Duratrax Nitro Quake Installation and operating instructions

Warranty
• DuraTrax™will warranty this kit for 90 days after the purchase date from defects in materials or workmanship. DuraTrax
will either repair or replace, at no charge, the incorrectly made part.
• Make sure you save the receipt or invoice you were gi en when you bought your model! It is your proof of purchase
and we must see it before we can honor the warranty.
• To return your Nitro Quake for repairs co ered under warranty you should send your truck to:
Hobby Ser ices
1610 Interstate Dri e
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Attn: Ser ice Department
Phone: [phone]:00 am - 5:00 pm Central Time M-F
E-mail: [email protected]
Before Building:
We want the building and operating of this ehicle to be a success, so BEFORE remo ing any parts from the parts bags
please read this manual thoroughly and watch the included ideo to familiarize yourself with the model. If for any reason
you think this model is not for you, return it to your dealer immediately. PLEASE NOTE: Your hobby dealer cannot accept
a return on any model after assembly has begun.
© Copyright 1999 Printed in USA DTXZ1051 For Kit DTXC0073/DTXD73**
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION MANUAL

Introduction.................................................................................2
Safet Precautions .....................................................................2
Helpful Hints................................................................................2
Stress-Tech™Parts Guarantee...................................................2
Repair Service.............................................................................3
Specification & Description Changes.......................................3
Screw Information ......................................................................3
Required Items for Completion .................................................3
Tools You Will Need....................................................................3
Finishing the RTR Version.........................................................4
Assembl of the Pre-Built Version............................................7
Preparing the Radio S stem......................................................7
Radio Installation........................................................................7
Steering Linkage .......................................................................11
Brake and Throttle Linkage .....................................................11
Air Filter and Fuel Tubing Installation ....................................13
Radio Adjustments ...................................................................14
Bod ...........................................................................................15
Carburetor Settings ..................................................................16
Breaking in the Engine.............................................................16
Running the Engine..................................................................16
Engine Maintenance .................................................................17
Performance Tuning .................................................................19
Maintenance Tips......................................................................19
Engine Trouble Shooting .........................................Back Cover
Thank you for purchasing the DuraTrax Nitro Quake. This
manual contains the instructions you need to build, operate and
maintain your new nitro R/C monster truck. Read o er this
manual thoroughly before building or operating the Nitro Quake.
When the safety precautions are followed, the Nitro Quake
will pro ide years of enjoyment. Use care and good sense
at all times when operating this radio controlled monster
truck. Failure to use this ehicle in a safe, sensible manner
can result in injury or damage to property. You and you
alone must insure that the instructions are carefully followed
and all safety precautions are obeyed.
• Do not operate the Nitro Quake near people. Spectators
should be behind the dri er or at a safe distance away
from the ehicle.
• The engine and exhaust produces quite a bit of noise. If
you are disturbed by the amount of noise this truck
produces, wear ear protection such as earplugs. Do not
run this ehicle when or where it can disturb others.
• The engine and exhaust can become ery hot. A oid
touching any of these parts during use and until they
ha e cooled down.
• Model engine fuel is poisonous. Make sure you read and
follow all of the precautions on the fuel container. Keep
fuel out of the reach of children.
• Model engine fuel is flammable and when ignited has a
flame that is difficult to see. A oid sparks, flames,
smoking, or any other ignition source when fuel is near.
• The engine emits carbon dioxide just like real cars. Do
not operate this model indoors.
• Before turning on the transmitter, make sure that no one
else is on your frequency.
• A oid working o er a deep pile carpet. If you drop a small
part or screw, it will be difficult to find.
• Place a mat or towel o er your work surface. This will
pre ent parts from rolling off and will protect the work
surface.
• A oid running the truck in cold weather. The plastic and
metal parts can become brittle at low temperatures. In
addition, grease and oil become thick, causing
premature wear and poor performance.
• Test fit all parts before attaching them permanently.
We ha e engineered the Nitro Quake to take the rough and
tumble abuse that makes R/C monster trucks fun. We are
so confident of the quality and durability of the Stress-Tech™
plastic parts that we will replace any Stress-Tech plastic part
you break during the first 6 months you own the truck. Just
send in the part to us and we will send you a Free
replacement. Please see the Nitro Quake parts list for the
items co ered under the Stress-Tech guarantee.
To recei e your free replacement part please send the
following to the Hobby Ser ices address listed on the co er
of this manual:
• The broken part must be included.
• The part number and description of the broken part.
• Dated copy of your in oice or purchase receipt.
• Your name, phone number and shipping address.
STRESS-TECH™PARTS GUARANTEE
HELPFUL HINTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

Repair ser ice is a ailable anytime.
• After the 90 day warranty, you can still ha e your Nitro
Quake repaired for a small charge by the experts at
DuraTrax’s authorized repair facility, Hobby Ser ices, at
the address listed on the front page of this manual.
To speed up the repair process, please follow the
instructions listed below.
1. Under most circumstances return the ENTIRE system: truck
and radio. The exception would be sending in a Stress-Tech
part. See the instructions under Stress-Tech Guarantee.
2. Make sure the transmitter is turned off, all batteries are
remo ed and fuel is drained from the tank.
3. Send written instructions which include: a list of all items
returned, a THOROUGH explanation of the problem, the
ser ice needed and your phone number during the day. If
you expect the repair to be co ered under warranty, be
sure to include a proof of date of purchase (your store
receipt or purchase in oice).
4. Also be sure to include your full return address.
All pictures, descriptions and specifications found in this
instruction manual are subject to change without notice.
DuraTrax maintains no responsibility for inad ertent errors
in this manual.
Do not use too much force when tightening self-tapping
screws into plastic. O ertightening will cause the threads in
the plastic to strip. We recommend that you stop turning a
self-tapping screw when you feel some resistance as the
head of the screw comes in contact with the plastic. A oid
using powered screwdri ers when assembling this kit. They
tend to o ertighten the screws. Do not use thread locking
compound on any self-tapping screws. The thread locking
compound may damage the plastic. IMPORTANT: Use
thread lock on any fastener that is threaded into metal or
fastened with a nut. Vibration from the engine will cause the
screws to loosen if thread locking compound is not used.
To operate the Nitro Quake these items are required:
• Glow plug starter (Hobbico Hot-Shot 2 -HCAP2520)
• Fuel bottle (DuraTrax Kwik-Pit Bottle - DTXP0125)
• Fuel (DuraTrax Red Alert fuel - DTXP0520)
• Air Filter Oil
• Glow plug wrench (DTXR1170)
• Hobby knife (HCAR0105), #11 blades (HCAR0211)
• It is also helpful to ha e a couple of extra glow plugs
on hand (O.S. #A3 plug - OSMG2690)
All of these items are available in a Nitro Starter Pack
from DuraTrax - DTXP0200).
For the Pre-Built version of the Nitro Quake, ou will also need:
• 2-channel radio with (1) standard ser o and (1) high
torque (70+ oz./in.) ser o (for steering)
• (12) “AA” batteries - (4) for the recei er and (8) for the
transmitter
• Small bottle of thread locking compound (GPMR6060)
To assemble the Pre-built ersion (DTXC0073), you will
need the following tools:
• Phillips head screwdri er
• Flat blade screwdri er
• Needle-nose pliers
• Wire cutters or diagonal cutters (HCAR0630)
• Hobby knife (HCAR0105), #11 blades (HCAR0211)
• Drill with 1/4", 1/8", 5/64" (or 6mm, 3mm, 2mm) bits
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
REQUIRED ITEMS FOR COMPLETION
3mm
14mm
M3x14 Screw
3mm
14mm
M3x14
Self-Tapping
Screw
SCREW INFORMATION
SPECIFICATION & DESCRIPTION CHANGES
REPAIR SERVICE
3

❏1. Remo e the Nitro Quake, transmitter and parts
from the box.
❏2. Remo e the twist-tie from the recei er antenna
wire. The recei er antenna wire is a bundled thin wire
that is attached to the recei er. Run the length of the
antenna wire through your fingers to help straighten
the wire out, this will make it easier to get the wire
through the tube. Remo e the antenna tube from the
decal bag. Slide the antenna wire through the antenna
tube. Do not coil or cut the antenna. Cut two pieces
of fuel tubing 1/8" wide and slide them o er the outside
of the antenna tube and wire. This is to help hold the
antenna tube on and a oid getting the antenna wire
cut in a roll o er. Note the placement of the tubing on
the antenna tube.
❏3. Remo e the air filter parts from the parts pack.
Slide the large rubber O-ring around the threads of the
outer housing. The O-ring will help seal the air filter
housing together. Soak the air cleaner element with an
air filter oil, light machine oil, or, in a pinch, shock oil.
Thoroughly soak the foam element and squeeze out
the excess. Then install the filter element into the
plastic outer housing.
❏4. Press the “L” shaped boot onto the bottom housing
of the air filter. Using one of the included tie-straps,
tightly secure the boot onto the bottom housing. Cut off
the excess portion of the tie-strap. Screw the bottom
and outer filter housing together. Note: Overtightening
will strip the threads.
❏5. Place the air filter onto the carburetor. Using the
remaining included tie-strap, tightly secure the air filter
to the carburetor. Cut the excess portion of the tie-
strap off to a oid interference.
❏6. Remo e the lower screw from each of the body
posts so that the posts can be placed upright. Re-
install the screw through the shock tower into the body
post as shown. The height of the body can be adjusted
by raising or lowering the posts on the shock tower.
BODY
AIR FILTER INSTALLATION
ANTENNA INSTALLATION
4
FINISHING THE NITRO QUAKE RTR VERSION (DTXD73**)

❏7. Remo e the recei er battery holder from the
radio box. Install (4) “AA” batteries (included) into the
battery holder in the configuration molded into the
battery holder.
❏8. Cut a piece of foam the size of the radio box and
place it in the bottom for all of the equipment to set on.
Re-install the recei er battery into the radio box. Note
the placement of the recei er battery in the box. Make
sure that the recei er switch is in the “off” position.
Plug the connector on the recei er battery into the
socket on the recei er switch. Wrap the recei er with
the included foam rubber (if desired, secure with a
rubber band, not included) to help reduce possible
radio interference from ibration.
❏9. Remo e the transmitter antenna from the holder
and screw it into the hole on top of the transmitter.
❏10. Slide open the battery door on the bottom of the
transmitter and remo e the transmitter battery holder.
Place 8 “AA” batteries (included) into the holder in the
configuration molded into the plastic on the battery
holder. Re-install the transmitter battery holder into the
transmitter and re-install the battery door.
❏11. Turn on the transmitter using the switch on the
back (see photo with step 9). The green light on the side
of the transmitter should light up. If there is no light on,
turn the transmitter off and check to ensure that the
battery holder is making contact with the copper contact
on the inside of the battery compartment. Make sure the
batteries are installed correctly. Turn the transmitter on
and check for the green indicator light. If the green light
appears, turn off the transmitter.
❏12. Remo e the plastic from the outside of the body.
Apply the decals to the body if desired.
RADIO SETUP
5

❏13. Assemble the rollbar as shown using ten 2.6 x
6mm self-tapping screws.
❏14. Drill six 1/4" (6mm) holes in the body using the
molded-in dimples as guides. Install the rollbar onto
body as shown using six 2.6 x 6mm self-tapping
screws and the included collars.
❏15. Drill two 1/4" (6mm) holes in front of body using
the molded-in dimples as guides. Install the front brush
guard as shown with two 2.6 x 6mm self-tapping
screws and the collars included.
❏16. Drill one 1/8" (3mm) hole in each side of the
body using the molded-in dimple as a guide. Install the
mirrors as shown with the collars and nuts pro ided.
❏17. Remo e the body clips from the parts bag.
Place the body onto the body mounts. On each body
mount place a body clip.
You are ready to go! Watch the ideo one more time and
turn to page 16 for performance and maintenance tips.
6

7
❏1. Remo e the Nitro Quake monster truck and the
transmitter from the box.
❏2. Remo e the radio tray from the chassis by
remo ing the (8) 3x15mm flat head self tapping
screws from the bottom of the chassis.
❏3. Install the recei er on/off switch. Remo e the two
screws from the face plate of the on/off switch and
remo e the face plate. The switch should be in the
“OFF” position. Insert the on/off switch up through the
bottom of the radio plate. Then place the face plate
o er the top of the on/off switch and place the two
screws back through the face plate into the on/off
switch. Be sure to reinstall the face plate with the
“OFF” position next to the switch button. Run both
wires from the on/off switch through the hole in the
side of the radio box.
RADIO INSTALLATION
ASSEMBLY OF THE NITRO QUAKE PRE-BUILT VERSION (DTXC0073)
1. Install the batteries in the transmitter and
the recei er battery holders.
2. Extend the transmitter antenna.
3. Connect the steering ser o, throttle ser o
and recei er battery to the recei er.
4. Extend the recei er antenna.
5. Adjust the ser o trims of the transmitter to
the neutral position.
6. Switch on the transmitter.
7. Switch on the recei er.
8. Operate the steering and throttle control.
Make sure the ser o arms mo e in
proportion to the mo ement of the
steering wheel and throttle trigger.
9. Switch off the recei er, then the transmitter.
Before installing the radio s stem in the
pre-built DuraTrax Nitro Quake read the
manufacturer’s instructions manual and
follow the instructions shown below.
Ser o Arm
Steering
Ser o
Throttle Ser o
Recei er Battery Holder
4-AA Batteries
Transmitter
5
6
1Antenna 4
8-AA Batteries
1
Recei er
3
Recei er
Switch
7
Antenna
2
8
PREPARING THE RADIO SYSTEM

8
❏4. Use a hobby knife or diagonal cutters to remo e
the ser o mounting blocks from the radio tray. Make
sure all of the flashing is remo ed from inside the
ser o compartment to assure a proper ser o fit. Save
the servo mounting blocks.
❏5. Place the standard throttle ser o into the radio
tray. Note: Notice the direction of the servo spline
when installing. Run the ser o lead through the hole
in the side of the radio box.
❏6. Mount the ser o to the radio tray using four
mounting screws included with the radio system. Use
one of the ser o mounting blocks that you cut out of
the radio tray in step 4 and place it against the under
side of the radio tray under the slotted holes. The
screws should go through the ser o, the radio tray and
into the ser o mounting block. Note: Make sure to
use the servo mounting block on the end with the
slotted mounting holes.
❏7. Place the high torque steering ser o into the
radio tray. Note the direction of the servo spline
when installing. Run the ser o lead through the hole
in the side of the radio box.
❏8. Mount the ser o to the radio tray using four
mounting screws included with the radio system. Use
the other mounting block that you cut out of the radio tray
in step 4 and place it against the under side of the radio
tray under the slotted holes. The screws should go
through the ser o, the radio tray and into the ser o
mounting block. Note: Make sure to use the mounting
block on the end with the slotted mounting holes.
❏9. Cut two of the arms off the throttle ser o horn by
scoring both sides of the arm with a hobby knife and
snapping off the arms with pliers.

9
❏10. Install the ser o horn onto the throttle ser o,
note the direction of the servo horn. Secure the
horn to the ser o with the screw included with the
radio system.
❏11. Remo e three of the arms off the steering ser o
horn as shown.
❏12. Install the ser o horn onto the steering ser o,
note the direction of the servo horn. Secure the
horn to the ser o with the screw included with the
radio system.
❏13. Route the wires and connectors for the switch
and two ser os through the hole in the radio box. Cut
a piece of foam the size of the radio box and place it
in the bottom for all of the equipment to set on. Make
sure that all of the wires coming into the radio box are
on top of the foam. This is to help pre ent ibration
damage to the recei er.
❏14. Install the recei er into the radio box and route
the antenna wire through the same hole the ser o
leads come in. Run the antenna wire up through the
antenna mount hole.
❏15. Plug the steering ser o, throttle ser o and
switch into the recei er. See your radio instructions to
determine which channel is steering and which is
throttle. The switch plugs into the battery socket.

10
❏16. Install 4 “AA” batteries (not included) into the
recei er battery holder in the configuration molded into
the battery holder included with the radio system.
❏17. Install the recei er battery into the radio box.
Note the placement of the recei er battery in the box.
Connect the recei er battery to the remaining end of
the on/off switch.
❏18. Cut a 2" x 7" (50 x 175mm) piece of the included
foam and wrap it around the recei er. If desired, you can
wrap a small rubber band (not included) around the
outside of the foam to secure it in place for added security.
❏19. Install the recei er into the recei er box as
shown. Make sure all of the wires are out from under
the recei er so that it will properly fit into the radio box.
❏20. Cut the left o er foam into small pieces and
place them around the recei er and battery to help
secure them into place. Then slide the radio box co er
back onto the radio box.
❏21. Run the length of the antenna wire through your
fingers to help straighten the wire out, this will make it
easier to get the wire through the tube. Slide the
antenna wire through the antenna tube. Frequently,
there will be lefto er wire through the antenna tube
(Do not cut or coil the antenna!) Cut two pieces of
fuel tubing 1/8" wide and slide them o er the outside
of the antenna tube and wire. This is to help hold the
antenna tube on and a oid getting the antenna wire
cut in a roll o er. Note the placement of the tubing on
the antenna tube.