ready-to-run · the factory at 3-1/2 turns out from fully closed. once the engine is broken-in, the...

®

ASSEMBLASSEMBLY AND OPERAY AND OPERATION MANUTION MANUALALwwwwww.to.towerhobbies.comwerhobbies.com

™

Ready-To-Run

®

SPARE GLOW PLUGSDTXG3003

PHILLIPS HEADSCREWDRIVER

DTXR0124

20% O’DONNELL FUELODOP3520

PLIERSDTXR0300

ALKALINEBATTERIES

AIR FILTER OILDTXC2465

The following items are included in the box.

ChassisBodyBody Clips (Qty 4)Decal SheetTransmitterTransmitter AntennaReceiver Antenna TubeWheel WrenchInstruction ManualExploded View/Parts Listing

2

ENGINE TUNINGSCREWDRIVER

DTXR0185

AFTER RUN OILHCAP3000

WRENCHDTXR1170

GLOW STARTERTOWP1193

BODY SCISSORSDTXR1150

SAFETY PRECASAFETY PRECAUTIONSUTIONS

When the safety precautions are followed, the TOWER Terror willprovide years of enjoyment. Use care and good sense at all timeswhen operating this radio controlled truck. Failure to use this vehicle ina safe, sensible manner can result in injury or damage to property.Youand you alone must insure that the instructions are carefully followedand all safety precautions are obeyed.

• Do not operate the TOWER Terror near people. Spectators shouldbe behind the driver or at a safe distance away from the vehicle.

• Water can cause the electronics to short out and can causepermanent damage.

• Always turn on the transmitter before turning on the receiver.

• Fully extend the transmitter antenna before operating your vehicle.

• Before turning on your radio system, check to make sure that noone else is running on the same frequency.

• The engine and exhaust produce quite a bit of noise. Do not runthis vehicle when or where it can disturb others.

• The engine and exhaust can become very hot. Avoid touchingany of these parts during use and until they have cooled down.

• Model engine fuel is poisonous. Make sure you read and followall of the precautions on the fuel container. Keep fuel out of thereach of children.

• Model engine fuel is flammable and when ignited has a flame thatis difficult to see. Avoid sparks, flames, smoking, or any otherignition source when fuel is near.

• The engine emits harmful fumes just like real vehicles. Do notoperate this model indoors.

• Avoid running the truck in cold weather.The plastic and metal partscan become brittle at low temperatures. In addition, grease and oilbecome thick, causing premature wear and poor performance.

SPECIFICASPECIFICATION AND DESCRIPTIONTION AND DESCRIPTIONCHANGESCHANGES

All pictures, descriptions and specifications found in this instructionmanual are subject to change without notice. Tower Hobbiesmaintains no responsibility for inadvertent errors in this manual.Visitwww.towerhobbies.com for the latest updates and information foryour model.

WWARRANTYARRANTY

• Tower Hobbies® guarantees this kit to be free from defects in bothmaterial and workmanship at the date of purchase. TowerHobbies will warranty this kit for 90 days after the purchase date.Tower Hobbies will repair or replace, at no charge, the incorrectlymade part.

• Make sure you save the invoice you were given when you boughtyour model! It is your proof of purchase and we must see it beforewe can honor the warranty. Further, Tower Hobbies reserves theright to change or modify this warranty without notice.

• In that Tower Hobbies has no control over the final user assemblyor material used for final user assembly, no liability shall beassumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use bythe user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of usingthe user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

To return your TOWER Terror for repairs covered under warranty youshould send your truck to:

Hobby Services3002 N. Apollo Drive Suite 1Champaign, Illinois 61822Attn: Service Department

Phone: (217) 398-0007 9:00 am-5:00 pm Central Time M-FE-mail: [email protected]

www.hobbyservices.com

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associatedwith the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return thiskit immediately in new and unused condition.

REPREPAIR SERAIR SERVICEVICE

Repair service is available anytime.

• After the 90 day warranty, you can still have your TOWER Terrorrepaired for a small charge by the experts at Tower Hobbies’sauthorized repair facility, Hobby Services.

• To speed up the repair process, please follow the instructionslisted below.

❏ 1. Under most circumstances, return the ENTIRE vehicle.

❏ 2. Make sure the transmitter is turned off, all of the batteries areremoved and the fuel tank is completely empty.

❏ 3. Send written instructions which include: a list of all itemsreturned, a THOROUGH explanation of the problem, theservice needed and your phone number during the day. If youexpect the repair to be covered under warranty, be sure toinclude a proof of date of purchase (your purchase invoice).

3

Receiver Antenna

Antenna Tube

Antenna Mount

• Remove the radio box lid from the radio box.

• Remove the receiver batteryholder from the receiver cover.

• Install (4) “AA” batteries, making sure polarityis correct.

• Reinstall the receiver battery holder.

• Secure the radio box lid to the radio box withthe clips provided.

AA

–+

–+

+–

+– +–

+–

–+

–+

AA

AA

AA

AA

AA

AA

AA

ST TH

STTHR

N

“AA”

“AA”

ReceiverBatteryHolder

RadioBox Lid

Radio Box

Clips

• Install eight “AA” batteries into transmitter, making sure the polarity is correct.

• Insert the antenna into the top of the transmitter and tighten.

• Turn the transmitter on and check the battery light.

• If both LED’s light up, the batteries are acceptable. If only the red LED lightsup, immediately replace the batteries.

4

RECEIVER BRECEIVER BAATTERTTERY INSTY INSTALLAALLATIONTION

TRANSMITTER PREPTRANSMITTER PREPARAARATIONTION

RECEIVER ANTENNA INSTRECEIVER ANTENNA INSTALLAALLATIONTION

DO NODO NOTTCUT CUT THETHE

ANTENNAANTENNAWIRE!!WIRE!!

• Uncoil and straighten the antenna wire.

• Route the receiver antenna wire throughthe antenna tube.

• Install the tube into the antenna mount.

• Secure the excess antenna wire to theside of the antenna tube with tape or ashort [3mm] length of fuel tubing byslipping it over the antenna tube and wire.

Top

Foam Element

BaseNeck

5

AIR FILAIR FILTER INSTTER INSTALLAALLATIONTION

SteeringTrimServo

Reversing

On/Off

DualRate

Throttle

Brake

ThrottleTrim

ANTENNA

ST TH

STTHR

N

RADIO SYSTEM CHECKRADIO SYSTEM CHECK

CHECK CHECK THE RADIO SYSTEMTHE RADIO SYSTEMFOR PRFOR PROPER FUNCTIONOPER FUNCTIONBEFOREBEFORE EAEACH RCH RUN!UN!

• Remove the air filter top and foam element.

• Apply air filter oil (DTXC2465, not included) onto the foam element, squeezing the element until it iscompletely coated with the oil. TIP! Placing the element in a plastic bag will help keep your hands clean.

• Remove any excess oil with a paper towel.

• Reinstall, making sure the filter is properly seated on the base.

• Replace air filter top.

• Fully extend the transmitter antenna.

• Turn the transmitter on, and then turn the receiver on.

• Turn the transmitter wheel to the right—the front wheelsshould turn to the right. If not, move the steering servoreverse switch.

• When running, adjust the steering trim so the trucktracks straight.

• Pull the throttle trigger to make sure thecarburetor opens fully and the throttle linkagefunctions properly without binding.

• Adjust the throttle trim until the carb is at the idleposition. Always adjust idle speed with thethrottle stop screw on the carb, not the throttletrim (see page 7).

• Push the trigger and roll the truck to make surethe brakes are applied.

6

BODBODY PREPY PREPARAARATION AND INSTTION AND INSTALLAALLATIONTION

FrontWindowCut-Out

Rear WindowCut-Out

• It is important that the engine is supplied with enough airflow to prevent overheating.

• Using the examples shown as a guide, carefully cut alittle at a time to remove the area in both the front andrear “windows”.

• Decal the body to your liking. Use thephotos on the box as a reference.

• Install the body onto the chassis usingthe body clips.

HIGH-SPEED NEEDLE The “high-speed” needle is sticking up from thecarburetor. This controls thefuel to air mixture of thecarburetor. The needle ispre-set for break-in fromthe factory at 3-1/2 turnsout from fully closed. Oncethe engine is broken-in, thehigh-speed needle wouldtypically run from 2-1/2 to 3 turns out from closed, dependingon the weather, humidity and altitude above sea level. Torichen the mixture turn the needle counterclockwise.To lean it,turn the needle clockwise.

LOW-SPEED NEEDLEThe “low-speed” needle islocated on the side of thecarburetor. It controls thefuel mixture at low throttlesettings/idle and is presetfrom the factory at 3-1/2turns from fully closed whileholding the carburetoropen. There is a simple wayof adjusting the low-speedneedle correctly called the“pinch test.” With the engine at idle, pinch the fuel line andlisten to how the engine speeds up or slows down. If theengine increases its speed for about 2 or 3 seconds and thenloses speed, the needle is set correctly. If the engine losesRPM quickly, it is set too lean and the low-speed needleneeds to be opened (counterclockwise) to richen themixture. Pinch again to check the mixture. If the engine takeslonger than 4 seconds to slow down, lean (clockwise) thelow-speed needle and then pinch again to check the mixture.

THROTTLE STOP SCREWThe “idle stop” screw islocated on the front side ofthe carburetor.This increasesor decreases the idle speedwithout changing the fuelmixture.The barrel should beapproximately 1mm fromfully closed.

IMPORTANT! To insure long life and good performance fromyour engine, you MUST break-in the engine. The break-inperiod is critical for long life of the internal parts of theengine. This should be done over the first 5 tanks of fuel.

STARTING THE ENGINE

IMPORTANT! Your radio system must ALWAYS be turnedon and the transmitter antenna fully extended when runningthe engine!

1. Fill the fuel tank.

2. Prime the engine - while the engine is cool, place yourfinger over the tuned pipe’s exhaust hole and pull therecoil gently several times. Do not over-prime! Stop whenyou see fuel in the fuel line at the carb.

3. Attach the starter to the glow plug.

4. With the throttle at idle, start the engine by pulling therecoil using short, quick pulls. DO NOT pull the recoilstarter’s string to the end. You only need 10 to 12 inchesof pull to start the engine with the throttle at idle.

Sometimes it is helpful to start the engine at around halfthrottle. When the engine starts, immediately return thethrottle to idle. If this is not done the engine can over-rev andcause engine damage.

IMPORTANT! FIXING A FLOODED ENGINEIf the engine is difficult to turn over with the recoil starter,especially if it is brand new, loosen the glow plug a half turnbefore starting the engine. This allows some compression toescape, but the engine will still start. Make sure you tightenthe glow plug after the engine starts. If the recoil starter is stilldifficult to pull, the engine is flooded – there is too much fuelinside the engine. Remove the glow plug. Then turn the truckupside down and pull the recoil 5 or 6 times.This will clear theengine of fuel, and you will notice the recoil pulls easier.Replace the glow plug and repeat the starting procedure.

STOPPING THE ENGINEPinch the fuel line that runs to the carburetor. Pinching this linewill restrict the fuel flow and the engine will quit within a fewseconds. Never place your finger over the exhaust to stopthe engine. This could result in serious burns on yourfinger. It also causes fuel to back up in the engine, makingit harder to start the next time you run your TOWER Terror.

High-Speed Needle

LeanRich

Low-Speed Needle

Lean

Rich

Throttle Stop Screw

SlowerIdle Faster

Idle

7

SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER DURING BREAK-IN1. Run with the body off. This will keep the engine cooler.2. Keep the air cleaner on at ALL times3. Run on a smooth, hard surface. An empty parking lot

is perfect.4. Use the same fuel that you will use for normal running.5. Resist the urge to accelerate and decelerate quickly.6. Break-in puts stress on the glow plug and can burn it out.

Make sure you have an extra plug or two on hand.7. Do NOT overheat the engine (see page 9).You can check the

head temperature by using one of the temperature gaugesthat are available (DuraTrax® Flashpoint™, DTXP3100).

TANK 1Your first tank of fuel should be running the TOWER Terrorat a very rich needle valve setting. This allows the fuel tocarry as much oil as possible into the engine to properlylubricate the internal parts during the break-in.

1. Open the high speed needle valve 3-1/2 turns from fullyclosed (counterclockwise). This is factory set already, butcheck it to make sure. When closing the high-speedneedle, close until you feel some resistance. DO NOTovertighten or you will damage the engine.

2. Fill the fuel tank and start the engine.3. Run the truck on a smooth surface with the body off.4. Run back and forth at medium speeds, slowly accelerating

and decelerating.5. Run the truck until the tank is almost out of fuel. Do not allow

the tank to run out of fuel during break-in.This leans out theengine and can cause overheating.

6. Stop the engine and allow it to cool. This normally takesaround 10-15 minutes.

NOTE: If your engine does not stay running consistently,increase the idle speed by turning the throttle stop screw clockwise.

TANK 2Lean the high-speed needle 1/12 turn from “tank 1” setting.Run the truck for the complete tank and then let cool.

TANK 3 Lean the high-speed needle another 1/12turn from “tank 2” setting. Run the truckfor the complete tank and then let cool.

TANK 4 Lean the high-speed needle another 1/12 turn from “tank 3”setting. Run the truck for the complete tank and then let cool.You should notice the engine running much better at this point.

TANK 5Lean the high-speed needle another 1/12 turn from “tank 4”setting. Run the truck for the complete tank and then let cool.The engine is now ready to be performance tuned.

Important! At this point, the engine will likely be running ata faster idle speed than needed (This is typical after break-in). Adjust the throttle stop screw to lower the idle speed sothat the wheels do not, or just barely, rotate when you lift thetruck off the ground.

TUNING TIPSAfter break-in, run the truck where you plan to do most ofyour driving (grass, street, track, etc). Tune the high speedneedle so the engine makes good power withoutoverheating. It is common not to reach full power right away.Never tune a cold engine!

If needed, tune the low speed needle so that the truck idlesand accelerates smoothly and consistently. Note: You maysometimes experience “run-on” when running the truck.“Run-on” is when the engine does not drop back down toidle after the trigger on the transmitter is released.To correctthis, richen the low-speed needle using 1/8 turn incrementsuntil the engine idles normally when the trigger is released.

ENGINE CARENever store your TOWER Terror with fuel in the tank. Werecommend that after the final run of the day, you empty thefuel tank and then run the engine at idle until all the fuel is outof the fuel lines and engine. Remove the air filter and glowplug. Then place two drops of Hobbico® After Run Engine Oil(HCAP3000) in the carburetor and two into the cylinder to helpprevent corrosion. Pull the recoil a few times to circulate the oil.

10 WAYS TO ENSURE LONG LIFE FROM YOUR ENGINE1. Keep your engine and air filter clean. Dirt will act as

insulation on an engine. It will not be able to shed heat aseasily. Clean and re-oil the element often.

2. Do not over-lean your engine.3. Do not run your engine with little or no load. Don’t throttle

up the engine to full throttle when the wheels are not incontact with the ground.

4. Do not overheat the engine (see page 9).5. Do not use a fuel with a low oil content. Make sure you

use a model car fuel from a reputable manufacturer, suchas O’Donnell Fuels.

6. Avoid using old fuels in the engine.7. Do not use a fuel with a nitromethane (often called nitro)

content over 20%.8. Do not scratch the piston or cylinder sleeve. Avoid

jamming something into the exhaust port when removingor re-installing the clutch or flywheel. Use a special toolcalled the Ultimate Flywheel Wrench (DTXR1105) tokeep the crankshaft from moving.

9. Do not use silicone sealer on the engine joints. Siliconesealer contains acetic acid, which is corrosive if it getsinside your engine.

10. Do not allow any water to get inside the engine.This soundseasy, but temperature changes can cause condensationinside the engine. This is a good reason to use an after-runoil. Store your engine inside the house, not in a garage orshed where there will be temperature extremes.

8

GLOW PLUGThe glow plug is an item that will wear out and needreplacement from time to time. It is a good idea to removethe glow plug before your first run, connect the plug to theglow starter and see how well it glows. You should see abright orange glow from the filament. If a coil or two will notglow or the plug will not glow at all, replace the plug. If theengine quits when you remove the glow starter, the plugmight need to be changed, although this may be becauseyou are running too rich and need to lean your high-speedneedle. Look at the glow plug when you are running theengine. If you see some bubbles coming from around theplug, replace the glow plug. The only real way to test a glowplug is to replace it. Make sure you have a spare plug or twoon hand every time that you run the TOWER Terror. Werecommend the DuraTrax Carbon Speed (DTXG3003).

AIR FILTERDirt can get into your carburetor and engine through the airfilter. Ensure that your air filter has a good seal to the top of the carburetor. Periodically wash the air filter foamelement (using dish soap and water) and re-oil the filter withfilter oil (DTXC2465). Any air filter that has a torn element ora bad seal should be replaced immediately.

FUELUse fuels that are specially formulated for car and truckengines like O’Donnell 20% RTR Fuel (ODOP3520). Fuelcan go bad. The main ingredient in model fuel is methanol,which is basically alcohol. Alcohol will absorb water out ofthe air, so keep your fuel jug capped at all times. Store yourfuel out of the sunlight and in a cool place, off the groundaway from temperature extremes. Bad fuel is one of themost difficult problems to diagnose in engines. If you havetried everything you can think of to remedy an engine that isnot running correctly, try using some fresh fuel.

FUEL SYSTEMThe fuel line is susceptible to pinhole leaks. You usuallycannot see the hole in the fuel line, but if you see air bubblesin the line going to the carburetor, replace the fuel line.Another symptom of a leak in the fuel line is a surging engine.A properly tuned engine will surge when the air bubbles hitthe carburetor. It is basically leaning out the mixture.

Dirt can get caught in the needle seat and cause aninconsistent running engine. If you suspect that some dirt haslodged itself in the carburetor, remove the needles and cleanthe carburetor with denatured alcohol or fuel. It can help touse compressed air to blow out the fuel passages as well.

OVERHEATINGOne of the worst things you can do to your engine isoverheat it. The oils that lubricate the engine are carried inthe fuel. If your engine is set too lean, there will not be

enough oil in the engine to lubricate the internal parts. Thiswill cause premature wear in the engine and cause damage.The easiest way of checking the temperature of the cylinderhead is by using one of the available temperature gauges(we recommend the DuraTrax Flashpoint TemperatureGauge, DTXP3100).This will give you a direct reading of thecylinder head temperature. Hold the temperature gaugedirectly on the cylinder head so the gauge is pointed directlyat the glow plug.

BEFORE EACH RUN1. IMPORTANT: Check to make sure that all screws are

tight. Always use threadlock (DTXR2010) on screwsgoing into metal.

2. Before running always check the condition of your radiosystem batteries and replace/recharge if necessary.

3. Check to make sure that all of the moving parts of theTOWER Terror move freely and do not bind.

4. Check the fuel tank and fuel lines for leaks.5. Before starting the engine, turn on the radio and make

sure the servos move easily and in the proper direction.6. Inspect the air filter for a torn or damaged element. Also look

for dirt in the air cleaner element and wash it if necessary.7. Check for broken or damaged parts. Replace any broken

or damaged parts before running the TOWER Terror.Running of the TOWER Terror with broken or damagedparts could result in damage to other parts.

8. Check to make sure that all wires are properly connected.

AFTER EACH RUN1. Clean any large globs of dirt or debris from the chassis

and moving parts.2. Drain the fuel tank of any leftover fuel. DO NOT return the

fuel to your fuel jug.3. Check for any broken or damaged parts. This way parts

may be replaced before the next run.4. Put 2 drops of after-run oil in the carburetor and 2 drops

in the cylinder (removing the glow plug to access thecylinder) and pull the recoil several times to work the oilinto the engine. This will protect the engine from rusting,especially when stored for a long period of time.

AFTER EVERY 10 RUNS1. Check to make sure that the bearings are free of dirt and

debris, and roll smoothly.2. Check the shocks for oil leakage. Inspect the shaft and

seals for damage and replace if necessary. (A shock shaftwith scratches you can feel with a fingernail should be replaced.)

3. Make sure the servo saver is free moving and does not bind.This will help prevent stripping of the servo during running.

4. Check for proper gear mesh between the spur and clutch bell.9

10

Lightly coat each gear witha thin layer of light grease.

Use threadlock on allmetal to metal screws.


Make sure all bearingsare fully seated.


The following section is provided to help you with maintenance and repairs toyour TOWER Terror. Pay extra attention to the notes and tips for proper assembly.

FRFRONT/REAR GEARBOONT/REAR GEARBOXX

FRFRONT/REAR DIFFONT/REAR DIFF

11



Apply a small amountof shock oil to theshock seals beforeinstalling them into

the shock body.

Apply a smallamount of shock oilto the shock shaft

before installing it intothe shock seals.

Completely fill theshock body with oil.

Slowly work thepiston up and down

to remove all airbubbles before slowly

tightening the shock cap.

Flanged side must faceaway from the spur gear.

Front

Rear

CENTER CENTER TRANSMISSIONTRANSMISSION

SHOCK ASSEMBLSHOCK ASSEMBLY GUIDEY GUIDE

12

FRFRONT SHOCK ONT SHOCK TTOOWERWERAND BODAND BODY MOUNTY MOUNT

REAR SHOCK REAR SHOCK TTOOWERWERAND BODAND BODY MOUNTY MOUNT

13

100mm






FRFRONT SUSPENSIONONT SUSPENSION

REAR SUSPENSIONREAR SUSPENSION

14

20.5mm



Make sure all clipsare fully seated.

BELLCRANKBELLCRANK

15


Make sure the servosare centered before

installing the servo horns.

SERSERVVO ASSEMBLO ASSEMBLYY






CLUTCH ASSEMBLCLUTCH ASSEMBLYY

The Engine Starts

Does it runcontinuously?

It should beready to go.

Is the highspeed needle

setting 3-1/2 to3-3/4 turns out

from closed(if the engineis broken-in)?

Is fuel gettingto the engine?

Clear theengineof fuel.

Does the enginequit when theglow plug clipis removed?

Replace theglow plug.

Make sure the fuel line is

connected and check for leaks.

Try starting theengine again.

Reset the highspeed needle.

Check that thepressure line

is connected tothe muffler. Thefuel may be bad.

YES YES

YES

NO

NO NO

NO

YES YES

The Engine Does Not Start

Does the engineturn over easily?

Is foreign matterclogging the fueltank or fuel line?

Is fuel in thefuel line?

The engine maybe flooded. Clearthe engine of fuel.

Try starting theengine again.

Remove theobstruction

from the fueltank or fuel line.

Is the battery forthe glow starter

charged?

Is the glowplug red hot?

Replace the fuelline and flush out

the fuel tank.

Does the engineturn over easilywith the glow

plug removed?

NO NO

YES

YES

Replace theglow plug.

YES

YES

Check the high speedneedle setting and prime the engine.

YES

YESNO

NO

Charge orreplace thebatteries.

NO

Check that nothingis caught in the

engine. Check thatthe pull starter

operates smoothly.

NO

TOWZ1120 For Kit TOWC03** Entire Contents Copyright © 2006

ready-to-run · the factory at 3-1/2 turns out from fully closed. once the engine is broken-in, the...

Documents