Traxxas Revo 3.3 | More Issues

[@BUDderBEARD]

So glad that I found this video cuz I was literally going to buy one of these tonight. This has definitely changed my mind. Thanks for the heads up. 👍

[@redbanditracing]

No problem, check out the Losi 8ight we unboxed. That’s been a great Nitro, very easy to turn.

[@TuyenPham-bt6yx]

If Traxxas is watching this and fails to take any measure in correcting this simple problem, then they're slowly digging their own grave in rc. The guy seems sincere enough.

[@LionelGuy-oc8or]

I totally agree with you ! I had a similar issue with Traxxas , I own a Nitro Rustler , the reciever was constantly loosing power and the light was flickering, I contacted Traxxas through their Chat session, spoke with the representative and explained what the problem was , they asked if I had changed out the batteries which I had done , I told the Rep I suspect the problem is with the on/ off switch, the Rep said it’s not the power switch,it has to be a Battery issue , so I was getting no where with the support Rep , they insisted it was a Battery issue, so I gave up with the Rep , I ordered a Brand New power switch and I installed it , I turned on the reciever and sure enough my problem was solved,the reciever operated fine with no Issues! So I was Right with my own diagnosis! Traxxas support did not help me , I figured it out for myself, I Love my Traxxas nitros ,but their support team needs to step up and not tell a customer what they want to hear , and I agree with you , they should send out a pre paid shipping label at their cost , not ours ! Enjoy the Hobby !

[@redbanditracing]

Thank you for the comment, I hope Traxxas sees this as a problem that needs fixing.

[@MartinPDiddly]

I had the same problem on my jato 3.3 so instead of going to traxxas support about it I bought some nice upgrades for it. Reedy electronic power switch, sanwa radio and protek lipo for more power. Traxxas really needs to step up their game in the nitro section becasue I have been runing nitro since 2007 and I know nitro pretty good and still have my old t maxx 2.5.

[@kailehogan2967]

This is interesting. I just bought a traxxas revo 3.3 a few months ago and been having the same issues as you. I just kept running the motor until and obvious problem started and by then, it started leaking around the main seal. It was a frustrating experience with traxxas as they seemed to not want to help as well.

[@redbanditracing]

It sounds like you had a air leak as well, I had no signs of a leak that were visible. Thank you for the comment

[@chrisianniciello2466]

Traxxas does not want to own up or honor a warranty because they believe it's always a fault of the customer and not their products , just because it's manufactured from defects does not mean something will not happen as soon as you run it out the box for the first time , Traxxas obviously is in business to make money and does not like to give away new parts ! This why their idea of a warranty is very limited and for a short period! I agree with everyone, Traxxas warranty support team is terrible and needs to change how they treat their customers who spend a lot of money on their products! Without Us Traxxas would not stay in Business!!!

[@nobody94820]

​@@chrisianniciello2466 I don't even understand there warranty. They charge on each piece you send in so how is that even warranty when your paying for it??

[@Beavis_RMA]

Nice video, very honest. I’ve never had luck with their nitro.

[@kylenabozny6260]

Just want to say that traxxas customer service from dealing with them many years has taken a turn towards the worse after dealing with them for quite a few years. Had an issue with my rustler vxl 4x4 rear dif recently and was blatantly told that is not a problem your model has and was left dumb founded and had to figure it out myself. Great video. Thanks for sharing. Update just got the Revo 3.3. Break in process went incredibly well. Had the motor cut out a couple times in tank 4 but could have been operator error. My sixth tank (now mind you worked on nitro funny cars) tuned and adjusted carb a few times. Hit 44 on telemetry there is a lot left tho on the adjustment. I have not reached a temp over 340 that was under throttle idle was directly back to about 245-267.

[@redbanditracing]

That’s awesome about the Revo. Traxxas does really need to do something about the level of service.

[@Billyyessir]

Time to switch to arrma or Losi haven’t had a single issue with my Losi except weak servo

[@redbanditracing]

Maybe for Nitro, but we still love Traxxas trucks.

[@vincentculletto39]

Os 11k carb. And I believe I seen you are supposed to change that second gear shift point for break in. And check out Adam drake. And his brake in process.

[@gideonmatlock4646]

Recently picked it up haven't opened it up yet waiting for the wither to break this video definitely let me know what trouble might lay my way

[@leonjohnson5539]

Hey brother great video it's like nitro you can not give up there's always a way to fix it A main is the best I have t. Max 3.3is fine I let sit running and the gear burned up call them that set me what I needed nitro is a great way to go but you have to be tuff don't give up your a great guy we need brothers like you God Bless go have some fun 😊🎉😊

[@rcsendandblast1579]

I have a great thing you’d like to hear. First imagine a trap door spider. My carb had a small round piece of plastic behind the high speed needle in the carb. I found it after my engine blew up and I was talking to my hobby shop trying to figure out how a new engine blew up. I’m some cases a blockage can happen and hide within the body of the engine or carb. Here’s the thing the fuel although it flows to the carb one way. The entire engine and its pulses in the pipe put pressure waves yes even in the fuel tube. Odd thing I had happen. It stopped fuel flow at a high idle and my entire engine suffered badly. My best fix for any type of issue like this is get a much better carb and for break in. Always cover the head so it fully warms up and expands proper for engine longevity. 👊😎 Props dude hope you get your truck going like it should

[@redbanditracing]

It’s nice to hear stories like this, and maybe Traxxas starts to realize they have problems with their carbs. If I get another Nitro it will be a Losi, they have much better carbs.

[@jordan1234564]

I'm having a problem with mine , the temp got to 400 according to the app. No steam or smoke though. I was breaking it in, The servos kept going out. They had to keep sending me new ones. Now it won't shift into second gear, I don't think it ever has. If I lean it, it just gets hot.

[@redbanditracing]

400° is way too high, the temp could be off with the app. Damage to the motor starts at 300°. Usually if the carb adjustment is off it will cause shift issues.

[@jordan1234564]

@@redbanditracing yeah, This is with factory break in settings.

[@tonydetwiler2624]

Traxxas stuff isn’t terrible just run good fuel because Traxxas fuel has way too much oil in it that’s why they run very hot and also don’t follow the Traxxas break in method because that pretty much just wears out the engine way too fast also part of the reason why the connecting rods like to split in those engines when you’re going to hard like that and grab oslc3 glow plugs if you want to be even safer another thing that would be helpful to do is after the break in method is done go ahead and buy yourself a new connecting rod and wrist pin set and change them out to keep everything nice and tight because the aluminum on those connecting rods does stretch out after a while if you do those couple things the engine should treat you nice and be a pretty strong runner for years to come

[@redbanditracing]

My hobby store carried Sidewinder, they said that’s better than top fuel. And I agree the break is very harsh, I ran 7 tanks before full throttle. Thank you for the feedback, tomorrow a video comes out of the Revo at tue track.

[@RustybeltRC]

@@redbanditracingTop Fuel is Mediocre.

[@felixdahousecat5331]

Working on getting one not sure if it'll be a reveo or a losi dbxl

Hi there, if I may share my experience - I was also trying to keep engine as cool and not reaching more than 110C. With 15% nitro fuel and original carburetor it was task impossible. Then I decided to make some changes, step by step: fuel with 25% nitro, 9% of oil. Carburetor OSmax 11K. This setup gives me nice response of the motor from low RPM. It provide nice low and steady idle, around 7 - 8.000 RPM. But mostly - I gave up trying to keep engine around temp around 240 degress of F. I run my engine between 230 - 290. It runs smootly. After 4 gallons its still in perfect shape. Try to experiment and do not be concerned about temps too much. :) it will not go too high if the mixture is reasonable and not too lean. Cheers, T.

[@redbanditracing]

I will half to try that fuel, we can’t find anything with 9% oil here. Most hobby shops say running 9% could damage your engine because of lack of oil. But others say to run 9% oil so I’m really not sure anymore. Thank you for the comment, and the info.

[@steve069]

Did the OS11K fit your revo directly or did you have to change linkages around. The OS11K appears to be too short for the revo3.3. They do make an OS11K-R which has a longer reach, which did you use?

[@jaciel85]

@@redbanditracingdon’t give up on that revo, i’ve had a few..i do a few things. I install hot racing 3-shoe clutch setup. O.s 11k carb, use vp fuel 25/9, Lc4 glow plug and they run great no issues. Low oil content does not damaged the engine. You can use fuel with 8-12% oil content. The lower the oil content the easier to tune. I stay away from traxxas fuel altogether, i’ve heard their fuel has 16-18% oil content meaning too high and harder to tune.

Hi Steve, I just found your question. OS11k fit without any changes necessary.@@steve069

[@BERSERKERNA39]

I think traxxas needs to update the carburetor for better tuning. I never baby my engines. After the 2nd tank, I ease into full throttle for a couple more tanks. Then it's bashing time.

[@redbanditracing]

I’ve been told if Traxxas would use better carbs, better wrist pins, and better piston rod the 3.3 would be a great engine.

[@chicagorc3967]

we cant test it sir, but it ran good we cant find any issues so your good! LOL Shout out to Amain for stepping up!

[@redbanditracing]

Not to mention you still need to pay the shipping because for some reason they can’t afford it. Amain was extremely helpful

[@Drej1971]

hi just found your channel as I have just got a new revo 3.3. I also have a savage xl and bullet 3.0 nitro cars so wanted something new. my savage and bullet have been fantastic I can set them up no problem. so I have experience with nitro cars. Im reaching out in case you may the answer to my problem as Traxxas and the store I purchased it from are no help they keep on at me about tuning the car! I am from the U.K. so we have no official Traxxas support so I have used the US but I have to email as we can't call them. the issue I have is that my revo will not stop still, this has happened out of the box. I have to hold the car down or apply the brake to stop it?? I am unable to run the. car never mind break it in. Traxxas and the store I purchased it from just keep saying my idle is to high when I reduce the idle the car will not start or stalls. I have also noticed the car moves forward when I engage the ez start before the engine starts? does yours do this ? I have only had the car a week and am so frustrated all carb needles are at factory settings. The store are refusing to accept the car back as they say its a tuning problem? I realise this vid is a few months old but I hope you see this comment. great content I hope you carry on with the nitro especially how to guides and upgrades especially if you install a os 11k carb! thanks in advance.

[@redbanditracing]

The Revo is a fun truck, if it’s running right. Traxxas support on nitro has been terrible as you’ve found out. I can help you as much as we can. Its idling too high, and possibly too lean which is why it wants to walk away from you. I had the same issue. Apply these factory settings, but note as it breaks in you’ll half to adjust. High Speed needle: Screw all the way in (clockwise) till you feel slight tension you don’t want to damage the needle. Then screw out 4 turns (counter clockwise) Low speed needle: Notice the thin darker gray area between the low speed needle and the throttle arm. This is actually the other end of the slide valve from inside the carburetor. The low-speed needle is threaded into the slide valve and is set flush (even) with the edge of the slide valve. Idle Screw: Factory settings should be .7 - 1.0mm gap. Mine wasn’t adjusted properly from factory. I’ve heard to keep it around the thickness of a credit card. Traxxas nitros during break in will typically go though a few glow plugs. Personally don’t like their carbs, OS is much better. Keep us updated if this helped I can always make a video showing you. Thank you for the comment.

[@Drej1971]

Thank you for the reply,. Traxxas have got back to me today and they agree with me that it’s a clutch problem they think it’s a build error and the clutch spring is faulty. Now I just need a replacement from the store who supplied it….. don’t think this will be easy . Keep up the great content 👍

[@danielcarrero2537]

Traxxas customer service sucks I’ve had issues in the past with no help … they want to make the money but don’t want to help .. they only help you if your a big you tuber

[@THEDUKELOVER]

Im glad your local hobby stood behind there word and traxxas has done me the same way cost almost 90$ to send a little jato from nc to texas

[@LaszloBagi]

I had a couple Traxxas Nitro cars 35 years ago. I wished then they came broken in, can't believe for what you pay now you have to break in the engine

[@redbanditracing]

I just can’t believe their warranty and customer service for nitro

[@alexwilson207]

I watched a video of someone else with odd issues and they said their head bolts were not tightened down and was causing a leak.

[@redbanditracing]

Nothing was loose, no leaks, fuel was new, needles were also reset, and wouldn’t run for more than 5min. I had someone at a hobby store say the same thing.

[@MannyGunzz]

I would strip motor down before break in and check piston and oil everything then reassemble so i know there's no leak, i had a2.5 with a shattered Piston

[@JonnyJetson754]

My experience it was the clutch being too tight or too loose kind of like my slash 4x4 once the clutch was adjusted and making sure no drivetrain binding fixed my issue

[@redbanditracing]

I can see that, especially with how the clutch is setup.

[@JonnyJetson754]

@@redbanditracing Hope it starts to work better. It is pretty awesome to have a nitro in the fleet especially the Revo is a rad Rc vehicle 💯

[@kailehogan2967]

What %top fuel did you end up going with

[@redbanditracing]

20%, I might switch to 33% once it’s fully broken in and running good. It’s running great now

[@midnightryder_yt6069]

are you using the telemetry for the temp

[@redbanditracing]

We were using the telemetry and a infrared gun, the infrared gun is more consistent.

[@midnightryder_yt6069]

@@redbanditracing i cant seem to keep it under 300 using the sensor

[@redbanditracing]

That’s odd how far off that sensor can be. It’s not worth paying extra for their telemetry. I can’t believe how much the Revo 3.3 cost on first release in 2009….$1k!

[@Beavis_RMA]

@@midnightryder_yt6069 that sensor always comes loose on my Jato

[@HNunyabusiness]

I have 3 Traxxas nitros and the only reason I run Traxxas is parts support. This is especially important for nitro because it’s so limited these days due to brushless everything. Traxxas quality isn’t great. I’ve never had the problem you’re having. But you’d be better off ditching the 3.3 for a dynamite .19. Or better yet a OS .21. The dynamite is much more cost effective than the OS. They both are direct drop in engines. I haven’t done this myself yet but that’s the plan.

[@grizzlyrc8720]

I have had good luck with vp gas 20% nitro 9% oil on Traxxas motors

[@redbanditracing]

I’ve heard VP is good fuel also.

[@RcDaniel87]

Vp 20 %14 only nitro fuel I run in my nitro Traxxas t Maxx 2.5 and Lrp 28 hpi savage 25 my T Maxx wouldn't tune or idle out the box so I let my hobby shop deal with the tuned break in procedure

[@grizzlyrc8720]

I use the VP 20% nitro 9% oil on my 3.3's

[@redbanditracing]

@@grizzlyrc8720 That’s better than Traxxas, they use I think 14% oil. I know less oil keeps the temps down.

[@apocolypse11]

Oil content on the fuel is to high. 12 percent or lower is the key.

[@redbanditracing]

I’m gonna use the rest of the Top Fuel then switch to Sidewinder, less oil in fuel. Thank you for the info

[@405SVT]

Been in the hobby for along time and i had similiar issues with team associated on their mgt line but its definitley frustrating when a multi million dollar company can be petty like this and then you get the best help from the little guys.

[@redbanditracing]

I can’t see myself buying another Nitro from Traxxas simply because of the support. Unless they change how they handle situations.

[@405SVT]

i completley understand@@redbanditracing

[@LeoDDiversi]

Which rc nitro do you recommend ? I Have a duratrax raze, but Its very old

[@redbanditracing]

Haven’t heard anything bad about the Losi Eight T

[@LilBITRC_Shady]

I’ve never had issues with the electric support from Traxxas.

[@bioprogress1]

@ 8 minutes 50 seconds you talk of one of the other nitros you wanted to buy that your friend has that runs good. Can you tell me the make and model please?

[@redbanditracing]

Yeah no problem, it’s the Losi Eight T. There’s a short video in our library if you wanna check it out.

[@yourface3154]

Slayer 4x4 pro, wish I could say it's broken because of traxxas, haha. Thing was running great until I cartwheeled it on pavement and broke the gas tank/battery box. Oh well, parts are ordered, and still have an X-Maxx to break (again). Then I'll switch to my daughters brushed 2wd slash and just cruise around.

[@redbanditracing]

Haha don’t break hers also. The Slayer looks nice

[@yourface3154]

@@redbanditracing They really could've thought of a better way to mount the nerf bars, but I'll deal with it. It's fun.

[@firedog9113]

Gonna be honest, I'm new to the RC game, bought a Tmaxx and Revo nitro, and two wltoys for fun. 3.3 been a pain in the but but the Tmaxx been amazing with the 2.5. I took a few ideas from KZbin and took the glow plug wire off the Tmaxx. 3.3 ain't no more powerful as the 2.5 so I bought another 2.5 for the Revo, make it fun then

[@redbanditracing]

Guess we should of got the TMaxx, sounds like that engine was built better for the 2.5. Glad to hear you jumped into the hobby.

[@firedog9113]

@@redbanditracing I bought mine used, but think the 2.5 will slide right into the 3.3 place. Love the sound once they are tuned right

[@EastboundDwn]

Ditch the 3.3 and the starter and get a OS18 and a bump box.

[@redbanditracing]

If I thought the Revo was worth it I would.

[@EastboundDwn]

@redbanditracing it all depends on what you're doing with it. Years ago, when there was a big MT class for racing, everyone ran an 18. For just bashing around, you have to constantly retune those engines.

[@jamesmyers9442]

When I have had to return stuff to traxxas it was electric motor and and esc they sent me a box and a shipping label for it and they 100% covered shipping and replacement

[@redbanditracing]

When was that? Can’t be within the last year because they don’t do that anymore. I had someone tell me “it’s just our policy”.

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Only complaint i have about Traxxas engines is the 3.3 the 2.5 with O.S11K carburetor and OS lc3 glow plug its a great engine.

[@steve069]

Did you upgrade to an OS11K or OS11KR? the OS11K on the revo 3.3 we are working on seems to have to short of a throw to get it connected properly. We might try the R?

[@nighthawkj30A4]

@@steve069 the OS11K-R has a longer Throttle arm then the OS11K. And i used the OS11K since i have a Tmaxx Classic. And also I’m building a Tmaxx 3.3 that i bought new from Amain hobbies. Maybe might post of mini Upgrade video Intro to it after it is done.

[@steve069]

@@nighthawkj30A4 Thanks for responding. We backordered an 11K-R from horizon (nobody seems to have them) and we will re-purpose the regular 11k for a different truck.

[@nighthawkj30A4]

@@steve069 sounds good they do sell the throttle arm Separate but it possible it might be out of stock.

[@steve069]

@@nighthawkj30A4 Yeah I read this too, just dont know where to find one or what the p/n is. We can use the 11k for my cousins tmaxx so its not a big deal. Snagged a 11kR on ebay today actually and cancelled the horizon back order.

[@loknlode]

My REVO was trash right out of the box, with my first warranty claim during break in for the clutch and bell, then a defective battery. Mine was constantly breaking suspension parts (never seen a jump) then the engine blew up. Controller bricked and they told me they'd fix it, but it was on my dime. No thanks. Had less than a half gallon through it.

[@redbanditracing]

If I get another Nitro, it will most likely be the Losi Eight T. It tunes nice, great motor, solid suspension for racing. Sorry you had those issues, Traxxas needs to do better when it comes to support.

[@hilham89]

My first actual running rc was a traxxas revo 2.5R whichbi wish inwouldnt have gotten ridnof now. Inwas young and i stopped playing with it and sold the whole set up for $100 now you cant even get a motor for that. Sadly where traxxas has became so big now customer service is not there strong point anymore. Back when i was playing they was competing against losi and hpi that i know of which i have owned both of them as well

[@redbanditracing]

It’s a big learning curve with nitro, but Traxxas does make it very hard. The 3.3 is very heat sensitive and needs to be tuned all the time. If I ever buy a new engine it’s going to be the OS

[@RickyD1968]

That is not cool Traxxas WTF You would think that traxxas would just keep your old motor and send you a new one just like Amain did !!!!!!!!

[@redbanditracing]

What gets me is they still could of tore it down and at least looked at it.

[@RickyD1968]

@@redbanditracing Yeah a Rc company as big as Traxxas you would think !!!!!!

[@jessebecerra287]

Some one tag traxxas. Same deal customer service was no service.

[@adventuresoftigtourettesin5885]

I had the same issue - with Traxxas bad engine on a brand new engine

[@redbanditracing]

Even after break in, 250° is where it likes to be so it run nice and still stays somewhat cool.

[@r_mac67fstbck41]

I have this issue right now. Took the engine off the revo and blew air through the fuel tube while blocking the air inlet and exhaust, air was leaking out of the front crank bearing

[@DanVin-v9y]

This company is huge they could fix this

[@redbanditracing]

They must know the issues but haven’t done anything about it. Just think about the R&D they could put towards nitro, they could make some amazing new models.

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Vp racing fuel as well

[@JG0en187]

I'm not going to blame the customer. Its kind of Traxxas fault for giving people break-in instructions that are terrible. They dont tell you to pre-heat the block they dont tell you to run crazy rich during the break-in period. Their fuel is trash. I dont even take my cars off the stand the first two tanks I just heat cycle the engine. Traxxas is in the buisness of selling engines and parts, so it doesn't suprise me their break-in instructions are the worst you can follow. I would have loved to buy the engine you were having problems with just to tear it down and see what was going on the internally. Not knocking the marker of this video we all start somewhere in this hobby. I work on cars too and honestly if you can give a weedeater an overhaul you can run nitros without much more knowledge.

[@redbanditracing]

I think overhauling a weedeater is a little different than periodically tuning a nitro that has beef with the weather haha. We haven’t ran the Revo a lot, but with the weather cooling down we will be.

[@JG0en187]

@@redbanditracing lol good point. I'll be watching mostly your nitro content. I'm a hard-core nitro guy. Thanks for the comment. Subbed

[@bubba-zfg6452]

Maybe to much nitrous

[@redbanditracing]

I did give it two shots, maybe it was too furious

[@bubba-zfg6452]

Maybe add a turbo to help with cooling

[@lastpally]

Sidewinder is better fuel than Traxxas top fuel

[@peytonwhite8128]

It’s an air cooled. It’s made to hit 300+ degrees my air cooled dirtbike gets hotter than that

[@ribbledean4111]

Typical Traxxas bull shit! I no they never do anything for you

[@ENZOBYCA]

I rocked Traxxas nitro,till even the shops that sell traxxss can't help you,I now stand by Kyosho Nitro machines way better product traxxad is killing the hobby for $$$$$ it's sad

[@angelocerrato8425]

Traxxas has the worst customer service at least with my experience they're not going to warranty anything. I wish RC4WD would have bashers because they are more than helpful when it comes to anything warranty. I had a scuff mark on a hood of my Toyota truck the back to the Future one I wanted just to replace the hood they sent me a whole new body with engine bay interior bumpers and told me to keep the old body I had a receiver bad out the box they sent me a receiver and upgraded controller. Traxxas could care less that's the difference between big companies and small ones.

[@redbanditracing]

The more people complain, the better chance Traxxas changes their customer service.

[@yoboihamsamgaming5206]

You run too fuel that’s a major issue espically on a new motor

[@redbanditracing]

Top Fuel isn’t as bad as everyone makes it. For running everything stock, not looking for big performance that fuel isn’t terrible. Fuel is always a touchy subject seems. I like Sidewinder

[@ericford3115]

That’s why I don’t have nitro anymore love Traxxas there nitro cars are bad

[@redbanditracing]

Couldn’t agree more