Traxxas 3.3 Engine - Be Aware Of These Problems

[@loganhinc1300]

mine wouldnt idle as well found out the spring in the clutch was broke, replaced it, idled all day long

[@t.jschell2814]

My trx 3.3 runs like a boss, Idols like boss too. Maybe you should stick to zip zaps

[@michaelgraham2943]

😂👍

[@ianhill9969]

The clutch in the pinion gear was probably broke. Mine wouldnt idle. Kept trying to pull away. Kist to find a broken spring

[@juanpa980]

Guy, you don’t know what you talking about, i have mine since 2004 and still running strong, 😎

[@luigynkaren062011]

😂😂😂😂😂 good one

[@michaelgraham2943]

👍

[@pascalolesen5187]

You need a few nitro lessons for sure before you spill this nonsense to these viewers

[@chrisosairblowninflatablec9208]

the reasoning for the idling problem is the wearing of the sleeve too much gap between walls of pistion and sleeve causes excess fuel which means if to rich wont idle if too lean idles too high no happy medium after 3 to 5 gallons if your a food tuner the engine is worn i literally just got rid of and old 2.5 that had that problem after 4 and a half gallons thata alot out of those little engines put a nitro engine next to a 5 gallon gas can the thing drinks 30 times its size in fuel and it also depends on how much you run em too these engines arent all that bad.......

[@GiantsFan1734]

The problems you described sounded like a broken clutch spring. The clutch shoes will engage the clutch bell at a low RPM since the spring isn’t there to keep it in place, and the engine will instantly die once the wheels stop spinning.

[@nolimitazns]

I've never had any issues with the TRX 3.3 motor holding a tune. In fact I learned how to tune nitro motors with a TRX 3.3 on a TMaxx as well. Sure it's not the best motor in the world....heck it's a RTR motor what do you expect? I've owned 3 nitro savages as well which ran the stock K4.6 , K5.9, and the worst was F4.6, As far as learning goes I found the TRX 3,3 easiest to start and tune next to the K4.6. Most of the time it's probably carb related or you have pressure leak somewhere....part of nitro guys is the fact that they enjoy the tuning process. Electric guys enjoy instant gratification.

[@seanattocknie2357]

Alex Chen nitro all the way bro love working on the traxxas jato 2.5 RTR RTX. Electric I don't see how it's a hobby?

[@michaelgraham2943]

👍

[@thatonedude926]

Hmm funny, had mine for a year...5 gallons ran through her...on my 6th now...still pulling wheelies, and still hitting 43 MPH.....try try bub

[@Nitrrustler]

Jonny Weber Some people just don't know how to read manuals aye?

[@michaelgraham2943]

👍

[@dredog666415]

check your carb for small cracks mine did the same and there was a small hairline crack barely noticeble thats why it wont idle

[@dawncollins6555]

My husband has a Traxxis 3.3! Its 7 years old, ran 8 gallons of fuel in it so far and it still idles good. So, what's your problem with yours?? I had mine 400 degrees and still running good.

[@antonbueckert3651]

Sounds like you need a schooling on carb adjustments

[@krodyssey4770]

Hey I think you know everything about nitro engine. Can you pls tell me what’s the best Trx carb settings for a revo or tmaxx

[@brokendown63]

That Picco looks like it spends more time sliding down the street than driving!

[@michaelgraham2943]

😂

[@thatkidjacson5133]

Mine wouldn’t idle either but I cleaned the e carb out and pulled the cooling head off and cleaned everything and it idles pretty good now

[@larryhadley6341]

I did the 3.3 conversion on my TMaxx from a 2.5 when the 3.3 1st came out and I play with it nearly every weekend and I've only had to replace the sleeve and piston and that was 2 years ago ! I've never had an issue with the engine besides normal wear and tear ! opinions very ! you think it's junk but I love it !

[@michaellamberson5469]

You sure are concerned about the idle! Its made to run hard not wait in traffic

[@sponge12313]

Ive got a 2.5 had it something like 11 years had trouble getting it to run for the first time in 10 years but once i did it ran great

[@boobooandybrown7]

I have a traxxas 3.3 running a o.s 11k carb with a chiped piston what should i do

[@ABIGD0NK3Y]

OS 11k.... FIXES IT but.... there's NO OSs available... hope that helps

[@jakeramsay9022]

I ran like 15 gallons through mine I invested time into it and put proper after run procedures or steps into it mines 11 years old still runs like new

[@RamThisDTO]

Sounds like you have an air leak around the front crank bearing, rear crankcase cap, or around the carb somewhere. I am currently working on one for a friend, has not been started in YEARS. Engine turned over smoothly. I sprayed some oil through it and turned it over to lube it all up. Put some fuel to it, fired right off. His sounds like it has an air leak as well. I plan to pull it down and check all gaskets and seals. I had this exact same problem on my Team Associated MGT 8.0. Horrible idle characteristics. I pulled the back plate to find the gasket was damaged, it was sucking air. New gasket under the back plate, retuned the engine, now it idles perfectly. You got air leaks somewhere.

[@francescoromano8005]

I run traxxas 3.3 engine on my pro mod with 30%nos fuel, and still has good compression after 5 gallons of fuel. I also have a cen ct5 running a traxxas 3.3 stock with out the starter system 20% nos fuel, still runs good and I have about 7 gallons through it. I run a picco .12 for my hobao hyper gpx4, ran 4 gallons of 20% nos fuel and compression is still good. After 10 gallons of fuel I always take a part the engines to see what the internal components look like and decide if parts need replacement. I think engines depend on what you want them for, the same as cars or trucks. You just have to find the best engine for your application. Good maintenance and proper tuning is required for any engine to maintain good performance.

[@maxdanick42]

Its a 2 stroke motor....what can you expect. Racing motocross we chanced out top ends after 4 races. At least the piston and sleeve for the 3.3 are cheep.

[@Custom-vd9sq]

I have a 3.3 t-maxx, this might not be your problem but mine wouldn't idle either, I just reset the idle screws cleaned the carb, bought a new glow plug, and my clutch spring was broken on my pads so it would just want to drive away from me and wouldn't idle. But mine runs perfect now.

[@Tirefryer91efi]

No way, come on, I've been running traxxas for a long time. If you use traxxas 33% in any traxxas engine will run and idle fine, but you can't run any other fuel. 10%,20%,30% all junk, trust me. Now for reliability if you run at temps like i do at 180-210, not great power but it moves good, should last 3-4 years from new.. 230-270 which is the best performance and power will only last you a year or 2. I've been tuning nitro rc for about 15 years and have yet to see a traxxas not idle perfect. You must tune to the conditions of the day, humidity,temp,bar pressure,elevation all have a major roll in tuning.

[@1badk20]

If you have been trying for 2 days and can't get it to idle than it is either tuning issues, an internal leak, gummed up jets, or even the part where the throttle slide is wore causing to much airflow. It may be best for you to look into another hobby at this rate. Granted these are not ideal race engines but they do last if properly maintained and tuned correctly. My 2.5 in my old Maxx had maybe 20+ gallons of nitro through it and lasted 5 years before I sold it, My 3.3 lasted 2 years before I replaced it, not because it failed, but because I switched it out for a big block. Now if the motor was not properly broken in that could be a major factor. Now onto the Carb, yes it is not the best, and I switched mine out for a OS Carb for ease of tuning. The stock Carb is not the easiest to get spot-on on these engines but can be done if you know what your doing, what to look for and listen for. The idea behind the composite material carbs was to reduce heat transfer to keep the fuel at proper temps, now whether or not it works is a different story. Traxxas is the largest RC manufacturer in the world, they know a thing or two about RC. Maybe take up electric RC, knitting or something.

[@rcnitroguy9317]

Best engine u can buy u sir don't know what u are doing

[@CrazyCracker702]

@@rcnitroguy9317 definitely not the best by far. And this post is 5 years old lol

[@codydugger7036]

I just pulled out my dads 15 year old revo and it started up,does anybody know if we can engine swap it to a 3.3?

[@hilham89]

I know thia is an older video but i have had mine for atleast 12 plus years along with the 2.5 and never had any trouble out of either one

[@abbottckd2]

Did you check your clutch???

[@yonimp2009]

i don't think that you know what you are talking about!!! let's just start from the beginning...was the breaking process done correctly??? have you try to clean the carburator and check the o-rings??? was the engine disassembled and assembled correctly(if you put the piston backward it will run but it will not idle...dose are the things I will be looking for before saying something like that...i have had more than one trx 3.3 and yes they are really good and very dependable engines you just have to do the maintenance and THE MOST IMPORTANT KEEP YOUR FILTER CLEAN. good luck with your trx!!!

[@lifebleeds86]

Had the same problem, turned out it was the main bearing but I have been running it for 4 years without changing a single part in the motor. They say you should run lean but I run her rich to keep the oil in her. I don't like burning parts up.

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

Exactly right main bearings is there weak point. Easy fix though. As long as ya change em before they come apart trashing the top end. This has happened to all my 3.3 engines eventually. But my fault for not getting better bearings in them. For the price there great.

[@REPTARisaG]

Hey guy, im a little rusty at this.. lol.. just resurrected my T-maxx thst ive had for almost a decade with the 3.3(I use a Ez start with glow plug warmer, the beast runs great and still can do wheelies...I've driven it since but I do need a little help with getting it fine tuned... when last I test started it last (on a stand) it fired up, tuned it in.. pulled the glow warner out and it instantly dies... What's that prob?

[@Mike-um1cr]

Your little fuel inlet (tiny needle) is off, and a tip is to give it throttle for a few seconds at quarter throttle to get the engine warmed up. Let me know how it goes.

[@Mike-um1cr]

Your little fuel inlet (tiny needle) is off, and a tip is to give it throttle for a few seconds at quarter throttle to get the engine warmed up. Let me know how it goes.

[@edwindeleon]

Oh no !! I just bought a traxxas slayer pro with trx 3.3 . I was wondering if that picco red dot .26 or 28 Whatever your holding can fit on my rig ? (plug and play)

[@Fishfixation]

Any body know a good video to put this engine on a bigger rc car

[@bassmonstar27]

My friend has a jato with a trx 3.3 It came to a point to where it didn't idle. Changed fuel from xtm to vp Idles for 2-1/2 minutes then dies Idk

[@bertmasson5056]

I feel ya man. I inherited a Tmaxx 3.3 that had been bashed severely. I decided to rebuild the entire truck. New tires, suspension, shocks, adjusted the alignment, I mean I went right through this truck. Like you, I spent hours trying to get the engine to idle or start quickly. much to my frustration. I installed a new carb, adjusted it to specs, messed with the linkage adjustment, tried it with no linkage, took the air filter off to see how the carb. slide was positioned. For a while I had a theory that there was not enough fuel pressure at idle but that didn't work out. I didn't think engine compression was a problem because it seemed to have good compression and made a nice "popping" noise as it went through the compression stroke while turning the engine over by hand. I was extremely frustrated with the problem and couldn't find any advice on-line that would help. I watched your video and learned I was not the only one to experience this frustration. Then I read somewhere that a worn piston and sleeve could cause idling problems. Out of desperation I found a new 3.3 short block on Ebay for $87 delivered. As soon as it came in I installed my new carb, EZ start, flywheel and clutch. Initially the engine was so tight I had problems turning it over because there was too much compression but after a few attempts it loosened up a bit and turned over like it should. I immediately noticed a much more throaty sound when the engine turned over. After 10 minutes the engine fired and was idling damn near perfect! Out of curiosity I disassembled the old engine and inspected it. I found what looked like normal wear and tear on the piston and sleeve but nothing that looked catastrophic. So Thanks for sharing your frustration and I hope this helps someone else out there.

[@austinb254]

I have a Traxxas Revo 3.3 I have more than 5 gallons ran through it and mine idles fine and runs fine you just don’t know how to adjust the motor

[@timosness3667]

check the cooling head and gasket. mine were loose and didn't want to run either. these are great engines. if you know what your doing.

[@lukebornemann9556]

My 3.3 broke on the 5 tank. The one way one-bearing, Back plate, start shaft, rebuild kit for slipper clutch, and a new glow plug. This all failed in one day. After all of that work. One week later. My car will not move. The engine revs, but the car does not move. the spur gear is very stiff.

[@lamonttwitty2585]

The 3.3 motor is a monster..YOU have to KNOW what your doing. I watched the DVD and read the book that came with the motor and had no issues.

[@arturos.l.2248]

I have 2 3.3s one is a Slayer with 1.5 gallons through. I've tuned it multiple times and have had no issues so far... BUT the tmaxx is only through 3 gallons and it stopped idling! Ive gone through Stock tune, leaned it out from rich multiple times. It wouldn't even stay running. I've done a new carb, fuel lines, plug, everything! Nothing else is the problem. The damn engine just has too little compression left, it couldn't handle 2 months of bashing. It accelerates when it feels like it but bogs down and dies as soon as it heats up.

[@DiamondsOnDiamonds]

Same thing happened to my friends he lent me it for the week to fix it even though im not a nitro guy i just know engines and such and a complete tear down of the carb showed there was fuel gummed up in the jet so it wasn't getting any fuel he would pour fuel straight into carb and it would fire up but no run so always keep your carbs clean it saves 100s of dollars i the long run

[@rebeccamuir1987]

My jato 3.3 won't idle

[@TheEastbaycop]

Mine ran great for about 4 gallons, now the thing will not even start, no clue what the issue is. Need a Pico now

[@chichochingon3844]

I've had a lot of 3.3 and no problems ... The carb is problaby damaged of messing with it .. Put a new one .... And mine does perfect in the track

[@420traxxasman]

Those motors are fine. Sounds to me like you got some air issues all my 33 motors idle perfectly so that’s just my opinion. Have a good day brother.

[@MrZerohour1967]

I agree with most of the comments. This video's content is about and high quality as the hand held phone video it was taken on. I have a TRX 3.3 in my revo and it's had well over 3 gallons through it. I've barely had to tune it since new and it idles perfectly even with no pinch left in the sleeve. This engine runs as reliably as my OS Vspec. If you're going to make a video and bag the shit out of something make sure.... 1 You are an expert in your field and 2. You base your information on multiple tests. I would suggest you just have the LSN screwed, an air leak or a bad plug... something that can happen with any nitro engine. Thanks for wasting my time. Say "OK" again numb nutz.

[@MrChugg13]

Probably just the operator

[@stevencampbell5831]

I ran mine 4 runs after the break in and it seized. The bottom of the piston broke off into the bottom end and Locked the motor up.waiting to hear from traxxas since the car is less than a month old. Smh.

[@yyybra]

I had that engine for about ah year and it never failed me. Im still ah baby to this rc engine life what's the name of that other engine and is it compatible with my jatos 3.3

[@nextrider123]

You check the o ring inside the block and the one on the carb any hair line Crack in the carb will cause issues I've had 8 3.3s never had an issue

[@jjrdrifters]

Iv been running my jato 3.3 for 5 years and still on the same engine and carb no work ever done to it and never had any problems

[@matthewregan9230]

i have a revo 3.3 and a jato 3.3 and have had no problems and i've have them for years? Why not ask for help instead of slating a quality product?

[@jonlangfeldt4345]

400degrees. .. dude doesn't know how to tune

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

Yea no doubt and he just blames it on the 3.3. Is it even possible to make a better motor for 100 bucks cause you can get em just over a hundred new. There are other motors out there for this price that will last longer but not near the performance.

[@someguy3926]

Mine runs great and I broke it in during the winter.3 gallons in it idles fine .

[@danielgeorgepinkhasov6620]

Surprised that my traxxas 3.3 engine in my rustler and probably ran 13 gallons and needed nothing than a new car be because of the plastic carb and doesn’t run like new but still wheelies

[@robertrhodes6619]

Ive had my revo for 3 years. Ran i dont even know how much fuel through it and have had no problem. Also idols and runs fine

[@bencornejo9164]

Iv ran sidewinder 30% 12 oil in mine probably got 4 gallons in it and i bought it used work just fine and will idle a whole tank away if u let it my temps about 260 its not the fastest motor but its reliable for me

[@anthonybailey21]

I have been racing my 3.3 engine for three years now and it still runs fine I rebuild it every year but even when I rebuild them they still have good power

[@steelfowlerxx0323]

My Revo 3.3 is 4 years old and still runs strong as it ever did. No issues at. I bash it but in the same token I take care of it and understand tuning 🤷

[@nolimitrc1]

U need to uograde to the o.s tm carb its direct fit

[@samgood629]

Check the engine mounts for hairline cracks that also a problem.

[@frank.l181]

I would change the O-ring at the base of the carb.first, then close both needles to bottom gently and retune. If it doesn't work out- buy O.S carburetor and call it day!

[@PaulHubbell]

I have an s-maxx that I put a 3.3 in... never once have I had a problem with it. it's been a few years now that I've had it and it idles and runs perfectly. So, keep up maint. Keep it tuned and you'll be fine. Obviously this guy lacks expertise to blog about anything.

[@rcnitrousrc7001]

Dude never seen an s-maxx wana drive one so bad!

[@losiboy454]

I'm happy with it to say the least even though I'm a horizon fan myself

[@KiloWattRC]

simple pull the carb off and clean. they won't idle if a lil spec of dirt gets in the carb. take it apart and clean it out and re tune.

[@turokforever007]

i had 2 traxxas trucks fitted with the 3.3 and they never really worked. but a few weeks ago i got a excellent deal on another one. and this one has been faultless.

[@tinosimpson7198]

I know this was 12 years ago but the 3.3 is even more expensive then they where 12 years ago. The 2.5, 2.5r and the 3.3 is an amazing engine. Yes, the carb is super finicky but once you learn how to tune it they are super reliable. for people that don’t want these kinds of problems I highly recommend electric

[@dutchdiesel6223]

Couldn’t get the hang of nitro. I admit I was a noob and I didn’t have the knowledge or skill to keep it running right. Revo 3.3 to BL conversion fixed everything!

[@lifethroughalens2000]

Go to electric clearly you cant tune a nitro XD

[@Ken-RicSki]

Yes the tmaxx is awsome but racing engines are made for racing and having fun not doing nothing but idling

[@charleskenney5174]

12 years later the 3.3 sucks so hard that they still make them and we buy the hell out of them.

[@DirtRider281990]

I had a Revo 3.3 ran 10 gallons of 20% nitro through it never had a single problem with it great running engine. I don't know why you have had so many problems with them.

[@kevinbrooks6265]

if you run them lean they will last less,most rc engines have plastic carbs,and every 3.3 i have had idles just fine,you have your opinion,but i guess everyone else is wrong!

[@jusmavideos33]

They are good motors. You just have swap out the front bearing. The bearings leak after so mant tanks. I had the same problem and now I just change the bearings with good ones and now they kick ass.

[@marcbenouchi168]

Hard to believe what you say, do you know how to tune a nitro engine? I never see any issue you describe with mine, I just restart my revo3.3 with my TRX on it after 8+ years on the shelf and it start running after 10s and run and idles like a clockwork . May be you 'd better go to electric

[@clownz313]

You might need to rebuild your carb or just buy a new one had the same problem

[@charleslockman4758]

because the piston was installed backwards take off exhaust can you see a rod if so its backwards cut out towards carb hole in rod towards carb wrist pin hole towards the carb. it will run but not idle with the piston backwards on the rod don't blame the truck blame mechanic . I found out the hard way its a common mistake to mount it wrong. I rebuilt with new piston rod cyl wrist pin ran great would not idle turn piston around on rod idles great .

[@oooosix]

ya my revo wont idle either pos motor

[@tonygabriele299]

I have a 3.3 that will not idle, replaced carb with new one, still not idling. I replaced the engine and now have no problems. I think that is a symptom of weak engine (low compression) or failing bearings because I noticed the crankshaft bearings felt notchy after I pulled the engine. Just get a new 3.3 for $100, cheap and usually reliable. I have blown a couple 3.3 motors up myself but wheeling a rustler across a grassy field at 60mph+ is not recipe for a long life nitro engine. But it is a lot of fun!

[@andrewdenine1685]

Get a good carb slipper clutch and metal gears. Be verry careful with your choice of fuel. Change your fuel I bet it will idol if not the slipper clutch is gone

[@TheReddog170]

I have to disagree. I have one and have run it hard for two years without issue. Every time I take it out I run almost half a gallon through it. IF you take care of it they are a good strong little engine. If you run them lean you will wear them out quickly.

[@nitrorunner33]

Mr isn't it possible that you perhaps made a noob move? Speaking of noobs you really sound like one when you stated there's nothing racing about that engine. If that's truly the case, tell me how it can push the 4-Tec to 70+mph out the box w/o mods(factory or aftermarket)

[@RisingReaper88]

Hey bro it wont idle because the clutch spring is broken! Check it before you start knocking it mine just did the same thing. I think you are jumping to conclusions without looking into the problem this is a hobby and it will come with some challenges if your not up for those then just get out of it.

[@codycarter2499]

because you ran it lean and it has a air leak

[@hpoints187]

First and foremost you are comparing a .20 motor to a bb.26 my first 3.3 idled fine until I messed with the idle got it retuned by my hobby shop it was good..my second and current motor is very strong..bigger tires like the badlands are heavier than stock so you will see a difference in performance put the stock tires on the rears and you will notice a difference

[@softtechelectronics4554]

I know what you mean. I bought a Tmaxx 3.3 used on ebay and I have the same idle problem, even bought a new carb. sos

[@matdiclemente3564]

Sounds like a carb problem, lol not the 3.3 problem. I personally love it, but I will admit the carb does kinda suck. I believe they just used the same one from the 2.5.

[@macwitt8788]

lol can't tune

[@stevendurham-brandt1020]

The 3.3 will run just fine you NEED to take care of your nitros. The reason the motor is slow is cause you did a bad job on your break in process.

[@jacobhendrickson8935]

There 100 bucks new. 4 gallons on a small nitro That runs 40 thousand RPMS ain't bad. When ya can't get it to idle anymore track your problem. There not that bad.

[@codycarter2499]

400 degrees! my racing flat head doesen run that hot for my go kart

[@losiboy454]

I bought a tmaxx from an idiot who didn't know what he was doing at all for 50 bucks, the 3.3 was so gummed up that it was locked, pulled it all apart, cleaned it up fixed the truck and its been running like a Champ ever since, and who knows what the previous owner did(or didn't) do

[@BIGABEY]

If you learn to correctly rebuild the carb it’ll run forever as long as you don’t overheat them, mine has 10 gallons thru it and yes I have rebuild the carb twice and that’s replacing every known oring in it, of course youll notice some power output changes, but it’ll idle and purr like a kitten, invest in an ultrasonic cleaner, get the facts Jack before trashing traxxas

[@superaidenproductions1870]

They Run $100 on eBay cuz there still good!! You don’t know how to tune, those carbs don’t break, I’ve had a Jack for like 15 years and that little 3.3 is still going strong, go over to electric or learn how to tune

[@nosubstancehere2884]

This is is why you follow the the manual, it clearly states that the t-maxx is garbage and the slayer is awsome. You can run 5 tanks out of them before thier trash

[@ReDNeckRoY]

Dude you know nothing about tuning a 2 stroke. Air fuel mixture has to be on spot. Mine runs like a champ. And who gets 3 or 4 gallons of gasoline out of one of these engines? They Peak at about 12,000 RPM and lose compression. It's just the nature of the beast when you have an engine that runs at this RPM. Great little engine if you know what you're doing. Not saying you're a dummy I'm not going to call you names like these other guys. But you really need to learn how to tune the engine. Air fuel mixture is very important.

[@tylerb4097]

I bought my 3.3 t-Maxx 6 years ago I have ran the shit out of it. It has had its fair share of shelf time in-between parts/repair. When I do run it I go for breaking something. To say the 3.3 is a piece of crap is a false statement & how are you tuning your engines to run 400+ degrees I'd have to assume you dont quite got what it takes, go get yourself an electric

[@volvoman100]

My engine broke after 5 weeks I'm getting a picco

[@johnc522]

your best friend will be a infra red thermometer gun. your engine can run for years with little to no replacement parts if you take proper care and do your research. otherwise switch to electric if you feel too defeated to go nitro like the rest....

[@larryhadley6341]

Well said