca!

Jason

[MBX-4er']

Originally posted by RCCARTMAN
Yeah so i got it backward. So, Shoot me! but really what type of gearing do you all think could make this truck go its fastest. Does anyone have the specs on the clutch bell and spur?

Prob. just by putting the EB4's main gear on it would help a lot. Also, step up to a 15 tooth bell, to keep front end down.

Jason

[muswagon]

Hooligan, you even have this page open on your computer in the picture. Man, RUB IT IN MORE!!!! If I wasnt so Jealous, I would call you a Frikken A-Hole (In DR Evil voice). How did you get it so soon? I have mine on order, but they are saying two weeks.

[violator757]

awwwww i wish i had the money to blow on that truck that thing is sweet sniff sniff *crying*:o :mad: :mad: :(

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

AWESOME Hooligan
GO GET IT DIRTY NOW!!!:):)

OH but first check everything on it everything to make sure its tight and has loctite where it should good gear mesh and ENGINE MOUNTS TIGHT!!

[hooligan]

news flash:

its breaking in !

the sound of the .70 is VERY COOL.:D
btw thundertiger suggest running a minimum of 5 tanks on a very rich setting.
that is what i am doing now.
very low throttles at 10% nitro and extra oil.
after those it is building up time !

grtz

gerard

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

I think I can hear it. :) reeeeeeeeeee!! blup blup blup reeeeeeee! rrrrrrrrrrr Its broke in now.

Do you think its loud?

[violator757]

hooligan make sure you post some good pics i no you got a digi cam
;) :D

[hooligan]

Originally posted by violator757
hooligan make sure you post some good pics i no you got a digi cam
;) :D
dont worry mate, when its fully broken in (got throught 2/3 gallon today) i will take it offrading to the max if weather is cooperating a little.

for other potential buyers: you will be buying your cans of fuel in twice as large cans from now on:D this baby is thirsty !!!

but then again, who said total rc fun comes cheap?
hehehe:)

[violator757]

coooooooooool i think im gonna go slam my fingers in the door for not saving up for one of these lol

:confused: :mad: :mad:

[ido]

S W E E E E E E T T T :D :D :D :D :D :D
post some pics of the inside if u can
i just wish i had one :rolleyes: :( :mad:

[RCCARTMAN]

Hooligan are you in the US? I called ACE and raised H$!!, when I saw this post. They told me that they aren't available in the US yet, with the exception of about one dozen. Are they telling the truth? (I wonder... COULD IT BE A CONSPIRACY AGAINST ME AND MY INTENSE URGES TO BASH OTHER MT's... Hmmmm? ... I wonder):confused: :confused:

[hooligan]

ido>see mine other thread called "the beast has arrived" in this forum for his guts.

rccartman>nope, im not in the us. i am from the netherlands.
i got the truck from the UK.

tip:they do ship international.

[Techspert]

I went the Thunder Tiger's website and noticed that they are coming out with another Heli. engine at .90 !!!

From the specs, it seems to have the same dimensions as the .70 engine so mounting it in an EK-4 would HOPEFULLY take little effort.

I can see the modifications now...
:D

[violator757]

i think witha .90 engine in it would prove pointless it would just flip over with a blip of the throttle:D

[muswagon]

Hey Hooligan, what did you pay in British Pounds?

A .90 would mean you could gear it even higher than the .70 without loading the engine too much. You could get this thing pretty fast!!! Who needs RPM when you have loads of torque.

[hooligan]

guys believe me, a .90 engine on this thing is useless.
even the .70 engine requires a lot of skill to drive.
you cant just yank the throttle like a .12 or .15 becouse it goes all over the place then.
this sucker ask to give him some respect ! :)
the huge power is what makes it fun.(but it is still fast:D )

[muswagon]

What did it cost you in British Pounds? Or in Euro's?? What type of steering servo are you using?

[hooligan]

the total i paid was 500 uk pounds.
that included shipping and handeling and everything

[draggerman11]

Congrats Hooligan! That truck looks to be an absolute blast!

I think " All engine with a little suspension" fits good for that truck!

Make sure you jump, climb, and beat the crap out of it, and give us a report!

[muswagon]

poo? :D

[RCCARTMAN]

When I get mine i am making an upgraded wheelie bar right off of the bat.

[nathan]

It's a glorified buggy with an out of scale truck body way up in the clouds. My $.02

[RCCARTMAN]

Why so negative nathan? I guess you won't be getting this truck, huh?

[hooligan]

nathan>get real mate,
ever seen a "glorified" buggy with a .70 engine that whacks away and looks like it wants to go up instead of forward ?
get real mate. you dont have to like it but its unseen.

[hooligan]

Originally posted by RCCARTMAN
When I get mine i am making an upgraded wheelie bar right off of the bat.
thats my plan too.
im thinking of addin a metal plate onto it on the bottom to take some of the wear that now is taken by the plastic.

picture it:
dark street, ek4 pruttling in a corner, WHOEAAAAARG ful throttle and SPARKS EVERYWHERE !

[beg4it]

Great looking truck, where in the UK did you get it? at my LHS in the UK they were on sale for £599.00, If I can get one for £99.00 less that would go part way for the servo's.

Did they have a website?

Please tell :)

[RCCARTMAN]

My suggestion for a steering servo is the Tower Hobbies TS-71MG
Super Torque Hi-Speed Mini Torque:
4.8V:110 oz.-in. 6.0V:18.2 oz.-in. Speed: 4.8V:.20 sec/60 degrees 6.0V:.16sec/60 degrees Weight:
2.12 oz. Dimensions: 1.6"x.8"x1.5"
#LXPB43 ONLY $34.99
For more information on this product click here
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towm5000.html

[muswagon]

Are you UK guys better off just waiting for the truck to come out on North America, then buying it here? 500 pounds is like $1,150 Canadian peso's (I shouldnt joke, my 'dollar' actually rallied to a whole .63 cents US).

I have an EK4 on order for $700 Canadian dollars, which is roughly 305 BP.

Surely it wouldnt cost 200 British Pounds to ship? (it might cost that, and dont call me Shirley). :confused:

[beg4it]

its not so much the shipping to the uk, but the import tax we have to pay which is expensive.

It would be cheaper to go over to America and get a few of them and bring them back and sell them as it would pay for the flights, and while over in the states pick up a shed load of Maxx parts as they are real expensive.....If its a gift you dont pay import tax, or just smuggle them....

I've just given myself an idea now......

[muswagon]

Is that the VAT I read about? In Canada, most things imported from USA and Mexico (what would you really want from Mexico??) are now duty free (excise tax, rip off tax, support Canada you unpatriotic loser tax, whatever you want to call it tax) due to the NAFTA agreement. Does this import tax apply to all countries of export, even Canada?

Hey, for a small fee, I can send you an EK4 as a gift from your 'Auntie Muswagon' over hear in the old British Colony!!! Just kidding :D :D :p

[hooligan]

thank god that i dindnt have to pay taxes on that thing
dont have too becouse i buy within th EU

the shop selling them is www.modelsportuk.com
they are very very fast en service is outstanding ! (at least that is my opinion)

[hooligan]

thank god that i dindnt have to pay taxes on that thing
dont have too becouse i buy within th EU

the shop selling them is www.modelsportuk.com
they are very very fast en service is outstanding ! (at least that is my opinion)

btw, the truck retails at 499 pounds

[muswagon]

Man, I thought I had too pay alot of dough because I live in Canada. Those prices on that website are just robbery!

[RCCARTMAN]

The best price US is http://www.rconline.cjb.net/ $439 Shipped with no tax.

[BUTTY]

HI EVERY ONE I BOUGHT MY EK4 FOR £590 IN CALNE WILTS ENGLAND THIS INCLUDED THE TRUCK , FM RADIO RECIEVER (4CHANNEL) 12V STARTER 2 SERVO`S ,2.5LITRES 10%FUEL NOT BAD WHEN I WAS IN LONDON YESTERDAY HAMLEY`S TOY STORE WANTED £700 JUST FOR THE TRUCK.

BYE FOR NOW

[violator757]

thats sound like a great deal only if i had the money lol

can some loan me 600 bucks so i can buy this truck and equipment:rolleyes: :D j/k

[muswagon]

Violater, that price is in POUNDS! Mucho more denaro.

[violator757]

ohhhh reealllyy i knew that:rolleyes: ;)

[hooligan]

guys, dont think in money !
the picture of the truck whooping away on its rear wheels only is priceless :D

[violator757]

yeah thats true but i doubt if i walt into my lhs and say "i got a pocket full of pricelessness they will give me a EK-4 lol dont pay me any mind i dont have it all:D

[NItro-Smoke]

Hey guys is that thing 4 Wheel drive?? or just 2 Wheel? Thanks

[violator757]

hey nitro-smoke its a 4wd 1/8 scale monster truck with a .70 heli engine and that thing is tight:D

[NItro-Smoke]

Thanks 757, I have been reading and reading but no where did it mention 4 Wheel drive?? I guess I could have guessed by the EK4 Name!!! Yea I was going to get a decked out Tmaxx(.21) but I may wait and get this instead?? In the video it hauls some major A**!!

[RCCARTMAN]

It seems like it is taking forever to come out in the US.

[hooligan]

steveP> do you know how hot the engine can run before i have to start to worry ?
i have the feeling that mine runs kind of hot when adjusted right.
i reduced some of the max preformance by adding another 1/4 turn richer on the main needle.
i still have the feeling that it runs on the hot side.
is this becouse i am used to my .21 motors ?
when i touch the head with some spit on my finger it sizzles of.
will get a digitemp meter to check the temp exactly.
do you have some indication temps for the .70 ?


for the rest: it is now fully broken in (yes the three gallons are allready through it :D ) and now i will go to 16% nitro fuel.
it really goes on its back wheels like on the movies and the fraking power is amazing !!!!:D :) seeing =believing on this sucker and seeing is buying !!:D

[nascarfreak88]

damn, already!!!!!!! well i guess when you think about it, it hoggz gas so much, it wouldnt be that mutch diffent.............

I wish it would hurry up and get to the USofA!!!!!!!!!

[nitroinsane]

the owner of my lhs and his felow coworker went to the chicago model hobby show and they told me dont bother it is built junky and i trust these guys now i havent driven one or seen one up close but i will probably still buy one to find out

[muswagon]

I myself would not trust anyone who put together a phrase like "built junky".:D

[Coconut]

Hooligan- definitely get a temperature and let us know. Also do after running with and without the body to give a reference. good luck

[StevePond]

Hooligan - I was running 30% nitro and had the needles set fairly close to ideal and the engine was running about 240-250. with the body in place, though I don't think that makes a difference with these trucks. There's so much air flow underneath the body that I don't think it matters.

[hooligan]

steve> thx for your quick reply.
first check run, 290 on the meter, and thats with only 10% nitro fuel.
and i am running kind of rich no way it is leaned out to much.
that is with body off.
i think it has gotten somewhat hotter than this before but there is no way to be sure about it sisnce i havent measured it then.
whats the temp when i absolutly have to quit and let it cool down before i kill something ?

nitroinsane> jelousy is a MF.:p your lhs owner and his co worker next time better spend their money on a whitney houston concert instead of a hobby show (kiddin here:D )

keep those engines runnin'

gerard.

[RCCARTMAN]

I am going to look into a cooling fan for the engine, like the four stroke engines have when applied in RC cars.

[hooligan]

update:

the engine is definetly running way too hot.
there is no way its too lean, becouse when i add more fuel to the mixture it starts sputtering and holds back rigt away.
i ran a full tank and it reached 350 degrees !!
point is, where do i measure optimal?
on the cooling head fins, or the engine body ? glow plug? those make kind of big differences.
i tried running with the body in place and off, and indeed steve it doesnt make a difference.
there is loads of air going through since the body is widely above the engine.


HELP:confused: i dont want to kill it now yet:D

btw, my rear diff starts making noise so i will take that out of eachother tonight and back again testing tomorrow.
i could rally use some advice here !!!!!!!!


gerard

[violator757]

hey holligan i think that the best place to take a temp reading is on the plug i could be wrong but im not 100% sure

[nascarfreak88]

yes, every thing in RCCA that i've read about heat problems has been on the glow plug...................

[hooligan]

thx guys !

steve i would really appriciate your help on this problem mate !

[RCCARTMAN]

Hooligan try ACE Hobby Distributors. They have information on the way the engine should know the way the engine should run. Heli engines are different from the car engines. Consult them on the ideal running temps, and information on how the engine should operate.

[nascarfreak88]

hmmmmmm........ you might be able to find it here (http://pub48.ezboard.com/fjeepinatorsforumfromhellfrm1.showMessage?topicID= 3.topic) if not, Jeep says to ask it and they will find it......................

[RCCARTMAN]

They're here!!! Racer Edge http://www.rconline.cjb.net/ and EHobbies have already shipped their first batch of preorders this week on Tuesday and Wednesday... It won't be long til I get mine

[muswagon]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but neither of them have received or shipped any EK4's. I phoned looking for mine.

[elwood80]

Upon getting them though, make sure you guys post some reports for us unfortunate ones.... :( .........:)

[RCCARTMAN]

When did you call them? I called them today and they told me they shipped their first preorders, and i called Ace in Higginsville MO and they told me the first shipments were sent, but my hobby shop probably wont get mine until next week. I pre ordered mine the first day the truck was show on the Chicago Hobby Show in this forum. Muswagon, check your source again, unless the person you spoke to, misinformed you, or maybe the person I spoke to misinformed me... but I know that ACE is right, because they are the ones supplying USA hobby shops with most of the Thunder Tiger Products.

[bjr25]

Hooligan, The fuel can also make a big difference. As Steve said, he wass running 30%. He was informed of that thru a heli/aircraft guru in the Airage stables as mentioned in the Nitro article. Good Luck.:cool:

[RRRoamer]

These engines will run cooler with higher nitro fuel. Just don't use too high a nitro content or you will face detenation issues. With too low a nitro content, your engine is running way to retarded on ignition, which will make it run hotter. Also, the higher nitro fuel requires a richer mixture to have the correct A/F ratio. The extra fuel helps to cool off the chamber. High nitro is a double God send if you are running at higher altitudes.

[hooligan]

let me get this straight,

it gets hotter becouse of the low content nitro ?
i allways thought the higher the nitro, the higher the temp.
so you think its becouse of pre-detonation or something?

ill get some with 25% nitro today (ill check or they have some with extra oil) and check its preformance and temp with that.

but ill have to be hounest, i am not too fund of high nitro percentages in my fuel.
what glow plug should i use in it then ?

[StevePond]

Hooligan - that's correct. The engine may run cooler with higher nitro content. The higher nitro fuel requires a richer micher setting, which brings more fuel into the engine, and more oil. The fuel itself helps to cool the engine, as does the oil. There's a limit to how high you can go before it starts to cause other problems, but you should be very safe with 25-percent. I didn't try the engine with lower nitro fuel; I only ran 30-percent. I'd be interested in knowing how your engine runs with the 25-percent fuel.

[nascarfreak88]

is this true for lower powered engines like .15???? i thought the higher the nitro the hotter it would get and the piston would last way less???? so if use 25% insted of 20% it will run cooler AND last longer????:confused:

[hooligan]

Originally posted by nascarfreak88
is this true for lower powered engines like .15???? i thought the higher the nitro the hotter it would get and the piston would last way less???? so if use 25% insted of 20% it will run cooler AND last longer????:confused:

that was exactly my thought

[RCCARTMAN]

It must have something to do with the displacement and bore size. i also assume that since the smaller engines rev higher (higher RPMs) that they reach higher temps faster with higher nitro content.

[hooligan]

first damage:

i stripped the gears on the rear dif.
now lets find out or i can get some replacement parts here in the NL. (this is going to be a *****):(

[Doctor Doug]

If any of you are looking for an EK-4 eHobbies still has them in stock and is offering free shipping right now. Also, eHobbies should have all the parts for the EK-4 in stock within the next 2 months.

http://store.yahoo.com/ehobbies-com/rc-ttr-6216-f.htm


eHobbyists enjoy FREE GROUND SHIPPING ($6.99 value) when you shop at eHobbies and enter "KRTH699" during checkout. Expires 12/10/01

[RCCARTMAN]

Stripped gears already? Man that sucks. Where they not meshed right or what? I guess I'll have to but some diff upgrades when I get my truck. I wonder if the EB4 diffs will work in the EK4. Thats worth looking in to. So sorry to hear that Hooligan.

[draggerman11]

Nascarfreak, no, small blocks run better on fuels with nitro content at or below 20%.

[nascarfreak88]

ok, just checking........ man this is confusing...........

bummer hooligan.........

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

Did you strip the ring & pinion gears? If so those arent cheap.:(

[Chief]

steve P My paperwork that came with my motor says i should use fuels between 20~30% nitro. What do you think about it? 30% car O'donnell?

[RCCARTMAN]

Hey moderators, What did you all do with the EK4 to keep gears from stripping, or did Hooligan just get a "bad one", being that they just came out and are bound to have some instances where parts fail.

[muswagon]

I would bet that the EB4 gears work, in the article the only thing that was different from the EB4 was the center diff. Does the Monster Pirate share the same diffs as its buggy sibling? If so the EK4 should be the same. Hooligan, did it happen during normal bashing, or did something come loose??

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

muswagon The MP had problems with its diff gears when it first came out. I believe it took a few months before Ofna took care of the problem and redesinged the gear diff housings. He hasnt said which gears stripped so dont know if it could be the same type of thing going wrong.

[StevePond]

Hooligan - are you sure it's the gears? I thought I had the same problem with my truck, but when I took it apart to see which gears were damaged, it turned out the setscrew holding the rear drive cup in place had simply loosened. BTW - my diffs had this insanely thick grease in them - what about yours?

[RCCARTMAN]

I sure hope this isn't a problem that every Ek4 will experience. I can imagine that it must require some super locktite to keep the drive train in tact. Even my 1/8 buggies set screws come loose now and then. I hope its not the diffs. Any word on the diagnosis... Dr. Steve... STAT... we have a code red... Trauma to the rear diff, The patient is a new Ek4 who appears to be drive problem... HAHA

[hooligan]

im sure that it isnt my drive train guys.
i did every part with locktite and that all holds up very well.
i took the rear diff apart to check it and the little wheels inside the diff are ok but the bevel/drive gear are somewhat "flattened" of the teeth.
i did take apart the diff before i did any driving to see or the teeth filled out smooth and they didnt, so i filled everything out so that it would sit better then ever.
i am really suprised that it damaged anyway.
to my luck the bevel/drive geard are indeed the same as the buggy version (partnr PD0578) now only to find them here in the netherlands)
i personal think that all problems will be gone with the mount of alu gear housings for the diffs becouse i think it damages becouse the plastic housing is being torn and bent apart due to the big power.
if anybody knows where i can purchase parts for the thundertiger vehicles online, idd glady receive some urls !
also any info on alu housings is very welcome

gerard.

steve> yes mine also had some fat rubbish in it which i took out when i checked the diffs, i replaced it with some special viscose gease especcially for difs.

[RCCARTMAN]

I don't think I'll do too much fooling around with my diffs when I get my truck. I am going to go to the local machine shop and see how much it would cost to make some titanium gears. I also have a local metric specialty shop here that has all of the gears and screws that are metric.

[StevePond]

Hooligan - see if you can find a torsen diff for an EB-4 buggy. Those have aluminum housings and steel ring gears. Maybe that would be the solution. I have a Nuova Faor torsen diff for a EB-4, so maybe I'll try it out and see if it holds up. I'm going to wait and see if I have the same problem with my truck first though. If you decide to go with stock replacement gears, be sure to shim the ring and pinion to very tight tolerances. If your original gears only looked to be slightly flattened, then maybe the clearances were not set properly.

[BUTTY]

HI EVERYONE , IT MIGHT BE A STUPID QUESTION BUT IS THERE NOT ANY WARRANTY WITH ANY OF THESE TRUCKS ,SURELY IF THERE IS APROBLEM WITH THE DIFFS STRIPPING TEETH THERE IS A DESIGN FAULT ????? & MAYBE TT SHOULD LOOK AT THIS LIKE ANY TRUCK BUILDER WOULD ,I,E DAF TRUCKS WHO I WORK FOR IN ENGLAND WOULD BE STRAIGHT ON THE CASE , I KNOW IT IS A DIFFERENT BALL GAME BUT IT IS STILL A MECHANICAL FAULT

[RCCARTMAN]

You would think there would be a warranty, but OFNA didn't stand behind their products that broke during a break in, so Thunder Tiger might not stand behind theirs.

[hooligan]

i dont even bother to go for any warranty becouse i have to claim it in england, send the parts, wait for them to investigate and send me new.
that takes me too long.
idd rather fix it myself and make it better so it wont happen again.

i am going to swap the diffs from front and rear and make the rear one as perfect as i possibly can so this cant happen again.
the damage on the gears is minimal, but too much for the rear diff which takes a lot of stress when pulling away in a phat wheely :D
(see, i can still laugh with it :) :D )

this is what the gears look like now from the rear diff.

[hooligan]

and the other one:

the little planet gears in the diff arent damaged, only the one in the post above and this one

[RCCARTMAN]

Man I feel your pain. Mine will be here on FRIDAY!!! Any suggestions on what to do when I first get it. What fuel did you use? etc.

[StevePond]

Hooligan - there sure is a lot of those teeth left. I can't help but think the gear lash setting was way off. If those gears were set tight enough, there wouldn't be much of the teeth left on either gear. I would suggest carefully reshimming the new gears when you install them.


steve P My paperwork that came with my motor says i should use fuels between 20~30% nitro. What do you think about it? 30% car O'donnell?

I ran 30-percent Trinity fuel and it worked fine. I'm sure O'Donnell would work fine as well.

Hey moderators, What did you all do with the EK4 to keep gears from stripping, or did Hooligan just get a "bad one", being that they just came out and are bound to have some instances where parts fail.

Mine is still holding up well. Like I said, I thought I had stripped the gears at one point, but it turned out to be a loose drive cup. I'm still running the truck, though not as much as I'd like to, so I'll keep you informed if anything fails on mine eventually. So far so good.

[B2//UK]

Hey guys.. My first post!!

Hey Hooligan, have you got her goin' yet after the rear diff went??

I phoned AMARANG, the UK distribution comp, and they confirmed that the EK4 is identicall to the EB4 apart from wheels, center dif and body mounts etc.. so parts should'nt be to bad to find (have you tried AMARANG?)

I own a RTR EB4-S2. Now I know all my hopups will work with the EK4, it has to be done... ("Do you take Visa..."- HeHe :D )

P.S. Great picts hooligan - Keep em coming

P.P.S good to see a couple of us Brits online

[BUTTY]

hi again ,GOOD REPLY STEVE ,I HAVE LOOKED AT THE PICS OF THE STRIPPED TEETH &CAME TO THE SAME DIAGNOSIS AS YOU STEVE , IT LOOK`S AS THOUGH SOMEONE AS NOT SET THE BACKLASH UP PROPERLY THAT IS WHY THE TEETH HAVEGONE THE WAY THEY HAVE , YOU WILL HAVE TO EXCUSE ME ON THIS ONE BUT I CANNOT SUGGEST A WAY OF SETTING UP THE BACKLASH ON SOMETHING THIS SMALL AS I AM ONLY USED TO REAL TRUCK DIFFS OR MAYBE I CAN FIRST GET SOME ENGINEERS DYE &APPLY TO THE GEARS ON ONE GEAR &ROTATE &SEE IF IT MESHES WITH THE OTHER

[BUTTY]

SORRY GUY`S DID`NT FINISH,,, I WILL CERTAINLY TAKE ALL INFO INTO ACCOUNT ON XMAS DAY WHEN THE WIFE LET`S ME HAVE MINE (LITTLE DOES SHE KNOW I HAVE BEEN MESSING WITH IT , I OPENNED THE PAPER &TOOK OUT THE BOX &PUT A BLOCK OF WOOD IN IT`S PLACE ) I HAVE NOT STARTED IT YET BUT HAVE BEEN LOCTITING EVERYTHING &PUTTING THE SERVO`S ON . 14 DAY`S & COUNTING. HAPPY MOTORING

[RCCARTMAN]

I need to find a local expert to help me make sure my diffs are set correctly.

[StevePond]

Butty - it's not nearly as difficult with these trucks as it is with big cars (I've had the set the lash in many real cars and it's pretty tedious).
The differential can be shimmed side to side. There are thin shims that go on the outside of the diff bearings between the diff bearing and the diff housing, and the placement of these shims (how many on the left or right side of the diff) determines the gear lash or mesh. I'd be more comfortable checking the gear mesh before running the truck.
You have to be careful to check the gear mesh with the diff housing firmly bolted to the chassis. It's a mistake to set the mesh with the diff houing in your hand, because all the clearances shift when the diff housing is attached to the chassis. It takes more time to install and remove the diff housing from the chassis to readjust the gear mesh, but it's going to work better in the end, trust me... ;)

[hooligan]

but how do i know or it is set correctly ?
do they have to be as tight as possible ?

any more info on this subject is very welcome !!

also sites covering this are very welcome.



now only if i could find a new bevel/drive gears :(

[StevePond]

You generally want to get the mesh as tight as possible without it being so tight that there's binding in the drivetrain. hold the diff outdrives with your thumb and index finger with the diff and housing installed on the chassis. Then, try to rotate the drive pinion. There should only be a minor amount of play when attempting to spin the drive pinion. I would keep adding shims to tighten the gear mesh until you start to feel a little binding when you spin the diff, e.g. you feel a tight spot. Then, remove a single shim and button it up.

[RCCARTMAN]

Man I really hope that mine is not like Hooligans. I am going to need help with mine. I am getting two EK4's. One this friday via FED EX from EHOBBIES, and one next week from my local hobby shop.

[muswagon]

Cartman, what do you need with two EK4's, a Thunder Quake, a T-Maxx, an E-Maxx and god knows what else you have?
I am going to have barely enough time to use my EK4 (which incidentally will be here in 10 days, woo hoo).:D :D

[RCCARTMAN]

I might sell the 2nd EK4 to a local, for $600, if the first one holds up through breakin.

[muswagon]

Why wouldnt the local just buy it at the same local hobby shop for $499?

[RCCARTMAN]

They are only getting 2 in and one of them is mine. He has 12 other guys that will have to wait for his next shipment in mid January.

[hooligan]

somebody help me with those parts !!
i need somewhere to order them that ship international !:confused:

[StevePond]

Hooligan - there is nobody in your area that carries Thunder Tiger parts?! The ring and pinion gear are the same as the EB4, so they should be pretty easy to find.

[MBX-4er']

I am pretty sure www.autohausrc.com ships internationally. Give them a try!

Jason

[hooligan]

steveP> our distributor of thundertiger was robbe but they have stopped all activities on importing so now we are stuck with no importer of the parts here in the netherlands.
i heard in march there is going to be a new imorter of thundertiger here in the NL so i can imagine that from march getting spares isnt going to be a problem.
i contacted a few people that i know of that drive a eb4 to ask them where they get their parts now.

B2//UK> i talked to the shop in the uk where i bought the truck and explained them the problem.
they contacted amarang (uk supplier of ttr) and they argreed that this wasnt suppost to happen and they would send me the replacement gears asap for free :D (yeah baby!)
they will be here in 2 days.


MBX-4er'> thx for the link.

now lets hope that it indeed was either a bad setting from me or just a "bad" one and from now on there will be nothing but ass kicking fun with this beast !


:D

gerard.

[RCCARTMAN]

That's what I like to hear... Good Customer Service. Thats all they need to keep business...Good Customer Service. Let us know when its up and running again.

[hooligan]

i hope that the gears arrive as fast as the truck did so that i can drive again real soon.
in the mean time i dont have to be bored.
i have plenty of time gluing my markflyer back together which i just smacked into the ground:D

[RCCARTMAN]

Hooligan, what is the rating on your steering servo (oz./sec./volts)? What glow plugs, fuel (oil and nitro %), and differential lube (weight)?

[hooligan]

ill have to get back to you on this.
i got the most powefull steerins servo there is from hitec (i think) which pushes 8kg (i think) as for the glow plug, i used the standard one with 10% nitro fuel with extra oil for the braek in.
mototr will get quite hot but since you lubricate extra, dont worry.
and after break in i switched to tornado 25% nitro fuel with a cold plug.
i used oil for the diffs with the highest viscose holld which i could find.

make sure to check your gear mesh settings on the diffs and locktite all stuff holding your drivetrain and you will be rocking the streets in no time :)
keep me (us) posted.

ps ill get back to you tomorrow about hte servo.
just make sure you get a "heavy duty" one

[hooligan]

rccartman>has it arrived ?:)

[RCCARTMAN]

YES YES Oh My Lord YES. Sorry I got a little excited. HAHA. I got my EK4 on thursday, and guess what no 17mm wheel lug nuts, but its here and I put the radio, servos, and loctite the screws, now I getting ready to go out and buy the fuel, and some extra glow plugs(just in case). I also made a front bumper, and am working on the wheelie bar. I made a 1500mah 6V receiver pack out of a 6V Radio Shack NiMH pack. I tried my Monster Pirate tires on the truck but they rub the body, so I'll have to buy, or make some longer body posts. Well I gonna go admire the truck until I get a little sunshine here, then me and the EK4 are goin out to play.

[ducklake1]

Can you put T-Maxx tires on it?? Is there a way?

Mine will be here Tuesday.
Can't Wait!!

Keep us updated guy's.

[hooligan]

i think the tmaxx tires are somewhat smaller. and i dont know about the hex hub on it, the ek4 takes 17mm wheels.
why would you even want to put those on ?
the original tyres look great and are monstarous big.:D

[RCCARTMAN]

I wouldn't want TMAXX tires on it, but maybe TXT1 tires. They are pretty nice.

[muswagon]

In my opinion the Monster Pirate tires are meanest looking tires of the whole bunch!

[ducklake1]

T-Maxx tires, because there's a big variety to choose from.

I was just curious if it could be done.

[Chief]

The main thing to focus on is DONT go smaller. Get tires atleast that big or bigger. If you get smaller ones it will have more torque which is the opposite of what it needs. Bigger tires will make it go faster top end and stop flipping over backwards when you take off lol. Monster pirate tires are cool but they are way to heavy and cause things to break. not to mention they dont grip on a dirt track as well as small spikes.

[ducklake1]

What about putting a bigger clutch bell on it??
What tooth bell comes with it?
Could this be done, to get rid of some of the torque?

[hooligan]

it comes with a 14 toooth bell, a 15 is available but i heavaly doubt that 1 teeth will stop the overkill on torque.
it will only run faster (:D ) and still wheely.
i have a 15 bell on order, will inform you when it comes in.

[RCCARTMAN]

I want a 22 clutch bell and a 32 spur gear. Top end... sweet

[hooligan]

wait till you see the top speed, it suprised me a lot !
i thought it would be kind of slow becouse of the enormous torque.
if you think the same, get ready for a suprise :D

[RCCARTMAN]

I can't wait to get some darn fuel

[MGB-777]

RCCARTMAN,

Have you gotten your truck up and running yet? I'm interested to see how well it performs for you, especially how it handles jumps. Have you considered using the IMEX Truck Pull tires? I bought a set off of ebay for my wanna-be OFNA monster truck. I want to get an EK-4 but think I will wait and see how durable it really is. I'm an active duty Marine and do not have a lot of extra $$$ or time to spend replacing broken parts, I want a truck that runs good and can "hack it". I hope that Thunder Tiger will consider using a slightly bigger heat-sink. I'm guessing that the .70 gets hotter quicker than a .21 sized motor does, and if it can not dissipate the heat properly the motor will not last long. Anyways I hope you get it running soon, and that you will keep us all posted. Thanks.

MGB-777

[hooligan]

mgb-777> i allready saw on a website : "grater cooling heads for the ek-4's .70 coming soon !" so dont worry about that.
the engine is on working temp faster then a .21 but it doesnt run much hotter if you use high nitro content fuel.
if you use low nitro content, it gets more hot, so i used extra oil in mine to avoid damage.

[PITSTAIN RC]

I got my truck this past wensday from Autohaus, i have finished threadlocking all the set screws, and am breaking in the motor tonight, i will post info as soon as possible.

PS the monster Pirate aint that bad i have one also.

heres a vid to entertain you guys until i make an EK4 vid

SNOW PIRATE (http://www.network-techniques.com/images/SNOW_PIRATE_MPG_01.mpg)

[RCCARTMAN]

I can't find any 5% heli fuel anywhere. None of the local shops have the fuel or have higher nitro levels with no info on the oil content. AAHHHH:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[PITSTAIN RC]

i use wildcat heli-mix 15%nitro 18%oil it is just about perfect

[wipeout]

I use wildcat 30% heli fuel it works great also.:D

[GojuKohai]

If T-maxx wheels could fit, you could stick some NQ tires on it, and i belive they are bigger than the stockers. But NQ tires don't get much grip, and would probally spin instead of gripping.

[RCCARTMAN]

The Juggernaut tires look pretty similar to the EK4, but I don't know about the size. They may be bigger. That'd be sweet

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

Well I dont have the EK-4 but I do use Wildcat fuel too I like the stuff

[Usagi]

What a machine!!!!!!WOW:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[RCCARTMAN]

These are a few of my MT's.

[ducklake1]

Just opened the Tiger.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid28/pb96958ddd238b92b56d2a9357a147e35/fe113cd2.jpg.orig.jpg

[MBX-4er']

Originally posted by RCCARTMAN
The Juggernaut tires look pretty similar to the EK4, but I don't know about the size. They may be bigger. That'd be sweet

They are the Jugz tires. Ugly if u ask me. Some Proline Giant Trac's would be nice!

Jason

[RCCARTMAN]

I finally got mine running yesterday. I hd to go with 15% nitro heli fuel by Morgan, called Omega. The temp gun said my truck is running at 140 degrees F. I think this is od, even for breakin, and considering the 50 degree weather here.

[BUTTY]

I THINK THIS MAY BE THE FIRST ENGINE TROUBLE WITH THE EK4!!
AFTER WAITING FOR THREE WEEK`S TO OPERATE MY PRIDE &JOY DISASTER HAS STRUCK (PLUCKED UP THE COURAGE TO GET IT OUT OF THE XMAS PAPER WITH THE WIFE FINDING OUT THAT I HAD ALLREADY BEEN GETTING EVERYTHING READY) MY BLOODY PISTON & RING HAVE BROKEN , TOOK IT TO WORK TODAY TO SHOW THE WORK MATES , GOT IT RUNNING ,BRILLIANT ,LET IT RUN FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES ETC & THEN BANG IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER . YES I DID START THE CORRECT WAY. PLENTY OF FUEL PUMPED AROUND THE ENGINE TO LUBRICATE FIRST BEFORE THE GLOW STARTER WAS PUT ONTO THE PLUG , REMOVED ENGINE &REMOVED CYL HEAD &FOUND PART OF PISTON LODGED ONTOP OF ENGINE (NOT EMBEDDED) , REMOVED PLATE ON SIDE OF ENGINE &FOUND HALF OF PISTON RING IN CRANKCASE MARKING CASE QUITE BADLY , NEW ENGINE FOR ME I AM THINKING , LHS INFORMED &ARE GOING TO SORT OUT FOR ME .
MUCH SADNESS CANNOT THINK WHEN I AM GOING TO GET ANEW ENGINE ,,SOB SOB

[RCCARTMAN]

So sorry to hear that Butty. I am 1/4 way through the break in. Tomorrow I will complete another 1/4. Today the set screws came off of the HEX adapter shaft that sticks out from the back of the engine. I have some thread locker that is supposed to hold up to 8000 psi so I'll load that thing up and I'll be back in business. How many turns out is your high setting? Mine is being flooded at 2 1/2 out? Plus the engine is cool enough that I can keep my hand on the head the entire time. I don't like the instruction booklet on this truck. So many errors and contradictions. I am going with my own break in... 10 tanks of idle with factory settings... 10 tanks of oval trackwith throttle spurts... and then I'll start to modify the settings for the rest of the 2 gallons. Later I'll jump to 30% nitro and see how the truck runs. Its a little sluggish today. The tire flew off also, so I loctite the wheel lugs. Hopefully it'll be running prime on Christmas. Also mine is not pulling wheelies today? I am going to get some help this weekend.

[BUTTY]

RCCARTMAN> I HAVE HAD THAT ADAPTER COME OFF AS WELL, I LOCTITED THEM BACK, HIGH SPEED SET AT 2 1/2 TURNS, AT 3 FLOODED, CANN0T THINK WHY THIS HAPPENED WITH THE PISTON,THE OTHER GUYS THAT I WORK WITH RECKONED IT COULD HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE LINER NOT MACHINED CORRECTLY,THE PISTON CHIPPED RIGHT BY THE EXHAUST PORTS,WHEN THE PISTON GOES PAST THIS POINT IT GOES QUITE TIGHT. ANY SUGGESTIONS &THEORY`S TO MY PROBLEM GLADLY RECIEVED AS I DO NOT WANT THIS HAPPENING AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!
I WILL TRY TO GET SOME SLEEP NOW

[hooligan]

butty> that is a horrible story youre telling, but with such a new engine there is no way they cant say that it doesnt fall under warranty.
im sure thundertiger will help you, they sent me new gears without any hessitation.

rccartman> make sure you have your tires glued on very secure.
i ripped a tyre off also becouse the glue was on the chrome.
take off the tyres, and take a wire brush and take off all chrome on the inside of the wheel where the glue comes.
loose tyres were the cause of mine not wheelying at start too.
your highspeed can go much lower.
at optimal settings mine is at 1.5 turns out approx and then it will get some hotter.
how are your other needles approx set ?
i am having trouble letting mine idle.

[BUTTY]

GUY`S FORGOT TO TELL YOU ALL ,WHILE WE WAS LOOKING TO GET IT STARTED TODAY I NOTICED NO FUEL WAS GETTING INTO CARB VERY WELL ,AFTER PRIMING , I TOOK THE LITTLE PIPE OFF BETWEEN THE SILENCER & FUEL TANK &FOUND THE UNION ON THE EXHAUST WAS BLANKED OFF & OBVIOUSLY NOT CAUSING ANY PRESSURE IN THE TANK TO PUSH FUEL TO THE CARB , SO GET CHECKING THOSE UNIONS CHAP`S , LET ME KNOW IF ANYONE HAS FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM. BYE FOR NOW

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

My lhs guy said a person he has sold a EK-4 to has had the problem with the set screw too. I got to match up Quake tires to the EK-4 tires the Quake tires are bigger by at least 1/4".
If anyone in the Northern IL Rockford area wants a EK-4 MT HobbyTown has 7 of them.

[RCCARTMAN]

I'll have my Quake friday. Guess what? My truck ran backward three times when I started it. Odd huh? I was looking at it like.. What the>>>>? I thought I was dreaming and my TQ was already here.

[hooligan]

ill tell you even more strange:

i jumped my truck, it landed and suddenly it drove backwards.
i had to look twice since the body wasnt on, but it really drove reverse suddenly


tie die die die, you have just crossed over into the twilight zone.

[MGB-777]

I sure hope that these are isolated incidents with this new motor. I'm in the pre-purchase mode for the EK-4 (once I finish selling some of my old r/c stuff to generate the funds for this new machine). Maybe O.S. will come out with a .70 size buggy/truck motor. No offense to TTR but I personally think O.S. are the "Jedi Masters" of nitro motors. Anyways I know I appreciate the responses that you all are providing, it will help the rest of us prepare our beasts once they arrive. I hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas.

p.s. Has anyone considered putting a set of IMEX Truck Pull tires on their truck? They are awesome tires, there is usually a set for sale on ebay, or you can go to www.imex@clodparts.com.


MGB-777

[BUTTY]

MY NEW PISTON & LINER WILL BE HERE SATURDAY, PRETTY GOOD BACK UP SO FAR , I HOPE &PRAY ALL WILL BE WELL

[BigDaddy550]

So guys would I be ok using car fuel with like 16% lubricant? No where around here sells heli fuel! If I got to add oil how much should I add per tank or gallon? I am getting this truck for Christmas..woohoo! Thanks!

RC

[RCCARTMAN]

After the break in I am going to try TRAXXAS top fuel... It is said to have a higher oil content than other car fuels. I'll let U know how it goes, if i do. The heli fuel is so much cheaper than the car fuel here, by at least $8 a gallon

[BigDaddy550]

Ok thanks man! That sucks that they dont sell heli fuel around here if it's that much cheaper! Mom and dad have me fooled about getting the ek-4 but im almost certain about it though! Good Luck!

RC

[PITSTAIN RC]

geeez guys i was breaking in tonight and i got fed up and went outside to drive it around slow , and i was popping the throttle a little here and there for like 5 seconds ata time and after 2 minutes of almost wheeling with the light bursts.....my truck starts to soud funny so i drive it to me and then it floods.....as i go to put the plug igniter on i notice the motor wobbleing...........TWO OF THE TOP ENGINE MOUNT SCREWS WERE GONE!!!AND THE OTHER TWO WERE LOOSE!!! WOW THIS THING HAS TORQUE TO SPARE!!! i was pleased to see even with the bad gearmesh my bell and spur lookfine :)

whew!!! i just dipped my whole truck in thread lock !!! HAHAHAHA

ill try again tomorrow night i guess


THIS THING IS DA F'IN S**T
I LOVE IT

[RCCARTMAN]

I used a thread locker that is said to hold up to 8,000 p.s.i.. I hope this does the trick.

[muswagon]

Pitstain and RCCARTMAN, did you not read in the article by SteveP to LOCKTITE EVERYTHING before driving!!!!!!:D :D :D Just givin ya a hard time guys!!

Mine is here today. Buy fuel tomorrow. It's frikkin cold here right now, so I will break it in the underground parking garage of my apartment.

Hooligan, man, your scaring me. I just spent a pile of dough on my EK4, and noe I have a hole in my stomach from worrying what problems I will have.

Let's review what we've learned;

-Locktite everything
-Shim rear diff to make sure there is little play
-Use fuel with LOTSA oil, avoid engine problems?
-Don't skimp on the break in period

Why don't we start asking Heli guys on their forum (do they have one?) about this engine, and what we are doing wrong?

I am new to Nitro, so I need all the help I can get!

[RCCARTMAN]

I am going to get some help from my local RC pro. He's tuned my engines to perfection in a matter of moments before so, I'm sure he'll do it again. Oh, and I did loctite everything, but the hex starter adapter in the back, because it was on there so tight that I could get it to break loose. Now it's on there real tight.

[PITSTAIN RC]

This Pro 70 is a bit of a pain to get it to idle low and slow, i have 5 other nitro vehicles three .12's and two .21's and i never have such a time with setting an idle.....maybe its because TTR has no base setting for the low end, like say 2.5 turns with carb fully closed, they say the 2.5 for the high end, but what about the others, im guessing they just made this carb special for the Pro 70?, or is it from another big block? also mine did NOT include a carb restrictor insert? whats up with that?

On the opposite side the top end is very simple to tune, more so than any of my other motors.

Just my 2 Cents

[RCCARTMAN]

Are you all pulling wheelies yet? I hope to be pulling them at will by the time the engine is fully broken in, and the carb adjustment have been fine tuned properly.

[PITSTAIN RC]

its lifting the left front whenever i blip the gas during breakin, after the first gallon im gonna start nailing it and see what happens!! but it looks hopeful if i can keep the engine inside the truck :) hahaha

[RCCARTMAN]

The first time I fired it up it started to pull one, every time I touched the throttle, but now nothing?

[muswagon]

Cartman, your rear tires are slipping. Glue em, as SteveP said in the article. My Emaxx did the same thing, wheelied until the tires began to slip in the rim.

[BigDaddy550]

Roughly how many EK-4's would you guys say are out and about right now? I just wondered about that tonight and really didnt know? thanks!

[muswagon]

I just got mine today. That makes four or five confirmed sightings.
I have realized that this thing is wayyyyy beyond my limited nitro knowledge, but hey, I'm a trooper. It's too bad my LHS sucks, and the HS that rocks is two hours away from me. I am going to depend on you guys alot as I go through the break in and breaking it phases!

[ducklake1]

I started to break mine in today.
Ran about 3 tanks through it. Had to go to work.
One thing i noticed, it's a BIG GAS HOGG!!!

I'm going to look for the Heli fuel also.

Good job everybody posting their progress, it's helping all of us out. Thanks.

[917K]

My LHS has sold 26 EK4s so far.

[muswagon]

Someone mentioned in an earlier post to check the local LHS for a larger fuel tank. Has anyone tried this?

[917K]

200cc fuel tanks, real cooling heads & more should be available after Jan. 1st.

[RCCARTMAN]

I just watched the video that came with my TQ and it made things clear on tuning engines.

[hooligan]

Originally posted by 917K
200cc fuel tanks, real cooling heads & more should be available after Jan. 1st.
yah really waiting for those !!! :D

[RCCARTMAN]

I am waiting for the DIFF fairy to come and fix both of my diffs.:( :( :( :(

[hooligan]

dude, are u sure its the diff ?
what has broken ?

[RCCARTMAN]

When I break it down today I'll let you know what happened. Hopefully just loose screws.

[GLWBEAR]

Could you give me further info on the Radio Shack battery pac you got from Radio Shack for EK-4. Like part numbers and charger info.

Secondly, how does the battery work? Good performance? Would you do it again?

What suggestions do you have for a FIRST TIMER for the EK-4? I mean anything I MUST DO to keep from killing it?

I mean I've got to other Nitro cars, just not another EK-4.

Thanks for the assistance. Happy Holidays!:D

GLWBEAR

[RCCARTMAN]

It was just my set screws as far as I can tell they are both M. I. A... THe Radioshack 6V battery pack I used as a receiver pack was Cat.#: 23-338 only mine was 1500 mah NiMH 6V http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F004%5F010%5F000%5F000&product%5Fid=23%2D338 . Buy it and solder the futaba or whatever batteries leads that work with your receiver, and make sure to use flux, and liquid tape or similar sealant. Works like a charm. Rips those big tires around even standing still. :D

[hooligan]

rccartman> which screws did you miss ?
the ones that also hols the wheely bar ? the long ones or what ?

pls inform us so we can keep an eye on ours :D
so your gears are fine ?
glad to hear that mate.

gerard

[BigDaddy550]

In the new R/C Car Action Rad-Tech Racing announces that they now have EK-4 parts available. Tried to get on their website but it shows nothing. Wonder what all their making?

RC

[ddierking]

Got my EK4 yesterday. Got it put together and it had so much compression that neither of my 12V starters would turn the engine over fast enough. Solution, removed the cone adapter and chucked the starter wand onto a cordless drill. 9.6V drill turned the engine over like it was nothing. So far ran one tank through it and will get a few more through it after awhile.

I LOVE IT!

My two cents,
Dan

[Doctor Doug]

BigDaddy550, eHobbies will be stocking all EK4 parts very soon
:)

http://www.ehobbies.com

[PITSTAIN RC]

bad news guys.......my connecting rod blew out and took out the piston and sleeve with it chunks of metal all over the palce inside the block yuuuccckkk i was very unhappy.... the guys at tech support are great and said its very rare for this to happen, but acehobby is moving so im SOL for now. I have a pro 70 heli engine on order should be here friday to get me running again....until it blew the motor this truck was doing nicley!!

[muswagon]

Well,

Started locktighting everything with Blue medium strength Permatex. Reinstalled the motor and stripped one of the flat motor mount bolts (bottom of chassis). Lesson for me do not use alan keys included in kit, they are crap. Is there a trick to setting the mesh? I tried a few times with little luck. You guys are blowing diffs and exploding motors, I have not even turned mine over yet!! Now I have to buy a dremel tool, slot the bolt, and use a flat screwdriver to get it out. Just wanted everyone to know what an idiot I am!

Merry Christmas everyone!:D

[fitoran]

hello i`m new member on nitro and have my ek4 ready to run. I bought some 10 percent RED ALERT (NITRO RACING FUEL) by Duratrax. Just wanted to know if I bought the right thing for break in. It says on the back "specially formulated fuel blend provides excellent power in all car engines" Help

[ddierking]

I used Byron 20% car fuel when breaking my EK4 in and it is what I plan on running in it all the time. The engine ran slobbering rich the whole time during breakin and never got above 200 degrees. After the 5th tank I started tuning in the engine, but by then it was dark. It was almost too fast to run after dark in my small yard so I quit for the night. I've been pretty impressed so far, but we'll see how she does.

Still love my Tmaxx and Emaxx, but so far am happy to add the Ek4 to my monster truck fleet.

,Dan

[Techspert]

Out of the 6 or so guys with the EK-4... at least 4 have had negative news. :( (busted conrod/engine leaks/loose manifold/engine head screws/rear diff. self destructed)

I was really amped about this truck after reading RCCA but I think I'll wait for the ThunderTiger recall. I appreciate you guys keeping us posted on your progress. My LHS has the ThunderQuake for $599 (high), but I truly wanted to wait it out because I really have high hopes for the EK-4.

I'd rather the EK-4, but if someone makes a conversion to allow the .70 in the Duratrax...I'm jumping ship!

[muswagon]

What would cause these connecting rods to let go? You would almost think the engines were revved without load or something.

Where should my needle settings be for initial breakin. I dont have a temp gauge, so i want to be careful. I put it to 2 and 3/4 but want to hold off for some advice before the initial firing.

[MaxxHead]

Ran mine today for the first time. No probs except for the cold weather. Had high speed needle set at 2 and 3/4 to start with. With the cold weather that was way too rich. Ended putting it to 2 and 1/4 turns to get it to run. Ran 4 tanks through it. Boy does it suck the gas. I hope it gets better gas mileage after breakin. LOCTITE EVERYTHING THAT IS METAL-TO-METAL!!!!!!!!

[nitropro]

Latest news from Rad Tech is that they are NOT going to be making EK4 parts. Some sort of corporate problem. www.autohausrc.com is supposed to have monster cooling heads for the EK4 by the 1st of the year as well as a lot of other trick stuff. I already got the red anodized parts that fit the EB4 from them, looks great. By the way, on my 3rd gallon of fuel with no problems.

[wipeout]

nitropro what kind of fuel ya using?MY truck is running good but a little hot ,ran about a half gallon thru it so far.

[nitropro]

I am running 30% nitro/20% oil

[wipeout]

How much did you run through it before you started leaning it out?

[BigDaddy550]

OMG OMG guys I got an EK-4 for Christmas!!! OMG this thing is monsterous.!! Holy crap I took the body off of it and was looknig face to face with a pipehalf as big as my hand. Also, somebody said it has about the compression of a wore out non ringed engine but good gosh mine has more compression than my new OS 15. Its just that Im so used to the tmaxx and then you get this huge monster and the parts are like 3x as round and beefy! Can you tell I'm sooo excited???? My mom ordered mine from Autohaus and he said he had 10 coming in (which was several weeks ago) and put me down as #1. He put together a kit that has all the equipment you need, servos, radio, fuel bottle, all that good stuff for like 698. Well Im gonna go put her together now! Thanks! Cant wait to brak it in tomorrow!

RC

[hooligan]

just went for some extreme offroading with mine :D
there isnt any terrain or mountain the ek4 cant tackle.

when this sucker blasts over the fields and dirt roads, all those ittypitsy problems are fergotten in a flash ! :)

for me the ek is the most fun-to-drive MT of the moment.
not a single t-maxx in the whole world that has this kind of power :D

happy holidays !

gerard.

[hooligan]

the only way it should look : DIRTY :D

[Techspert]

You're wetting my appetite for one of those EK-4s Hooli.

Keep the pics and progress comin'. :)

[RCCARTMAN]

Mine is running great... with the exception of the leaks behind the manifold and the leaks under the head, but some gaskets should solve that.

[RCCARTMAN]

By the way the knuckles and shock towers are made of crap. I'm making my own shock towers, wheelie bar, and body posts, and I'm buying some better knuckles.

[BigDaddy550]

I broke mine in today and then started leaning the high speed out a little at a time and it was pulling some sweet wheelies and tons of power and now, without changing anything, I cant even start it and get it to go without it stalling. Everytime I hit the gas it jus stops. Ive tried richening and leaning and it doesnt seem to help. Its just weird that it was running so great for about a tank, it was cutting off some during then, and now it wont even take off without stalling. Cooling head seems hot to the touch but I broke it in a 2.5 turns out and worked in from there so dont think it would be too lean? I got blue smoke too? I know this is just a tuning problem but cant figure it out. Man this truck rocks when it was running good!

RC

[BigDaddy550]

Update: I got my ek-4 running pretty good on the high end now at about 2 turns out. When I give it full throttle it'll gain rpm's but sputter and miss a little. Too rich or lean? i still need to do the low and mid speed needles though. Man this baby is unbelievable!!! I mean the torque and power is unexplainable! The only thing I hav to say for people who just got the truck: Locktite everything!! Oh and another thing...the way you start it is sweet! Well good luck guys and hope to get mine tuned in tomorrow. Thanks!

RC

[muswagon]

I wish I was as far as you! I have just started to break mine in, through about two tanks so far. It's even too cold in my parking garage, at 2.5 turns out it floods like crazy. I have lost count at how many times I have pulled out the glow plug and dumped out fuel from the cylinder! Oh well, just need to find a heated shop, or move somewhere with warm winters! I can't wait 'til its 90 degress outside, screaming that thing through the park with the front end pointed straight up!

[Dirt Dummy]

I asked the guys on the tunder tiger heli forum about the .70 motor problems! The said run heli fuel like 30%coolpower! and the motor is not made for high rpms! Check it out at www.acehobby.com under heli forum, (pro .70 in tt car problems) I don"t have the ek4, but am feeling the pains, of the guys with problems!