Traxxas 4810 User manual

Nitro 4-Tec
Owner
’
s
Manual
Model
4810
Traxxas Corporation, 1100 Klein Road, Plano, Texas 75074, Phone: [phone], Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS
Traxxas U.K., P.O. Box 1128, Winterbourne, Bristol BS17-2SH, England, Phone: [phone]
Internet: www.Traxxas.com, www.ReadyToRun.org

Traxxas Corporation
Corporate Headquarters
1100 Klein Road
Plano, Texas 75074
Phone:[phone]
Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS
Traxxas U.K.
P. O. Box 1128
Winterbourne, Bristol BS17-2SH
England
Phone: [phone]
Internet
www.Traxxas.com
E-mail: [e-mail]
Entire contents ©2003Traxxas Corporation.Traxxas,Nitro 4-Tec,
TRX 2.5, TQ,Top Fuel, EZ-Start, Ready-To-Race, and ProGraphix
are trademarks or registered trademarks of Traxxas Corporation.
Other brand names and marks are the property of their
respective holders and are used only for purposes of
identification. No part of this manual may be reproduced or
distributed in print or electronic media without the express
written permission of Traxxas.
020926
2

Thank you for purchasing the Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec.This manual
contains the instructions you will need to operate, and maintain
your Nitro 4-Tec. Look over the manual and examine the Nitro
4-Tec carefully before running it. If for some reason you think
the Nitro 4-Tec is not what you wanted, then do not continue
any further.Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a Nitro
4-Tec for return or exchange after it has been run.
The Nitro 4-Tec’s new TRX 2.5 Racing Engine™is the most
powerful engine of its size ever available in a Ready-To-Run car.
Two years of engineering development, advanced design, and
thousands of hours of testing put the TRX 2.5 in a class by itself.
Each part of the TRX 2.5 - from the air filter on the slide
carburetor, to the tip on the dyno-tuned exhaust system - has
been carefully engineered to provide maximum power over the
broadest RPM range.
Traxxas was the first with standard on-board electric starting.
The new second generation EZ-Start has evolved into an
incredibly advanced and reliable starting solution, featuring
thermal protection for the motor and built-in diagnostics to
monitor the condition of the glow plug.
In this manual, we’ll take you step-by-step through all necessary
set-up, break-in, tuning, and operating procedures. Even if you
are an experienced R/C enthusiast, it is important for you to
read and follow the procedures in this manual. Pay
particular attention to the fuel requirements and break-in
procedures. The advanced design of the TRX 2.5 racing
engine does not follow traditional old-fashioned thinking
regarding fuel and break-in procedures.
4Before You Proceed
5Safety Precautions
6Tools, Supplies
and Required
Equipment
7Anatomy of the
Nitro 4-Tec
8Quick Start: Getting
Up to Speed
9Decorating Your
Nitro 4-Tec Body
10 Installing Your
Nitro 4-Tec Body
11 The Traxxas TQ
Radio System
21 The TRX 2.5
racing engine
37 Driving the Nitro
4-Tec
38 Adjusting
Your Nitro 4-Tec
42 Trouble Shooting
Your Nitro 4-Tec
44 Maintaining
and Storing
Your Nitro 4-Tec
45 Index
3
Introduction

Before You Proceed
Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and any
accompanying materials to prevent serious damage to your
Nitro 4-Tec. Failure to follow these instructions will be
considered abuse and/or neglect.
Before running your Nitro 4-Tec, look over this entire manual,
and examine the car carefully. If for some reason you decide the
Nitro 4-Tec is not what you wanted, then do not continue any
further. Your hobby dealer absolutely cannot accept a Nitro
4-Tec for return or exchange after it has been run.
Warnings, helpful hints, and cross-references
Throughout this manual, you’ll notice warnings and helpful
hints, identified by the icons below. Be sure to read them!
An important warning about personal safety or avoiding
damage to your Nitro 4-Tec and related components.
Special advice from Traxxas to make things easier and
more fun.
Refers you to a page with a related topic.
Support
If you have any questions about your Nitro 4-Tec or its
operation, call the Traxxas Technical Support line toll-free at:
1-888-TRAXXAS (1-888-872-9927)
Technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8:30
am to 9:00pm central time.Technical assistance is also available
at www.Traxxas.com.You may also e-mail customer support
with your question at [e-mail]. Join thousands of
Traxxas R/C enthusiasts in our online community at
www.ReadyToRun.org
Traxxas offers a full-service, on-site repair facility to handle any
of your Traxxas service needs. Maintenance and replacement
parts may be purchased directly from Traxxas, or you can save
shipping and handling costs by purchasing them from your
local hobby dealer.
4

All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new Nitro
4-Tec. Operate your Nitro 4-Tec sensibly and with care, and it will
be exciting, safe, and fun for you and those around you. Failure
to operate your Nitro 4-Tec in a safe and responsible manner
may result in property damage and serious injury.The
precautions outlined in this manual should be strictly followed
to help ensure safe operation.You alone must see that the
instructions are followed and the precautions are adhered to.
Important Points to Remember
R/C fuel is dangerous and highly poisonous. Always follow all
directions and precautions printed on the fuel container.
R/C fuel, especially when in a fuel dispensing bottle, may
look like a cool drink to a child. Keep all fuel out of the reach
of children at all times. Do not place fuel containers on the
ground where children can get to them while you are
driving.
R/C fuel is flammable. Never allow smoking, sparks, heat or
flame in the presence of fuel or fuel vapors.
The engine and exhaust system may become extremely hot
during use. Be careful not to touch the parts, especially when
refueling or stopping the engine.
Prolonged exposure to the engine exhaust can be harmful.
Avoid breathing the engine exhaust. Always run your Nitro
4-Tec outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. Never run the
engine indoors.
Don’t operate your Nitro 4-Tec at night, or anytime your line of
sight to the model may be obstructed or impaired in any way.
Never operate your Nitro 4-Tec in crowds of people or busy
pedestrian areas.The Nitro 4-Tec is extremely fast, and may
cause injury to those unaware of its presence.
Because the Nitro 4-Tec is controlled by radio, it is subject to
radio interference from many sources beyond your control.
Since radio interference can cause momentary loss of
control, always allow a safety margin in all directions around
your model to prevent collisions.
The engine can be loud. If the noise makes you
uncomfortable, wear ear protection. Be considerate of your
neighbors by not running your model early in the morning
or late in the evening.
Most importantly, use good common sense at all times.
▼▼ ▼▼
▼▼▼▼ ▼▼
All instructions
and precautions
outlined in this
manual should be strictly
followed to ensure safe
operation of your Nitro
4-Tec.
The Nitro 4-Tec is
not intended for
use by those under
16 years of age without
the supervision of a
responsible and
knowledgeable adult.
5
Safety Precautions

Tools, Supplies, and Required Equipment
Your Nitro 4-Tec comes with a set of specialty metric tools.You’ll
need to purchase other items, available from your hobby dealer,
to operate and maintain your model.
For more info on
batteries, see Use
the Right Batteries
on page 13.
A peak-detecting
charger is
recommended for
best performance and
longest battery life. For
more information, see
Use the Right Charger on
page 30.
12 AA alkaline batteries for the radio system
7.2-volt NiCad battery pack for the
EZ-Start starting system
NiCad battery charger
Traxxas Top Fuel™
10% quart - #5010 • 20% quart - #5020
10% gallon - #5060 • 20% gallon- #5070
Fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas part #5001)
TRAXXAS
1.5mm hex wrench
2.0mm hex wrench
Glow plug (universal) wrench
Turnbuckle wrenches
Batteries
Fuel
Supplied Tools
Your Nitro 4-Tec comes with these specialty metric tools:
Other Required Tools and Supplies
Safety glasses
#2 Phillips screwdriver
After-run oil (WD-40™) to protect
the engine from corrosion
#1 Phillips screwdriver
Small flat-blade screwdriver (1/8 inch blade)
Filter oil (for the foam air filter)
see page 27 for details
Hobby knife
6
U-Joint wrench
4-way wrench

Anatomy of the Nitro 4-Tec
Battery
Holder
Fuel
Tank
Fuel Tank
Lid
Steering
Servo
Suspension
Arm
Front Bumper
Plate
Shock
(Oil Damper)
Tie Rod
(Turnbuckle)
Throttle/Brake
Servo
Receiver
Bearing
Block
Air
Filter
Pipe
Header
Engine
see pg. 21 for details
Pressure
Line
Fuel
Line
EZ-Start
Motor
EZ-Start
Plug
Shock
Tower
Body/Foam
Bumper Mount
Chassis
(lower)
7
On/Off
Switch
Antenna
Mount Pipe
Hanger Front Camber Link
(Turnbuckle)
Racing
Tires
Two-Speed
Transmission
Bellcrank
Steering
Front
Differential
Front
Drive Belt
Drive Belt
Pulley
Rear
Differential
Body
Mount
Center
Drive Belt

The following guide is an overview of the
procedures for getting your Nitro 4-Tec running,
from opening the box to breaking in and tuning your engine.
Refer to the pages indicated for details on each step. Look for the
Quick Start logo on the bottom corners of Quick Start pages.
1. Charge the battery pack • See sidebar, page 30
The EZ-Start requires a fully charged 7.2-volt
battery pack (not included).
2. Get the right fuel • See page 26
Use Traxxas Top Fuel™ or consult with Traxxas
before using other fuels.
3. Install the antenna • See page 15
Install the antenna mast in the Nitro 4-Tec.
4. Decal the body • See page 9
You will need to use the body during the break-in
process so it’s best to decal it before you use it on
the car.
5. Install the body mounts • See page 10
Install the body mounts and foam bumper.
6. Install batteries in the transmitter • See page 13
The Nitro 4-Tec requires 8 AA alkaline or rechargeable
batteries for the transmitter.
7. Install batteries in the model • See page 14
The Nitro 4-Tec requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable
batteries for the receiver.
8. Install the EZ-Start battery • See page 30
Install and connect the 7.2-volt battery pack in
the EZ-Start controller.
9. Turn on the radio system • See page 18
Make a habit of turning the transmitter on first, and off last.
10. Check servo operation • See page 19
Make sure the throttle and steering servos are working
correctly.
11. Range test the radio system • See page 20
Follow this procedure to make sure your radio system
works properly at a distance and that there is no
interference from outside sources.
12. Fill the fuel tank • See page 26
Use your fuel-dispensing bottle to fill the tank.
13. Connect the EZ-Start to the model • See page 31
Learn the proper way to use the EZ-Start electric
starting system
14. Start the engine • See page 32
Learn to use the correct starting procedure for your TRX 2.5.
15. Break-in your engine • See page 32
Follow the break-in instructions exactly to ensure the best-
performing, longest-lasting engine.
16. Tune your engine • See page 34
Learn how to set the fuel mixture needles for optimum
engine performance.
17. Drive your Nitro 4-Tec • See page 37
Driving tips and adjustments for your Nitro 4-Tec
18. Maintaining your Nitro 4-Tec • See page 44
Follow these critical steps to maintain the performance
of your Nitro 4-Tec and keep it in excellent running
condition.
The Quick Start
Guide is not
intended to
replace the full operating
instructions available in
this manual. Please read
this entire manual for
complete instructions
on the proper use and
maintenance of
your Nitro 4-Tec.
Quick Start: Getting up to Speed
8

Decorating Your Nitro 4-Tec Body
9
Applying The Decals
The ProGraphix painted
body is covered with a
protective film for shipping.
You must remove this film
before applying any decals.
To remove the film, lift a
corner of the film and
carefully pull it off the body
in one continuous piece.
Your Nitro 4-Tec decals are
die-cut for easy removal. Use
a hobby knife to lift the
corner of a decal and lift it
from the backing.
Carefully position the decal
over the desired location
and press one side on the
body. Pull the decal tight
and use a finger to gradually
smooth out any air bubbles
as you apply the decal.
Look at the photos on the box for typical decal placement.

Installing Body Mounts
The body mount parts are located in a separate bag with your
instructions. The front body mount posts attach to the front
bumper with 3x10mm counter-sunk self-tapping screws. Now
slide the foam bumper over the front mounts, as shown in the
drawing.The excess length of the mounts should be trimmed
off after the body is installed.The rear body mounts attach as
shown in the drawing.
10
Installing Nitro 4-Tec Body Mounts
3x10mm Countersunk
Self-tapping screws
Foam
Bumper
3x14mm Washerhead
Self-tapping screws
Installing Rear
Body Mounts
Installing Front
Body Mounts

11
The Traxxas TQ Radio System
Your Nitro 4-Tec (model 4810) is equipped with the TQ Radio
System.The TQ is a 2-channel system that provides high-power
output up to a quarter mile and control for two servos. The Nitro
4-Tec makes use of two channels for throttle/brake and steering.
Nitro 4-Tec Wiring
Diagram
Antenna On/Off
Switch
Black
Negative
Red
Positive
Receiver
4-Cell
Battery Holder
Channel 1
Steering Servo
Channel 2
Throttle Servo
Channel 2
Channel 1
Battery
CH.2
CH.1
Antenna
Throttle Neutral Adjust
Steering Wheel
Throttle Trim
Steering Trim
Power Switch Power Indicator
Battery Compartment
Servo
Reversing
Switches
Throttle Trigger

Radio System Terminology
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-
system terms.They will be used throughout this manual.
Channel - The 27 MHz frequency band is divided into 6 channels
so that up to six models can be operated simultaneously. Each
channel is referred to by its flag color and channel number, as
shown below.
Clearing your frequency - A routine, verbal check to make sure
nobody else in your area is operating on the same channel.
Always clear your frequency by calling out your channel
number before operating your model. Wait or move to
another area if your channel is already being used.
Crystal (X-tal) - The plug-in device that determines which
channel the radio system will operate on. For each channel,
there are two crystals, one for the receiver and one for the
transmitter. Of those two crystals, the one marked with the
lower number (.455 MHz lower) must be inserted into the
receiver.
Frequency band - The radio frequency used by the transmitter
to send signals to your Nitro 4-Tec. All Traxxas RTR models
operate on a 27 MHz frequency band.
Neutral position - The standing position that the servos seek
when the transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.
NiCad - Refers to rechargeable, nickel-cadmium batteries. The
most economical choice, since they may be recharged up to
500 times.
Receiver - The radio unit inside your Nitro 4-Tec that receives
signals from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
Servos - Small motor units in your Nitro 4-Tec that operate the
throttle and steering mechanisms.
Two-channel radio system - The TQ radio system, consisting of
the receiver, the transmitter, and the servos.The system uses
two channels: one to operate the throttle, one to operate the
steering.
Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and
steering instructions to your Nitro 4-Tec.
Trim - The fine-tuning adjustment of the neutral position of the
servos, made by turning the throttle and steering trim knobs
on the face of the transmitter.
Channel Frequency Band Flag Color Traxxas Part No.
1 26.995 Brown 2031
2 27.045 Red 2032
3 27.095 Orange 2033
4 27.145 Yellow 2034
5 27.195 Green 2035
6 27.255 Blue 2036
Learn terms related
to the TRX 2.5
racing engine
beginning on page 23.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System
12

13
The Traxxas TQ Radio System
Installing Transmitter Batteries
Your TQ transmitter uses 8 AA batteries.The battery
compartment is located at the base of the transmitter.
1. Remove the battery compartment door by pressing the
tab and lifting the door up.
2. Install the batteries in the correct orientation as indicated
in the battery compartment.
3. Reinstall the battery door and snap it closed.
4. Turn on the transmitter and check the power indicator for
a solid red light.
If the power indicator light flashes, then the transmitter
batteries are weak, discharged or possibly installed incorrectly.
Replace with new or freshly charged batteries.The power
indicator light does not indicate the charge level of the
receiver batteries in the model.
Use the Right Batteries
Your transmitter and receiver
use AA batteries. Use new
alkaline batteries, or
rechargeable batteries such as
NiCad or Ni-MH (nickel-metal
hydride) batteries in your
transmitter and receiver. Make
sure rechargeable batteries are
fully charged according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
If you use rechargeable
batteries in your transmitter, be
aware that when they begin to
lose their charge, they lose
power much more quickly than
regular alkaline batteries.
Caution: Discontinue running
your Nitro 4-Tec at the first
sign of weak batteries
(flashing red light) to avoid
losing control.
If the power indicator
doesn’t light red, check
the polarity of the
batteries. Check rechargeable
batteries for a full charge.
CH.2 CH.1

Installing Receiver Batteries
The radio receiver in your Nitro 4-Tec uses 4 AA batteries.The
receiver battery holder is located underneath the top plate, just
to the right of the fuel tank.
1. Press the tab on the reusable zip tie to release the
battery holder.
2. Remove the battery holder
and install 4 AA alkaline
batteries. Make careful note
of the battery polarity by
comparing against the
diagrams in the battery
holder.
3. Stretch a rubber balloon
over the battery holder to
prevent fuel contamination.
4. Install the battery holder
into the car and secure it to
the top plate with the
reusable zip-tie. Make sure
the battery holder is secure
in the model and will not
come loose. If the tie wrap is
loose, it will interfere with
the middle drive belt.
If you use
rechargeable
batteries in your
receiver, be aware that
when they begin to lose
their charge, they lose
power much more quickly
than regular alkaline
batteries. Signs of weak
receiver batteries include
sluggish steering response
and shortened radio range.
Caution: Discontinue
running your Nitro 4-Tec at
the first sign of weak
batteries to avoid losing
control.
If the radio system
doesn’t appear to
work when the
transmitter and receiver
switches are turned on,
check for correct battery
installation.
The Traxxas TQ Radio System
14
4-cell
battery
holder

The Traxxas TQ Radio System
15
Spray a little window
cleaner on the
antenna wire to
make it easier to push
through the antenna tube.
Don’t shorten the
length of the
antenna wire. Its
length is tuned to the
frequency band; cutting it
could severely shorten the
radio system’s range.
Don’t push the
transmitter antenna
down from the top.
Pull it down from the
bottom, one segment at a
time, to prevent binding and
kinking the antenna mast.
Setting Up the Antenna
You must install the antenna mast (tube) before you operate
your Nitro 4-Tec.You’ll find the plastic antenna tube and tip in
the bag with your manuals and documentation.
1. Locate the black antenna wire that exits the receiver. The
Nitro 4-Tec receiver is mounted on the side of the upper
chassis.The receiver is wrapped in a balloon for protection.
The color of the balloon indicates the channel number (see
page 12).
2. Pull the wire straight with your fingers and then insert the
end of the wire into one end of the antenna tube. Push the
wire all the way through the antenna tube.
3. Pull the remaining wire through the antenna tube, and then
insert the base of the antenna tube into the molded post on
top of the chassis.
4. Fold the remaining antenna wire over the top of the tube
and secure it with the antenna tip.
5. On the transmitter, always fully extend the telescoping
antenna when running your Nitro 4-Tec. Make a habit
of holding the transmitter so that the antenna points
straight up.
Antenna Tip
Antenna Tube

The Traxxas TQ Radio System
CH.2
CH.1
TQ Radio System Controls
16
Other TQ Radio System Adjustments
In addition to the electronic throttle and steering trim controls,
your radio system features throttle neutral adjustment and
servo reversing switches.
Throttle Neutral Adjustment
The throttle neutral adjustment is located on the transmitter
face and controls the forward/brake travel of the throttle
trigger. Change the adjustment by pressing the button and
sliding it to the desired position.There are two settings
available:
50/50: Allows equal travel for both acceleration and braking.
70/30: Allows more throttle travel (70%) and less
brake travel (30%).
50/50 is the required setting for the Nitro 4-Tec with
the TRX 2.5 Racing Engine.
Electronic Throttle Trim
The electronic throttle trim located on the face of the
transmitter adjusts the neutral (center) point of the throttle
servo when the servo is at rest.This control has been preset for
you at the factory. If necessary, adjust the control so that the
carburetor is at idle, and the brakes are not applied (the model
▼▼

The Traxxas TQ Radio System
17
will roll freely). Once the engine is running, do not use the
throttle trim to raise or lower the engine idle speed. Make the
idle speed adjustment on the carburetor.
Electronic Steering Trim
The electronic steering trim located on the face of the
transmitter adjusts the neutral (center) point of the steering
servo when the servo is at rest. Adjust this control to make the
model drive straight with no steering input at the wheel.
Servo Reversing Switches
The servo reversing switches are located on the front of the
transmitter, next to the on/off switch. Moving a switch reverses
the direction of the corresponding servo.
Each switch corresponds to a channel, as shown below. For
example, if you turn the steering wheel to the right and your
front wheels turn left, you would move the channel 1 switch to
correct the servo direction. It may be necessary to adjust the
corresponding trim control after moving a switch.
CH.2
CH.1
Channel Servo
1Steering
2Throttle and braking

TQ Radio System Rules
Each time you prepare to run your Nitro
4-Tec, you must clear your frequency to
be sure no one else in the area is using
the same channel as you.
There are six possible channels,
numbered 1 through 6. Each is
represented by a color. Look at the
crystal plugged into the back of your
transmitter to determine which channel
your car is assigned to.
Always turn your TQ transmitter on first and off last. This
procedure will help to prevent your Nitro 4-Tec from
receiving stray signals from another transmitter, or other
source, and running out of control.
Always have the transmitter and receiver turned on before
you start the engine. Never turn the radio system off while
the engine is running.The on/off switch in the model only
turns the receiver on and off. It does not turn off the engine.
Always use new or freshly charged batteries for the radio
system. Weak batteries will limit the range of the radio signal
between the receiver and the transmitter. Loss of the radio
signal can cause you to lose control of your Nitro 4-Tec.
▼
▼▼ ▼
Channel 1
Brown
Channel 2
Red
Channel 3
Orange
Channel 4
Yellow
Channel 5
Green
Channel 6
Blue
CH.2 CH.1
123
Remember, always
turn the TQ
transmitter on first
and off last to avoid damage
to your Nitro 4-Tec.
18
The Traxxas TQ Radio System

The Traxxas TQ Radio System
Using the TQ Radio System
The TQ Radio System was pre-adjusted at the factory.The
adjustment should be checked, before running the model, in
case of movement during shipping. Here’s how:
1. Fully extend the chrome antenna mast on the transmitter
and turn the switch on.The red indicator light on the
transmitter should be solid red (not flashing).
2. Turn on the receiver switch in the model.The switch is
located on the rear shock tower.
3. Position the Nitro 4-Tec so that its front wheels are off the
ground.
4. Turn the steering wheel on the transmitter back and forth
and check for rapid operation of the steering servo. Also,
check that the steering mechanism is not loose or binding. If
the steering operates slowly, check for weak receiver
batteries.
5. When looking down at model, the front wheels should be
pointing straight ahead. If the wheels are turned slightly to
the left or right, slowly adjust the steering trim control on the
transmitter until they are pointing straight ahead.
6. Operate the throttle trigger on the transmitter and check for
rapid operation of the throttle servo.When the throttle
trigger is pulled back, the carburetor should open. When the
throttle trigger is pushed all the way forward, the brake
should lock.
7. Once adjustments are made, turn off the receiver on your
Nitro 4-Tec, followed by the hand-held transmitter.
Brake
Throttle/Brake
Servo
Throttle
0°0°
When the engine
is running, don’t
use the throttle
trim on the transmitter to
adjust the engine idle
speed. Instead, use the
idle speed adjustment on
the carburetor.
19
Steering
Servo
Nitro 4-Tec Servo
Operation

The Traxxas TQ Radio System
Range-Testing the TQ Radio System
Before each running session with your Nitro 4-Tec, you should
range-test your radio system to ensure that it operates properly.
1. Turn on the radio system and check its operation as
described in the previous section (Using Your Radio System,
pages 18- 19).
2. Have friend hold the model with the engine off.
3. Make sure your transmitter antenna is fully extended, and
then walk away from the model with the transmitter until you
reach the farthest distance you plan to operate the model.
4. Operate the controls on the transmitter once again to be sure
that the model responds correctly.
5. Do not attempt to operate the model if there is any problem
with the radio system or any external interference with your
radio signal at your location.
Don’t attempt to
operate your Nitro
4-Tec if there are
any problems with your
radio system or radio
interference at your
location.
20