How to Release a Stuck Engine
Instructions, Videos, and PDF included!
Next, make sure the engine is not sticking at top dead center (TDC). The TRX Racing Engine uses a ringless, aluminum-brass-chrome (ABC) piston/sleeve construction. The piston and sleeve have a tight, tapered fit at the top of the piston?s stroke (TDC) to form the seal that makes compression. This type of engine design relies on a very precise running fit between the piston and sleeve for cylinder sealing. On a brand new engine this fit can be extremely tight. The engine break-in process allows the piston and sleeve to wear-in so that the fit is not too tight to prevent running, but fits precisely as a matched set to provide optimal cylinder sealing.
If the engine will not spin because the piston seems to be stuck at the top of its stroke, then first check to make sure that the EZ-Start® battery is fully charged. A low battery in the EZ-Start control box will have a difficult time turning the engine over past the tight fit of the piston and sleeve at TDC. If the EZ-Start® checks out and the engine still won?t spin then the piston will need to be released manually by rotating the flywheel in a counter-clockwise rotation (when looking at the front of the engine).
A flat blade screwdriver will help to turn the flywheel. Place the blade of the screwdriver into one of the grooves of the flywheel, and turn/rotate the flywheel. On some vehicles, you can use the opening in the chassis (beneath the flywheel) as leverage for the screwdriver to aid in turning/rotating the flywheel. Continue turning/rotating the flywheel in small increments until the flywheel is easy to turn (no resistance). The engine is now ready to start.
For more questions regarding "Releasing a Stuck Engine," call 1-888-TRAXXAS to speak to a customer service representative.
Old-timers tip: When doing your after-run procedure, leave the piston at bottom dead center where the engine is the loosest. If your engine still sticks at TDC, call Customer Support at 1-888-TRAXXAS.
T-Maxx® - Use a flat blade screwdriver to rotate the flywheel. Place the blade of the driver through the opening of the chassis beneath the flywheel. Place the edge of the blade into one of the grooves of the flywheel and pry the flywheel to rotate counter-clockwise (when viewed from the front) using the chassis as a pivot point. You should see the flywheel turn and the piston should become unstuck from the sleeve.
Revo® - Use a flat blade screwdriver to rotate the flywheel over. Place the blade of the driver through the opening of the chassis beneath the flywheel. Place the edge of the blade into one of the grooves of the flywheel and rotate counter-clockwise (when viewed from the front), using the chassis for leverage. The flywheel will turn, unsticking the piston from the sleeve.
Download the PDF instructions >>
