Associated Electrics Nitro TC3 RTR User manual

Before you start running your Nitro TC3 RTR, read your engine break-in instructions on the next page thoroughly. If
you run your NTC3 without following proper break-in procedure, you may damage your engine, fail to get maximum
performance from your engine, or void your warranty.
NOTE:
1
Install radio system batteries...
...Into the transmitter (8 cells) and car (4 cells)
as shown above. Be sure to use only high-quality
alkaline or rechargeable Ni-Cd AA-size batteries.
Check operation of radio system...
...Turning your transmitter wheel makes the car’s front wheels steer left and
right, and automatically return to center when transmitter wheel is re-
leased. Make sure that pulling transmitter trigger opens the carburetor
throat, and pushing the trigger forward applies the rear wheel brakes.
Carefully check pull start rope length...
...making sure
you never pull out
the rope to it’s full
length. Doing so
can cause
damage, and the
rope may not
retract. Quick,
short pulls (12”)
on the starter are
the best technique
for starting your
engine.
Get ready to fire it up!
Turn on the
transmitter FIRST,
then the car’s
receiver switch.
Attach glow plug
igniter to the glow
plug. Hold the
front of the car a
little higher than
the rear to aid
Oil the foam air cleaner element...
...by treating the foam elements of
your air filter with a few drops of
pre-filter oil. Work the oil into the
filter inside a small plastic bag to
minmize the mess.
Fill the tank with one of the
approved fuels...
Lift the lid on your car’s fuel tank,
insert the fill tube, and slowly
squeeze until tank is full. Be careful
not to overflow, as spilled fuel may
damage radio gear or brakes.
Having Starting
Problems?
Check our QUICK
TROUBLESHOOTING
GUIDE, next page!
Stopping the engine.
Always stop the engine before you turn the radioAlways stop the engine before you turn the radio
Always stop the engine before you turn the radioAlways stop the engine before you turn the radio
Always stop the engine before you turn the radio
switches ofswitches of
switches ofswitches of
switches off.f.
f.f.
f. You can stop the engine by pushing
a piece of wood against the flywheel underneath
the car or by pinching the fuel line leading to the
carburetor. Do NOT try to stop the engine by
plugging the exhaust outlet or by stopping the
flywheel with your finger or thumb.
Everything Okay?
Check out the
BREAK-IN TIPS on
the next page
before running
your engine
further.
35
6
Throttle
Throttle
Brake
Brake
Throttle
Throttle Brake
Brake
QUICK-START SHEET
QUICK-START SHEET
2
4
fuel flow to the engine. Pull the starter with
short, quick pulls until engine fires, then
remove glow plug igniter.
7

Smaller
Opening
(Lower idle(Lower idle
(Lower idle(Lower idle
(Lower idle
Speed)Speed)
Speed)Speed)
Speed)
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you have trouble starting or keep-If you have trouble starting or keep-
If you have trouble starting or keep-If you have trouble starting or keep-
If you have trouble starting or keep-
ing your RTR running, here’s a quicking your RTR running, here’s a quick
ing your RTR running, here’s a quicking your RTR running, here’s a quick
ing your RTR running, here’s a quick
checklist of what to look for first.checklist of what to look for first.
checklist of what to look for first.checklist of what to look for first.
checklist of what to look for first.
If you suspect internal engine damage, refer to your warranty card for service instructions.If you suspect internal engine damage, refer to your warranty card for service instructions.
If you suspect internal engine damage, refer to your warranty card for service instructions.If you suspect internal engine damage, refer to your warranty card for service instructions.
If you suspect internal engine damage, refer to your warranty card for service instructions.
Description Problem Solution
Engine will not start Out of Fuel............................................ Refill fuel tank
Contaminated fuel................................. Replace fuel
Glow plug igniter not charged..................Charge Glow igniter
Glow plug bad...................................... Replace glow plug, see “Glow Plug
Problems” section below
Fuel not getting to carbueretor..................Open and close fuel tank lid twice
Engine flooded..................................... See “Flooding” section below
Engine overheating................................ Allow engine to cool, richen fuel
mixture, see “Fuel Mixture” section
below
Carbueretor incorrectly adjusted...............Readjust carburetor, see “Fuel
Mixture” section below
Exhaust blocked ................................... Check exhaust to remove blockage
Air cleaner blocked.................................Check air cleaner, remove blockage
Engine starts, then stalls Idle speed set too low............................. Adjust idle speed screw, see “Fuel
Mixture” section below
Air bubbles in fuel line............................ Check for leaks in fuel line
Glow plug is fouled................................ Replace glow plug, see “Glow plug
problems” section below
Starter rope will not pull Engine is flooded................................... See “Flooding” section below
Engine is seized ......................................Examine engine for damage
Glow plug problems. The glow plug in your
engine must be replaced periodically to maintain peak perfor-
mance and easy starting. Most starting problems or erratic
performance can be traced back to the glow
plug. The easiest way to check for a faulty
glow plug is simply install a new one and
see if the problem goes away. However, to
test the glow plug, remove the glow plug
from the cylinder head with a 5/16” nut
driver. (Make sure there is no dirt on top of
the head which could fall into the engine. Do not lose the
copper gasket which seals the glow plug.) Connect the glow
plug to the glow igniter. All of the coils should glow bright
starter won’t operate, and excess fuel draining from the exhaust
outlet. Remove the glow plug with a 5/16” nut driver and also
remove the air cleaner. Turn the car upside down and pull the
starter a couple of times to drain any excess fuel out of the engine
and carbueretor. Reinstall the glow plug and try starting again.
Fuel mixture. The fuel mixture is controlled by three
different adjustments on the carburetor, and come pre-set from the
factory (see photos below). Your engine should start and run
slightly rich with these settings (rich is good for break-in). Tuning
Tip: Always make sure you can see some exhaust smoke coming
out of the exhaust outlet during operation. This is a good sign that
enough fuel is getting to the engine.
orange. Sometimes, the first few
coils will not glow, while the rest
are bright orange. This indicates
a bad glow plug or low igniter
battery. Try recharging the
igniter, or replacing the glow
plug.
Flooding. Symptoms of a
flooded engine include difficulty
in starting, muffled sounds
coming from the exhaust, pull
TROUBLESHOOTING
High Speed Mixture:High Speed Mixture:
High Speed Mixture:High Speed Mixture:
High Speed Mixture:
2 1/2 turns out2 1/2 turns out
2 1/2 turns out2 1/2 turns out
2 1/2 turns out
FACTORY CARBURETOR SETTINGS
Leaner
(Less Fuel)
Low Speed Mixture:Low Speed Mixture:
Low Speed Mixture:Low Speed Mixture:
Low Speed Mixture:
1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)
1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)
1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)
1/16”
Idle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” openingIdle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” opening
Idle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” openingIdle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” opening
Idle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” opening
(.8 to 1.5 mm)(.8 to 1.5 mm)
(.8 to 1.5 mm)(.8 to 1.5 mm)
(.8 to 1.5 mm)
1/16”
1/32”
1/16”
1/32”
TOTO
TOTO
TO
Smaller
Opening
(Lower idle(Lower idle
(Lower idle(Lower idle
(Lower idle
Speed)Speed)
Speed)Speed)
Speed)
Larger
Opening
(Higher Idle(Higher Idle
(Higher Idle(Higher Idle
(Higher Idle
Speed)Speed)
Speed)Speed)
Speed)
Larger
Opening
(Higher Idle(Higher Idle
(Higher Idle(Higher Idle
(Higher Idle
Speed)Speed)
Speed)Speed)
Speed)
Richer
(More Fuel)
Richer
(More Fuel)

High Speed Mixture:High Speed Mixture:
High Speed Mixture:High Speed Mixture:
High Speed Mixture:
2 1/2 turns out2 1/2 turns out
2 1/2 turns out2 1/2 turns out
2 1/2 turns out
FACTORY CARBURETOR SETTINGS
Leaner
(Less Fuel)(Less Fuel)
(Less Fuel)(Less Fuel)
(Less Fuel)
Low Speed Mixture:Low Speed Mixture:
Low Speed Mixture:Low Speed Mixture:
Low Speed Mixture:
1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)
1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)
1/16” of screw showing (1.5 mm)
1/16”
Idle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” openingIdle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” opening
Idle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” openingIdle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” opening
Idle Speed:1/32” to 1/16” opening
(.8 to 1.5 mm)(.8 to 1.5 mm)
(.8 to 1.5 mm)(.8 to 1.5 mm)
(.8 to 1.5 mm)
1/16”
1/32”
1/16”
1/32”
TOTO
TOTO
TO
The key to breaking in your engine is patience. During the break-in period, your engine may appear to malfunction with problems
such as stalling, inconsistent performance, and fouling out the glow plug. Don’t give up... just keep running, applying the throttle on
and off as smoothly as you can. Here are some points to remember during break-in:
1.1.
1.1.
1. Expect to replace the glow plug during the break-in period, and definitely when the engine is fully broken in.
2.2.
2.2.
2. Run the car without the body for extra engine cooling during the break-in period. Then cut out body’s front windshield and side
window after the break-in period.
3.3.
3.3.
3. The idle speed should be set as fast as possible without causing the car to move. If necessary, adjust the idle speed screw as
shown in the photo below.
4.4.
4.4.
4. The standard high speed mixture and low-speed mixture settings of the carburetor vary slightly with each engine. The standard
settings are shown below. Your engine should start and run somewhat rich with these settings (rich is good for break-in). Blue-white
smoke coming from the exhaust is a good sign that the settings are rich. If there is little or no smoke, the settings are probably not
rich enough. In this case, turn the high-speed mixture screw counter-clockwise 1/8 of a turn (see photo).
5.5.
5.5.
5. As the engine reaches normal operating temperature, it will speed up and performance will increase. This occurs because the fuel
mixture is becoming more lean
with the increased engine tempera-
ture. You might need to richen the
fuel mixture 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn
so the engine continues to run rich
as described above.
6.6.
6.6.
6. Constantly test the engine for
overheating.Use either an acces-
sory head temperature gauge
(these are expensive, but worth
every penny) or as an alternative,
use the water method: place a
drop of water on top of the cylinder
head. If it sizzles away immedi-
ately, stop your engine and let it
cool down. If it takes about 3 to 5 seconds for the water to boil away, the engine is within normal operating temperature. When using
a temperature gauge, the temperature should always be between 220 and 280 degrees.
7.7.
7.7.
7. Run your engine this way (rich) until you’re just about out of fuel, bring your car to a stop and shut off the engine, allowing it to
cool for 8 to 10 minutes before starting it up again. Correct break-in will take about four tanks of fuel.Correct break-in will take about four tanks of fuel.
Correct break-in will take about four tanks of fuel.Correct break-in will take about four tanks of fuel.
Correct break-in will take about four tanks of fuel.
Watch for signs of overheating. These will include:Watch for signs of overheating. These will include:
Watch for signs of overheating. These will include:Watch for signs of overheating. These will include:
Watch for signs of overheating. These will include:
• Steam or smoke coming from the engine surfaces
• Engine hesitates during hard acceleration, as if it’s running out
of fuel
• Popping or clattering sound when slowing down
• Idle speed will surge or possibly diminish to the point of
stalling.
• Engine stops running and glow plug wire is burned, deformed,
or missing.
If you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need toIf you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need to
If you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need toIf you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need to
If you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need to
richen the high-speed mixture 1/8 to 1/4 counterclockwise orrichen the high-speed mixture 1/8 to 1/4 counterclockwise or
richen the high-speed mixture 1/8 to 1/4 counterclockwise orrichen the high-speed mixture 1/8 to 1/4 counterclockwise or
richen the high-speed mixture 1/8 to 1/4 counterclockwise or
until symptoms stop. (see photo above).until symptoms stop. (see photo above).
until symptoms stop. (see photo above).until symptoms stop. (see photo above).
until symptoms stop. (see photo above).
Engine may start running more rich as it breaks in.Engine may start running more rich as it breaks in.
Engine may start running more rich as it breaks in.Engine may start running more rich as it breaks in.
Engine may start running more rich as it breaks in.
Signs of running too rich will include:Signs of running too rich will include:
Signs of running too rich will include:Signs of running too rich will include:
Signs of running too rich will include:
• More and more smoke may be seen coming from the exhaust
outlet
• Engine may have a difficult time idling.
• The Engine top speed may decrease, and engine pitch will
sound lower
• Engine continually fouls glow-plugs
If you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need to leanIf you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need to lean
If you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need to leanIf you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need to lean
If you encounter any of these symptoms, you may need to lean
the high speed mixture setting by turning it 1/8 clockwise (seethe high speed mixture setting by turning it 1/8 clockwise (see
the high speed mixture setting by turning it 1/8 clockwise (seethe high speed mixture setting by turning it 1/8 clockwise (see
the high speed mixture setting by turning it 1/8 clockwise (see
photo above).photo above).
photo above).photo above).
photo above).
What to look for during tanks 2-4 as the engine breaks in:
What to look for when running your first tank of fuel
Caution:Caution:
Caution:Caution:
Caution: if the engine stalls while you are driving due to an overheating condition, severe engine damage may have already oc-
curred. Overheating is caused by the following errors:
• Fuel mixture is not rich enough
• Air leak around carburetor
• No air filter
• Loss of muffler pressure (line falls off, etc.)
YY
YY
Your engine will be shorour engine will be shor
our engine will be shorour engine will be shor
our engine will be short-lived if any of these conditions art-lived if any of these conditions ar
t-lived if any of these conditions art-lived if any of these conditions ar
t-lived if any of these conditions are allowed to occur for any length of time.e allowed to occur for any length of time.
e allowed to occur for any length of time.e allowed to occur for any length of time.
e allowed to occur for any length of time.
Larger
Opening
(Higher Idle(Higher Idle
(Higher Idle(Higher Idle
(Higher Idle
Speed)Speed)
Speed)Speed)
Speed)Smaller
Opening
(Lower idle(Lower idle
(Lower idle(Lower idle
(Lower idle
Speed)Speed)
Speed)Speed)
Speed)
• Excessive nitro content in the fuel
• Incorrect oil content in the fuel or poor quality of fuel
• Excessive loads on the engine (bound drive train or brakes engaged
when throttle is on)
Richer
(More Fuel)(More Fuel)
(More Fuel)(More Fuel)
(More Fuel)
Richer
(More Fuel)(More Fuel)
(More Fuel)(More Fuel)
(More Fuel)
Engine Break-In Tips
Engine Break-In Tips

ACOOLing Tip for the NTC3!
A COOLing Tip for the NTC3!
We have some tips for you on how to keep your Nitro TC3 running
cool!cool!
cool!cool!
cool!
1. Cut out half of the the front windshield, making sure you round off the corners of the hole instead of
having sharp corners. This will prevent the body from cracking at the corners.
2. If you are running in hot weather, you may want to even cut out the side windows. Again, take care
to round off the corners of your cut-out window, and start the cutout approximately 1/2” behind the
window body post to give the body enough support strength.
3. Be sure you have enough access areas in the body to use your glow-plug igniter, and enough
clearance to be able to make your engine adjustments.
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Visit our website: www.rc10.com • www.teamassociated.com
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
For the NitrFor the Nitr
For the NitrFor the Nitr
For the Nitro TC3 To TC3 T
o TC3 To TC3 T
o TC3 Touring Carouring Car
ouring Carouring Car
ouring Car
1402 Factory Blue 1.375 Turnbuckles
1414 Factory Blue 1.125 Turnbuckles
1415 Factory Blue Rear Toe Turnbuckles
1450 Factory Blue Ride Height Gauge, set ride height easily
1596 Factory Team Thread Locking Adhesive
1597 Factory Team Tire Adhesive
1598 Factory Blue Shock Caps, Blue anodized alum.(4)
1700 NTC3 Lightweight 2-speed One Way Hub
1701 NTC3 Lightweight 2-Speed Housing
1702 NTC3 Lightweight 2-speed Clutch Bell
1704 NTC3 Solid F/R Axle
1705 NTC3 Front One-Way assembly
1706 NTC3 FT Blue Alum. Center Bulkhead
1707 NTC3 One-Way Outdrive Cups
1708 NTC3 FT Blue Alum. Pull Start Motor Mounts
1709 NTC3 FT Brake Cam Bearing Kit
1711 NTC3 FT PTFE-Sealed Bearing Set
1712 NTC3 FT Blue Alum Main Drive Shaft
1713 Factory Blue NTC3 Turnbuckle Kit
1714 NTC3 FT Swing Rack Bearing Kit
1715 NTC3 FT Front Blade Roll Bar Kit
1717 NTC3 FT Blue Alum. Blade Roll Bar Mounts
1719 Factory Team Camber + Track Width Tool
1721 Clutch Nut Wrench 3/8”
1722 Factory Team Graphite Radio Tray
1726 NTC3 Titanium Pivot Balls
1749 Factory Team Nitro Fuel Bottle
1752 NTC3 Hard Chassis, Black
1754 NTC3 Hard Chassis, Natural
1767 NTC3 Side Exhaust Blue Manifold
1768 NTC3 Side Exhaust Natural Manifold
1769 NTC3 Side Exhaust Black Manifold
1771 Torque-tuned Side Exhaust Blue Muffler (kit std.)
1772 Torque-tuned Side Exhaust Natural Muffler (kit std.)
1773 Torque-tuned Side Exhaust Black Muffler (kit std.)
1774 RPM-Tuned Side Exhaust Blue Muffler
1775 RPM-Tuned Side Exhaust Natural Muffler
1776 RPM-Tuned Side Exhaust Black Muffler
2236 NTC3 Carbon Front Arm Set
2241 NTC3 Carbon R/L Steering / Hub carriers
2244 NTC3 Carbon Rear Arm Set
2248 NTC3 Carbon F/R Shock Tower
2255 NTC3 Carbon Chassis Braces
2259 NTC3 Carbon Radio Tray
2261 NTC3 Carbon Handle
2325 NTC3 Pull Start 3 Shoe Flywheel
2371 NTC3 Complete Carbon Chassis Kit
3888 Factory Blue TC3 / NTC3 Aluminum CVD Bones (2)
3939 TC3 / NTC3 Front One-way / Solid axle
Differential Ring Gear w/Mounting Screws
3941 TC3 / NTC3 Green Spring, 12.0 lbs
3943 TC3 / NTC3 Blue Spring, 17.0 lbs.
3945 TC3 / NTC3 Red Spring, 22.0 lbs
3946 TC3 / NTC3 Copper Spring, 25.0 lbs.
3949 TC3 / NTC3 Wheel Hex Adapters (4), Graphite
3952 TC3 / NTC3 Purple Spring, 30.0 lbs.
3953 TC3 / NTC3 Yellow Spring, 35.0 lbs.
3954 TC3 / NTC3 White Spring, 40.0 lbs.
3960 TC3 / NTC3 Rear Anti-roll Bar Kit.
3962 TC3 Factory Blue-Anodized
Threaded Body Shock Kit (set of 4)
3963 Factory Blue-Aluminum Threaded
Shock Bodies w/collar (pair)
3964 TC3 / NTC3 UNOBTANIUM Shock Shafts (2)
3968 Factory Blue Counterfeit Transponder
3972 TC3 / NTC3 Blue Aluminum Hex Drives
3988 Complete TC3 / NTC3 Tuning Spring Set (9 pair)
6439 FT Blue Aluminum Shock Cap (1 piece)
7710 Pre Filter Treatment