T Maxx 3.3 Owners Manual Tmaxx33_own_man Tmaxx33 Own Man

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MODEL 4909

owners manual

Introduction
3 Before You
Proceed
4 Safety
Precautions
5 Tools, Supplies
and Required
Equipment
6 Anatomy of Your
T-Maxx 3.3
7 Quick Start:
Getting Up to
Speed
8 Gluing the Tires
and Decorating
Your T-Maxx 3.3
9 The Traxxas
TQ-3 Radio
System
18 The TRX 3.3
Racing Engine
33 Driving
Your T-Maxx 3.3
34 Tuning
Adjustments
42 Maintaining
and Storing
Your T-Maxx 3.3
43 Troubleshooting
45 Index

2

• T-MAXX 3.3

Thank you for purchasing a Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 Nitro Monster Truck.
T-Maxx is legendary for providing the perfect balance of size, speed, power
and agility. With the new T-Maxx 3.3, we’ve turned that balance upside
down with mind-boggling, over-the-top horsepower. Chances are you’ve
never driven anything like this before.
Just how powerful is the new T-Maxx 3.3? The wheelie bar is mandatory
installed equipment! The TRX 3.3 delivers brutal bottom-end torque for
amazing wheel-standing launches along with hard-charging acceleration
that is second to none. Hammer the throttle at any speed and the T-Maxx
responds like a caged animal that’s been unleashed for destruction.
The T-Maxx 3.3 is without question the highest performance T-Maxx
ever made!
Your T-Maxx 3.3 combines automatic, two-speed shifting in forward
and reverse, with powerful four-wheel disc braking. The patent pending
transmission design and three-channel TQ-3 radio system put these
functions right at your fingertips.
The new TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is the most powerful engine of its size ever
available in a Ready-To-Run truck. Advanced engineering and design,
along with thousands of hours of testing, puts the TRX 3.3 in a class by
itself. Each part of the TRX 3.3 - 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.
T-Maxx 3.3 is equipped with the patent pending Optidrive™ electronic
transmission control. Advanced electronic reduce the number of moving
parts inside the transmission for less weight, smooth engagement and
efficient performance.
Traxxas was the first with standard on-board electric starting. The
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.
We know you’re excited about getting your new T-Maxx 3.3 on the
road, but it’s very important that you take some time to read through
the Owners Manual. This manual contains all the necessary set-up,
break-in, tuning, and operating procedures that allow you to unlock
the incredible performance and adjustment potential that Traxxas
engineers designed into T-Maxx 3.3. Even if you are an experienced

Traxxas Support
Traxxas support is with you every step of the way.
Refer to the next page to find out how to contact
us and what your support options are.
Quick Start
This manual is designed with a Quick Start path
that covers only the necessary procedures to get your model
up and running in the shortest time possible. If you are
experienced with Traxxas products you will find it helpful and
fast. Be sure and read through the rest of the manual to learn
about important safety, maintenance, and adjustment
procedures. Turn to page 7 to begin the Quick Start path.
R/C enthusiast, it’s important to read and follow the procedures in
this manual. T-Maxx 3.3 contains new technologies in the engine,
suspension, and transmission operation that you may not be familiar
with. Pay particular attention to the fuel and break-in requirements
for the engine. The advanced design of the T-Maxx 3.3 Racing Engine
has a special break-in procedure that has been developed and
proven to produce the best-performing engine possible. Using
traditional or old-fashioned procedures could reduce engine
performance and longevity.
T-Maxx 3.3 is made to be a complete package that starts with the
highest level of engineering; a professionally produced DVD to
acquaint you with the starting, racing, and maintenance procedures;
and is equipped stock with the most powerful Ready-To-Race® engine
available. We want you to feel confident that you own the bestperforming truck in the market and that it is backed by a team of
professionals who aim to provide the highest level of factory support
possible. T-Maxx 3.3 is about experiencing total performance and
satisfaction, not just with your truck, but also with the company that
stands behind it.
Thank you again for going with Traxxas. We work hard every day to
assure you the highest level of customer satisfaction possible. We truly
want you to enjoy your new T-Maxx 3.3!

Before You Proceed
Carefully read and follow all instructions in this and any accompanying
materials to prevent serious damage to your T-Maxx 3.3. Failure to follow
these instructions will be considered abuse and/or neglect.
Before running your T-Maxx 3.3, look over this entire manual and
examine the truck carefully. If for some reason you decide the T-Maxx 3.3
is not what you wanted, then do not continue any further. Your hobby
dealer absolutely cannot accept a T-Maxx 3.3 for return or exchange
after it has been run.

Support
If you have any questions about your T-Maxx 3.3 or its operation,
call the Traxxas Technical Support line toll-free at:
1-888-TRAXXAS (1-888-872-9927)*

Traxxas
1100 Klein Road
Plano, Texas 75074
Phone: 972-265-8000
Toll-free 1-888-TRAXXAS

Technical support is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am
to 9:00 pm central time. Technical assistance is also available at
www.Traxxas.com. You may also e-mail customer support with your
question at support@Traxxas.com. Join hundreds of Traxxas R/C
enthusiasts in our online community at www.Traxxas.com.

Traxxas U.K.
P.O. Box 1128
Winterbourne, Bristol BS36-2SH
England
Phone: 44-117-956-1002

Warnings, helpful hints, & 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 T-Maxx 3.3 and related components.
Special advice from Traxxas to make things easier and more fun.

Traxxas offers a full-service, on-site repair facility to handle any of
your Traxxas service needs. Maintenance, replacement parts, and
accessories may be purchased directly from Traxxas by phone or online
at www.BuyTraxxas.com. You can save time, along with shipping and
handling costs, by purchasing replacement parts from your local dealer.
Do not hesitate to contact us with any of your product support needs.
We want you to be thoroughly satisfied with your new T-Maxx 3.3!

Refers you to a page with a related topic.

Internet
www.Traxxas.com
E-mail: support@Traxxas.com
Entire contents ©2005 Traxxas.
Traxxas, Maxx, T-Maxx 3.3, TRX
3.3 Racing Engine, TQ-3, Top
Fuel, EZ-Start, Ready-To-Race,
Ready-To-Win, and ProGraphix
are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Traxxas. 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.

*Toll-free support is available to U.S. residents only. Outside the U.S., call 972-265-8000.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 3

Safety Precautions
All instructions and
precautions outlined in this
manual should be strictly
followed to ensure safe
operation of your T-Maxx 3.3.

T-Maxx 3.3 is not intended
for use by children under 16
years of age without the
supervision of a responsible
and knowledgeable adult.

All of us at Traxxas want you to safely enjoy your new T-Maxx 3.3.
Operate your T-Maxx 3.3 sensibly and with care, and it will be exciting,
safe, and fun for you and those around you. Failure to operate your
T-Maxx 3.3 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
T-Maxx 3.3 is very fast! The T-Maxx 3.3 is intended for experienced
users with a high level of skill. The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is extremely
powerful and may require skilled driving to maintain control. Children
under 16 years of age and inexperienced drivers should not operate
the T-Maxx 3.3 without the supervision of a responsible and
knowledgeable (experienced) adult.
Model engine fuel is dangerous and highly poisonous. Always
follow all directions and precautions printed on the fuel container.
Model engine fuel is poisonous to humans and animals. Drinking the
fuel can cause blindness and death. Handle with care and respect.
Model engine 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 reach them while you are driving.
Model engine fuel is flammable. Never allow smoking, sparks, heat or
flame in the presence of fuel or fuel vapors.
The engine, brakes, 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 T-Maxx 3.3 outdoors,
in a well-ventilated area. Never run the engine indoors.

4

• T-MAXX 3.3

Do not operate your T-Maxx 3.3 at night, or anytime your line of sight
to the model may be obstructed or impaired in any way.
Never operate your T-Maxx 3.3 in crowds of people or busy
pedestrian areas. T-Maxx 3.3 is very fast and could cause injury to
those unaware of its presence. Keep small children at a safe distance
away from the operating area.
Because T-Maxx 3.3 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.

Tools, Supplies, and Required Equipment
T-Maxx 3.3 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.

Supplied Tools and Equipment

U-joint wrench

TR

S
XA
AX

8mm/5mm wrench

For more information on
radio system batteries, see
Use the Right Batteries on
page 11.

4-way wrench

Antenna nut wrench

Glow plug and
wheel nut wrench

S
TRAXXA

Suspension multi-tool

1.5mm “L” wrench

Required Tools and Equipment

2.0mm “T” wrench

2.5mm “L” wrench

Foam air filter oil and
extra oiled air filter element
(see page 23)

(sold separately)

10% quart - #5010
20% quart - #5020
quart - #5030
AS
X33%
X
A
TR 10% gallon - #5060
20% gallon - #5070
33% gallon - #5080

Traxxas Top Fuel™
see page 22

Fuel dispensing bottle
Traxxas part #5001 shown*

After-run oil to protect
the engine from corrosion

Accessory Equipment

TRX Power Charger
Traxxas part #3030X

NiCad or NiMH
7.2V battery pack

12 AA alkaline batteries

Hobby knife

NiCad or NiMH battery charger
Traxxas part #3030X shown*

Philips screwdriver

A peak-detecting charger is
recommended for best
performance and longest
battery life. For more
information, see Use the
Right Charger on page 26.

Recommended Equipment
These items are not
required for the operation
of your model, but are a
good idea to include in any
R/C toolbox:
• Safety glasses
• Thin, hobby-quality
cyanoacrylate instant tire
glue (CA glue)
• Side cutters or needle
nose pliers

Small flat-blade screwdriver
for tuning (1/8 inch blade)

(sold separately)

RX battery power pack
Traxxas part #3037

RX Wiring Harness
Traxxas part #3034

DC car adapter for TRX Power Charger
Traxxas part #3032
*sold separately

T-MAXX 3.3 • 5

Anatomy of Your T-Maxx 3.3
Fuel Cap

Hex Hub

Slipper Clutch

Fuel Tank

Two-Speed Access Plug

Axle Carrier

Suspension Arm
Transmission
Pivot Ball

Engine Shut-off
Clamp

Battery Box
On/Off Switch

Fuel Line
Spur Gear

Toe Link
(Turnbuckle)

Shift Rod

EZ-Start Motor

Steering Servo
Rear Bumper
Shifting Servo
Throttle/Brake
Servo
Skid Plate
Differential
Shock Tower

Wheelie Bar
Bumper Mount

Bulkhead

EZ-Start Plug
Body Mount Post

Air Filter
Tuned Pipe

TRX 3.3 Racing
Engine

6

Pressure Line

see pg. 18 for details

Pipe Hanger

Exhaust Header

Chassis

Driveshaft
(Half Shaft)

Disc Brake

• T-MAXX 3.3

Ultra Shock™
(Oil Damper)

Antenna Mount

Receiver Box
OptiDrive™ Electronic
Shift Module

Quick Start: Getting up to Speed
The following guide is an overview of the procedures for getting your T-Maxx 3.3 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. Read the safety precautions on page 4
For your own safety, understand where carelessness and misuse
could lead to personal injury.

10. Range test the radio system • See page 17
Follow this procedure to make sure your radio system works properly
at a distance and that there is no interference from outside sources.

2. Charge the EZ-Start battery pack • See page 26
The EZ-Start requires a fully charged 7.2-volt battery
pack (sold separately).

11. Fill the fuel tank • See page 23
Use your fuel-dispensing bottle* to fill the tank.

3. Install the antenna • See page 13.
Install the antenna mast on the T-Maxx 3.3.

12. Connect the EZ-Start to the model • See page 27
Learn the proper way to use the EZ-Start electric starting system

4. Install batteries in the transmitter • See page 11
T-Maxx 3.3 requires 8 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries*
for the transmitter.

13. Start the engine • See page 28
Learn to use the correct starting procedure for your TRX 3.3.

5. Decal and Install the body • See page 8
You will need to use the body during break in, so it's best to apply
any additional decals before you use the body.

14. Break-in your engine • See page 28
Follow the break-in instructions exactly to ensure the
best-performing, longest-lasting engine.

6. Install batteries in the model • See page 12
T-Maxx 3.3 requires 4 AA alkaline or rechargeable
batteries* for the receiver.

15. Tune your engine • See page 31
Learn how to set the fuel mixture needles for optimum
engine performance.

7. Install the EZ-Start battery • See page 26
Install and connect a charged 7.2-volt battery pack in
the EZ-Start controller.

16. Drive your T-Maxx 3.3 • See page 34
Learn to use the two-speed and reverse functions on your truck,
along with important driving precautions.

8. Turn on the radio system • See page 16
Make a habit of turning the transmitter on first, and off last.

17. Maintaining your Truck • See pages 41-42
Follow these critical steps to maintain the performance of your
T-Maxx 3.3 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 T-Maxx 3.3.

Look for the Quick Start
logo at the bottom of
Quick Start pages.

9. Check servo operation • See page 17
Make sure the throttle, shifting, and steering servos are working
correctly.
*sold separately

T-MAXX 3.3 • 7

Gluing the Tires and Decorating your T-Maxx 3.3
Always wear safety glasses
to prevent glue from
splattering into your eyes.

The acetone in fingernail
polish remover will
remove excess glue from
your fingers.

For best results while
gluing, clean the bead of
the tires and the grooves
of the wheels with
denatured alcohol before
applying glue. This
removes any mold release
agent residue from the
tires and wheels,
providing a better bond.

Tire Gluing

Applying The Decals

The factory tires on your T-Maxx 3.3 are already glued to the rims. The
tires must be glued to the rims to prevent the rims from spinning inside
the tires. The instructions here are provided to show you how to glue
replacement tires to the rims in the future. Use CA tire glue available
from your local hobby dealer. You can glue the tires without removing
the wheels from the truck. For clarity, these instructions show the
process with the wheels removed.

The main decals have already been
applied to your T-Maxx 3.3. The extra
decals provided are die-cut for easy
removal. Use a hobby knife to lift the
corner of a decal and remove it from
the backing.

1. Remove a wheel from T-Maxx 3.3
using the larger (8mm) end of
the glow plug (universal)
wrench.
2. Use your thumb to push the side
of the tire away from the rim.
Place one or two drops of CA
glue into the opening and
release the tire. Capillary action
will draw the glue around the
bead of the tire.
3. Repeat step two at four or five
points around the rim, until the
tire is completely secured to the
rim. Turn the rim over and repeat
the process for the inside of the
rim/tire. Repeat for the other
three wheels.
4. Reinstall the wheels, make sure
none of the axle pins have fallen
out from behind the hex hubs.

8

• T-MAXX 3.3

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.

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
Your T-Maxx 3.3 is equipped with the TQ-3 radio system. The TQ-3 is a 3-channel system that provides up to a quarter mile range and control for up to
three servo outputs. The TQ-3 works in conjunction with the OptiDrive™ Electronic Shift Module to monitor and control the input and output signals for
the throttle and shifting servos (channels). The OptiDrive monitors the voltage of the on-board batteries. The "Function" LED will flash red if the battery
voltage is too low.

TQ-3 Transmitter
Antenna

T-Maxx 3.3 Wiring Diagram

The OptiDrive ESM is
designed to adapt and
work with aftermarket
three channel radio
systems (see page 15).

4-cell Battery
Holder

Throttle Neutral Adjust
Steering Wheel

Throttle Trim

On/Off
Switch
Antenna

Steering Trim

Receiver

Steering Servo

Reverse Shift
OptiDrive ESM
(Electronic Shift
Module)

Forward Shift

Battery
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3

Throttle
Trigger

Shifting Servo
CH.1
CH.2
CH.3

Throttle/Brake
Servo

Servo Reversing
Switch
Power Switch

Battery Compartment

Power Indicator

To Transmission
(OptiDrive sensor)
T-MAXX 3.3 • 9

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

Radio System Terminology
Learn terms related to the
TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
beginning on page 20.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these radio-system
terms. They will be used throughout this manual.

Neutral position - The standing position that the servos seek when the
transmitter controls are at the neutral setting.

5-Cell Pack – Another term for RX Pack or rechargeable receiver pack.
The RX pack is made up of five rechargeable NiMH battery cells and is
used in place of the 4AA batteries in the model.

NiCad - Abbreviation for nickel-cadmium. The original rechargeable
hobby pack, NiCad batteries have very high current handling, high
capacity, and can last up to 1000 charging cycles. Good charging
procedures are required to reduce the possibility of developing a
“memory” effect and shortened run times.

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.

1

Frequency
Band
26.995

Flag
Color
Brown

Traxxas
Part No.
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

Channel

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 “RX” 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 T-Maxx 3.3. All Traxxas RTR models operate on a 27 MHz
frequency band.
mAh – Abbreviation for milliamp hour. Measure of the capacity of the
battery pack. The higher the number, the longer the battery will last
between recharges.

10

• T-MAXX 3.3

NiMH - Abbreviation for nickel-metal hydride. Rechargeable NiMH
batteries offer high current handling, and much greater resistance
to the “memory” effect. NiMH batteries generally allow higher
capacity than NiCad batteries. They can last up to 500 charge
cycles. A peak charger designed for NiMH batteries is required
for optimal performance.
Receiver - The radio unit inside your T-Maxx 3.3 that receives signals
from the transmitter and relays them to the servos.
RX Pack - RX is a common abbreviation for the radio receiver and items
associated with it. RX Pack denotes the optional rechargeable battery
pack used to power the radio system in the model. It is available as
Traxxas part number 3037.
Servos - Small motor units in your T-Maxx 3.3 that operate the throttle
and steering mechanisms.
Three-channel radio system - The TQ-3 radio system, consisting of the
receiver, the transmitter, and the servos. The system uses three
channels: one to operate the throttle, one to shift the transmission,
and one to operate the steering.
Transmitter - The hand-held radio unit that sends throttle and steering
instructions to your T-Maxx 3.3.
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.

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

Installing Transmitter Batteries
Your TQ-3 transmitter uses 8 AA batteries. The battery compartment is
located in the base of the transmitter.

Use the Right Batteries
CH.1
CH.2
CH.3

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 batteries installed in the model.

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.

Your transmitter uses AA
batteries. Use new alkaline
batteries, or rechargeable
batteries such as NiCad or
NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride)
batteries in your
transmitter. 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 T-Maxx 3.3
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.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 11

The Traxxas TQ Radio System

Installing Receiver Batteries
Direct the battery wires
through the slot in the
battery cover. If the wires
are not properly routed,
they may become broken
or shorted, causing radio
system failure and loss of
control. 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
T-Maxx 3.3 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.

12

• T-MAXX 3.3

The radio receiver in your T-Maxx 3.3 uses 4 AA batteries. The battery
holder for the receiver batteries is located underneath the battery cover.
The battery cover can be identified by the on/off switch.
1. Remove the battery cover by
removing the two 3x10mm
buttonhead cap screws
On/Off
Switch
from the cover.
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.

4-cell
battery
holder

3. Insert the battery holder into
the battery cover.
4. Reinstall the battery cover and secure with the screws
(see sidebar!).
To prevent losing control of your model, it is important to stop at the
first sign of weak receiver batteries. Visible warning signals include
sluggish steering response and shortened radio range.
In addition, the Optidrive is equipped with a lowvoltage indicator and a failsafe circuit. When the
voltage of the receiver batteries drops below 4.3
volts, the “Function” LED on the OptiDrive will flash
red. If the voltage drops below 4.3 volts for more
than 2 seconds, the OptiDrive ignores throttle and
shift signals and applies 25% brakes (failsafe mode). Steering will still be
operational and the “Function” LED on the OptiDrive will flash red. The
OptiDrive will stay in failsafe mode until the power is turned off or the
receiver battery voltage rises above 4.3 volts for more than 2 seconds.
Anytime the “Function” LED flashes red, it is time to stop and install new
batteries (or recharge your battery pack if equipped). Do not try to
continue running your model with weak receiver batteries on board.

Traxxas TRX Power System (optional)
The optional Traxxas TRX Power System can
be purchased separately to power the radio
system in the T-Maxx 3.3. Benefits include the
economy of a rechargeable 5-cell nickel metal
hydride (NiMH) battery pack that replaces AA
alkaline batteries, and increased voltage for
dramatically improved servo performance. The
TRX Power Charger (Part #3030X) is a peakdetecting unit that will charge the RX Power
Pack (Part #3036 flat pack or #3037 hump pack) in about one hour. The
peak detection circuitry automatically shuts off the charger when the
maximum charge has been achieved. The TRX Power Charger also
includes a 7.2V adapter for charging 7.2V EZ-Start batteries. The TRX
Power Charger can operate on either AC or DC power. A special wiring
harness for T-Maxx (Traxxas part #3034) that includes a handy external
charging jack is required.
The optional DC car adapter (Part #3032) features a
tangle-free, extra long wire and integrated fuse. The
long charging cord allows the model to remain outside
the car while charging. Caution! Never charge batteries
in an enclosed car interior or while driving. Never leave
charging batteries unattended. Monitor them closely.
Traxxas' integrated TRX Power System is the easiest way to add the
power and economy of rechargeable batteries to your T-Maxx 3.3.
Consult your hobby dealer for purchasing information.

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

Setting up the Antenna
1. Locate the black antenna wire that exits the top
of the receiver box.

Antenna Tip
Antenna Sleeve

2. Pull the wire straight with your fingers and then insert the end of
the wire into one end of the antenna tube (the antenna tube, tip,
crimp nut and sleeve are located in the documents bag). Push the
wire all the way through the antenna tube.
3. Insert the base of the tube into the antenna post. Take care not to
crimp the antenna wire.

Antenna Tube

4. Slide the crimp nut over the antenna tube and screw it onto the
antenna post. Use the supplied tool to tighten the crimp nut on
the post just until the antenna tube is securely in place. Do not
over tighten or crush the antenna wire against the receiver box.
5. Fold the top of the antenna wire over the top of the antenna tube.
Slide the antenna sleeve over the tube to retain the antenna wire.
Now slide the antenna tip onto the top of the antenna tube. Never
cut or shorten the antenna wire.

Antenna Wrench

6. On the transmitter, always fully extend the telescoping antenna
when running your T-Maxx 3.3. Make a habit of holding the
transmitter so the antenna points straight up.

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.

Antenna Crimp Nut
Antenna Post

T-MAXX 3.3 • 13

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

TQ-3 Radio System Controls

TQ-3 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

RN RIGHT
TU

Shift Reverse

N LEFT
TUR

Steering

The throttle neutral adjustment is located on the transmitter face and
controls the forward/reverse 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 T-Maxx 3.3 with the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine.

Brake

Neutral

Electronic Throttle Trim

CH.1
CH.2
CH.3

Accelerate
Shift Forward

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 will roll freely). 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 servos when the servos
are at rest. Adjust this control to make the model drive straight with no
steering input at the wheel.
14

• T-MAXX 3.3

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

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.
The default
position for the
servo reversing
switches is shown.
CH.1

2. Set the TQ-3 Transmitter to its factory default shift settings:
Set the THROTTLE NEUTRAL switch to the 50/50 setting.
Set the THROTTLE TRIM to the center “0” setting, then adjust the
throttle linkage until the carburetor closes.
Set the CHANNEL 2 SERVO REVERSING SWITCH to the right position.
Set the CHANNEL 3 SERVO REVERSING SWITCH to the right position.
DO NOT change the position of any of the servo reversing switches
after programming the OptiDrive. If settings were changed after
programming the OptiDrive, it will have to be reprogrammed.

CH.2

CH.3

TQ-3 Channel to Servo Chart
Channel
1
2
3

Servo
Steering
Throttle and braking
Shifting

™

Programming the OptiDrive ESM
The OptiDrive ESM electronically monitors
vehicle speed and controls forward and reverse
shifting. Controlling the shift action electronically
rather than by mechanical systems reduces the
number of components in the transmission. The
transmission weighs less, there is lower
rotational mass for quicker acceleration, and
constant drive engagement for smooth power delivery.
The OptiDrive module prevents the transmission from changing
directions while the truck is in motion. The truck must be completely
stopped to change directions, regardless of the position of the shift
selector switch on the transmitter. The OptiDrive module is preset at the
factory. If the transmitter throttle trim adjustment is changed, then the
OptiDrive module will need to be re-programmed.
1. The engine must be shut off. The radio system must be on (receiver
and transmitter).

3. With the throttle at neutral, press and hold the
SET button until the Function LED flashes green
twice and then release the button immediately.
You are now in programming mode.
4. Pull the transmitter throttle
trigger to the full throttle
position. Hold it there until the
Function LED flashes green
three times. Note: The throttle
servo will not move during programming even though it is connected
to the controller.
5. Release the transmitter throttle
trigger allowing it to return to
neutral. The Function LED will
turn solid green, indicating that
the shifting servo is OK to shift
and the programming has been completed. The controller is now
programmed and ready to go!
If the transmitter throttle settings are changed, it will be necessary
to complete the programming sequence again.
If the SET button is released before the Function LED flashes
green twice in step 3, the OptiDrive will return to the normal
operation mode.
If you experience any problems during programming, turn the
receiver off, then on again, and repeat the programming steps.
For instructions on how to use the OptiDrive with aftermarket radio
systems, or to access advanced programming options, visit our website,
www.Traxxas.com.

Large adjustments to the
throttle trim and/or throttle
linkage may require re-setting
the OptiDrive to maintain
proper shifting action.

For transmission durability,
the OptiDrive ESM limits the
model’s reverse speed to about
70% of full throttle. If settings
are changed, and you notice a
decrease in forward top speed,
you could have the OptiDrive
system reversed. Return the
TQ-3 servo-reversing switches
for channels two and three
back to their default settings
and re-program the OptiDrive
Module. For programming with
aftermarket radio systems,
please see our website.
OptiDrive Operation
• Green “Function”
Shift allowed
• Red flashing “Function”
Low battery, see pg. 12
• Red “Sensor”
a) Sensor, throttle or shift
circuit is broken. Possible
disconnected or broken sensor,
throttle or shift wires. Possible
damaged sensor.
b) Receiver has lost signal from the
transmitter, the OptiDrive has
entered fail-safe (throttle and shift
servos become unresponsive).
• Blue flashing “Sensor“
Normal operation as
vehicle moves. Indicates
signal pulse from sensor. Depending
on the rotor position, solid blue or off
when vehicle is at rest.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 15

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System
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.

TQ-3 Radio System Rules
Remember, always turn the
TQ-3 transmitter on first and
off last to avoid damage to
your T-Maxx 3.3. Never turn
the radio off while the
engine is running.

Each time you prepare to run your T-Maxx 3.3,
you must clear your frequency to be sure no
one else in the area is using the same channel
as you.

Channel 1
Brown
Channel 2
Red

Always use new or freshly charged batteries for the transmitter, and
make sure the receiver batteries are fresh. The function light on the
OptiDrive will flash red if the receiver batteries become weak. Weak
batteries will limit the radio signal between the receiver and the
transmitter. Loss of the radio signal can cause you to lose control of
your T-Maxx 3.3.

Channel 3
Orange

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 truck is assigned to.

Channel 4
Yellow
Channel 5
Green
Channel 6
Blue

Always turn your TQ-3 transmitter on first
and off last. This procedure will help to prevent your T-Maxx 3.3 from
receiving stray signals from another transmitter, or other source,
and running out of control.

CH.1
CH.2
CH.3

16

• T-MAXX 3.3

1

2

3

Always turn your transmitter on first.

Always turn your receiver on second.

Then start your engine.

The Traxxas TQ-3 Radio System

Using the TQ-3 Radio System
The TQ-3 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 in the
top of the radio compartment. The function light on the OptiDrive
ESM should be green. A red flashing LED indicates low voltage in the
receiver batteries. The sensor LED is intermittent depending on the
rotor position.
3. Position T-Maxx 3.3 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,
then make sure you have fresh 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.

7. Operate the shift button on the transmitter and check for rapid
operation of the shifting servo. Push the shift button down for
forward. The servo will operate the spring-loaded shift mechanism
and you will hear the transmission click into forward. Push the shift
button up for reverse and you will again hear the transmission click
and shift into gear.
8. Once adjustments are made, turn off the receiver on your T-Maxx 3.3,
followed by the hand-held transmitter.

Range-Testing the TQ-3 Radio System

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. Do not use the
throttle trim as an “idle up”
function for starting or you
could affect the OptiDrive
programming

Before each running session with your T-Maxx 3.3, 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 the TQ-3 Radio System).
2. Have a 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.

Don’t attempt to operate
your T-Maxx 3.3 if there are
any problems with your radio
system or radio interference
at your location.

4. Operate the controls on the transmitter once again to be sure that
the model responds correctly.
Throttle

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 (slide moves out). When the
throttle trigger is pushed all the way forward, the brake should lock.

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.

Brake

Throttle/Brake
Servo

Shifting
Servo

Steering
Servo

T-Maxx 3.3
Servo Operation
T-MAXX 3.3 • 17

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine™
Introduction
Traxxas strongly
discourages changing or
modifying any part of the
TRX 3.3 Racing Engine. Old
tech tips and tricks that
may have boosted the
power of other engines
could seriously diminish
the performance of the
TRX 3.3 Racing Engine.
There’s more advanced
thinking, development and
testing in the stock parts of
your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
than in many aftermarket
manufacturer’s
performance parts. The
TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is
already the most powerful
engine in its class and may
not benefit from average,
low-tech, aftermarket bolt
on performance items.

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is the next generation of TRX nitro power.
The larger displacement and advanced porting generate class-leading
horsepower while still maintaining the TRX Racing Engine characteristics of
broad, linear power delivery and ease of tuning. Focused engineering and
rigorous testing have yielded unprecedented power and uncompromising
performance that turns ready-to-run into Ready-To-Race®
.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine takes a total-system approach. Each part of
the engine, from the air filter to the exhaust tip, is carefully engineered
to work in harmony with other engine components. Each part
complements the next, to extract maximum power. The TRX 3.3 Racing
Engine is designed to be tolerant of variations in tuning, and to run
successfully through a wide range of variable atmospheric conditions
such as changes in temperature, humidity, and altitude.
In order to get the longest engine life and keep the TRX 3.3 Racing
Engine in top running condition, it is very important to perform regular
routine maintenance. The number one cause of premature engine
wear and failure is lack of care and maintenance!

Break-In
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is manufactured to exacting tolerances and
requires a specially-designed break-in procedure to accomplish the final
precision fitting of the internal engine components. It is very important
that you follow the new break-in procedure as closely as possible to
achieve the best performance and longest life from your TRX 3.3 Racing
Engine. Engine break-in will take between one and two hours. Old style
break-in procedures, such as idling the engine on the bench for several
tanks of fuel or simply running the engine with a very rich fuel mixture
for the first 4 tanks of fuel, will not achieve the best results. Follow the
easy steps in this manual.

Air Filter Maintenance
A clean air filter is critical for long engine life. Due to the highperformance nature of the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine, a tremendous amount
of vacuum is created to move a large volume of high-velocity air through
the carburetor. Dirt is the worst enemy to your engine. Clean the air filter
after each hour of running to prevent sucking dirt into the engine. An
extra pre-lubed air filter element has been provided to encourage you to
maintain your air filter.

18

• T-MAXX 3.3

After-Run Maintenance
Perform after-run maintenance on the engine to prevent corrosion
from building up on the internal engine components. The fuel
naturally attracts moisture and corrosion can build up very quickly
inside the engine if it is not prevented.
A few minutes spent before and after each time you run your model
will allow you to enjoy it for a long time to come. Read on for more
exciting details about your new engine.

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
Glow Plug

TRX 3.3 Racing Engine Illustrated
Air Filter Housing

Head Protector

Idle Speed
Screw

PowerTune™ Head
(Cylinder Head)
EZ-Start™ Drive Unit
EZ-Start™ Motor
High-Speed
Needle
Low-Speed Needle
Fuel Intake
Air Intake

Engine Mount

Carburetor
Crankcase
Flywheel
Clutch Bell

Crankshaft
Ground Wire
Glow Plug Wire

EZ-Start™ Plug
Positive Wire
Negative Wire

Throttle Arm

Engine
Shut-off
Clamp

EZ-Start™
Controller

Pressure Line
Tuned Pipe
Exhaust
Tip

Fuel Line
Fuel Tank

T-MAXX 3.3 • 19

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

Terms to Know
You’ll find these Nitro R/C engine terms throughout this section
of the manual.
.15 - .15 or “15” refers to the displacement of the engine. The TRX 2.5
Racing Engine is .15 cubic inches or 2.5 cubic centimeters (cc). The name
“TRX 2.5” is derived from the cc measurement.
.20 - .20 or “20” refers to the size of the engine. The TRX 3.3 is .20 cubic
inches or 3.3 cubic centimeters (cc). The name “TRX 3.3” is derived from
the cc measurement.
ABC - Abbreviation for aluminum, brass, and chrome. Refers to engine
construction that consists of an aluminum piston that slides in a chromeplated brass sleeve. The TRX 3.3 uses ABC construction.
Air filter - The air filter sits atop the carburetor and prevents harmful dust
and dirt from entering the engine. Dirt ingestion is the number one
cause of premature engine failure so the engine should never be run
without the air filter in place.
BDC - Bottom dead center. The bottom-most position of the engine piston
stroke.
Break-in - Break-in is the procedure for running a brand new engine
according to specific instructions. This correctly prepares the engine for
normal running. The break-in procedure can be different for different
makes of engines. Follow the Traxxas directions for break-in exactly.
Carb - Abbreviation for carburetor.
Carburetor - The carburetor atomizes (mixes) the fuel with the air so that
the engine can burn it. There are two types of carburetors; slide carbs
and barrel carbs. The TRX 3.3 uses the superior slide carburetor design.
Clean-out - Cleaning-out is a condition that occurs when the engine is
accelerating and the fuel mixture becomes sufficiently lean to allow the
engine to continue into its upper rpm power band. It is usually
characterized by a noticeable decrease in blue exhaust smoke and a
dramatic increase in engine speed.
Combustion chamber - The combustion chamber is machined into the
bottom of the cylinder head. This is where the glow plug ignites the fuel.
The shape of the combustion chamber is designed to promote more
efficient burning of the fuel.
Connecting rod - The connecting rod transfers the piston motion to the
crankshaft. The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine uses a “knife-edged” connecting
rod. The aerodynamic, sharpened edges allow it to “slice” through the
pressurized air/fuel mixture inside the crankcase.
20

• T-MAXX 3.3

Crankcase - The engine’s “body” that contains all of the running
mechanical components.
Crankshaft - The main shaft of the engine that holds the
reciprocating assembly.
Cooling fins - The cooling fins are milled into the cylinder head and
crankcase and cause heat to be drawn away from the engine. Heat is
removed when it dissipates into the air passing across the cooling fins. It
is important to keep the fins clean of dirt and debris for maximum
cooling efficiency.
Cylinder head (head) - The finned aluminum part on top of the engine
that is responsible for dissipating most of the engine’s heat. The
combustion chamber is machined into the bottom of the head.
Dyno - Abbreviation for dynamometer. A precise piece of testing
equipment that accurately measures engine power and torque output
over the engine’s entire rpm range.
EZ-Start - Traxxas on-board electric starting system. The system consists of
a hand held starter control unit and an on-board gearbox with an electric
motor to spin the engine.
Filter foam - The oiled foam element inside the air filter housing. The filter
foam in the TRX 3.3 must be thoroughly cleaned and re-oiled after every
hour of run time.
Fit - Usually refers to the fit of the piston and sleeve. If the fit is tight, the
piston will feel very tight at top of the sleeve (top dead center), and the
engine will have good sealing and compression. If the fit is loose,
compression will be low and both the piston and sleeve should be
replaced.
Flame-out - Occurs when the engine stops running at high rpm. Usually
the fault of an excessively lean fuel mixture or glow plug failure.
Fuel - (10%, 20%, 33%) The TRX 3.3 must have model engine fuel to run.
Traxxas Top Fuel™ is recommended. Fuel is sold in quarts and gallons
from hobby dealers. The 10%, 20% and 33% labeling refers to the
percentage of nitromethane contained in the fuel.
Fuel mixture - The ratio of fuel to air as determined by the needle settings
of the carburetor.
Fuel tubing (fuel line) - The thick silicone tubing that carries fuel from the
fuel tank to the carburetor.
Glow plug - The glow plug is located in the cylinder head at the top of the
combustion chamber. It contains an element that glows red hot when
voltage is applied. When the engine is being started, the heat from the
glow plug ignites the fuel mixture and starts the combustion process.

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
Glow plug driver - This tool clips onto the glow plug and supplies the
required voltage to light the glow plug element. It is also called an
igniter. EZ-Start equipped engines do not require this separate tool.
Header - The aluminum tube that connects the exhaust system to the
engine exhaust port. The length and diameter of the header must be
carefully selected to extract the most power from the engine.
High-speed needle (HSN) - Adjusts the carburetors fuel/air mixture at
high throttle openings.
Idle speed - The speed (rpm) the engine runs at when the transmitter’s
throttle trigger is at neutral.
Idle speed screw (ISS) - Located on the carburetor body. This screw
adjusts the idle rpm of the engine.
Lean - A running condition where the engine is not getting enough fuel
(for the available air). Symptoms include engine overheating, or the
engine runs for a short time and then stalls, particularly at high speed.
This is a dangerous condition that should be corrected immediately or
it can ruin your engine.
Leaning the mixture - Turning either the high-speed and/or low-speed
needle(s) clockwise to decrease the amount of fuel the engine receives.
Low-speed needle (LSN) - Needle valve that controls the fuel mixture at
low throttle openings.
Needle valve - Valve consisting of a tapered needle that closes against a
corresponding seat to regulate fuel flow.
Nitro - Abbreviation for nitromethane, a component of model engine
fuel that improves fuel combustion and power output. Nitro also refers
to a class of R/C powered by model engines instead of electric.
Nitro content - The amount of nitromethane used in the fuel. Usually
measured as a percentage of the total fuel volume. Traxxas engines are
optimized to use 10-20% nitro. 33% nitro may be used for racing.
Nitromethane - Nitromethane is a component in the fuel that increases
power from the combustion process up to a point. Engines are
generally optimized to use a range of nitro content for the best power.
O-ring - Rubber “O”-shaped ring used as a sealing gasket.
Pipe - Abbreviation for the tuned exhaust pipe on a nitro engine. See
“Tuned Pipe”.
Piston - The piston is the internal engine part that is attached to the
upper end of the connecting rod and moves up and down in the
cylinder sleeve. The precise fit between the piston and the sleeve
creates a seal that allows the engine to have the required compression
for combustion.

Port - Ports are openings in the sleeve that allow atomized fuel to enter
the combustion chamber and burned exhaust gases to exit. The shape
and location of the ports are a large factor in controlling the engine
timing and power output.
Priming - Manually causing fuel to move from the fuel tank up to the
carburetor. This is sometimes necessary after the engine has been
sitting for a long period of time and all of the fuel has drained back to
the tank. On a Traxxas model this is done by holding your finger over
the exhaust tip for one or two seconds while the engine is starting.
Punch - A term that refers to how quickly the model responds to throttle
input or how quickly it accelerates.
Rich - A running condition where the engine is getting too much fuel for
the available air. It is better to run an engine slightly rich to increase
engine life. Excessively rich mixtures cause the engine to have sluggish
performance with exaggerated blue smoke and unburned fuel coming
from the exhaust.
rpm - Abbreviation for revolutions per minute (how many times the
engine crankshaft spins in a minute).
Sleeve - Internal engine part that contains the piston. The precise fit
between the sleeve and the piston creates a seal that allows engine to
have the required compression for combustion. The sleeve in a TRX
engine is made of brass and is then hard-chrome plated.
Slide carburetor - The throttle on a slide carburetor closes and opens by
sliding a barrel in and out of the carburetor body. This type of
carburetor is preferred for performance use because it provides a less
restrictive “straight-through” air path than the barrel carburetor design.
Stall - When the engine stops running, usually due to an incorrect fuel
mixture setting or running out of fuel.
TDC - Top dead center. The top-most position of the engine
piston stroke.
Tuned pipe - The tuned exhaust pipe usually consists of a speciallyshaped metal or composite chamber with baffles that is designed to
enhance the power output of the engine.
Wear-in - Fitment process that occurs during engine break-in where
internal engine parts develop an even more precise matched fit
through actual use under controlled circumstances.
WOT - Abbreviation for wide-open throttle.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 21

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

The Fuel
DANGER! Model engine fuel
is poisonous to humans
and animals. Drinking the
fuel can cause blindness
and death. Handle with
care and respect. Keep it
out of reach of small
children at all times! While
driving, do not leave your
fuel dispensing bottle on
the ground where a child
could have access to it.
Follow fuel label warnings.

Use the Right Fuel
It’s imperative that you use the correct fuel in your
TRX 3.3 Racing Engine for maximum performance
and engine life. Traxxas Top Fuel™ should be used to
ensure correct engine lubrication, performance, and
ease of tuning. Traxxas Top Fuel has been proven in
thousands of engines, so you can count on it every
day for great performance.
Top Fuel is the only fuel which is 100% certified
for use in Traxxas engines.
Traxxas Top Fuel is made with just the right balance of the highest
grade natural and synthetic lubricants to allow excellent throttle
response and the best top-end performance, without sacrificing
long-term durability.
All of the components in the fuel are carefully selected from the
best materials available and then custom blended to match the
metallurgy and temperature characteristics of Traxxas engines.
You may use 10%, 20% or 33% nitro-content fuel. Try to use the same
percentage all the time, avoid switching back and forth between fuels.
We recommend that if you break in your engine on 20% fuel that you stick
with that percentage. If you do move to a higher or lower percentage,
make sure you readjust your fuel mixture to compensate (see below).

Choosing a Nitro Percentage
A commonly asked question is "what is the difference between 10%, 20%,
and 33% fuels?" Increasing the nitro in the fuel is almost like adding extra
oxygen to the combustion process. It burns more efficiently, improves
combustion, and delivers more power. When increased nitro is used, more
of the other fuel components are then required inside the combustion
chamber to maintain the perfect air/fuel ratio. Therefore, overall fuel
mixtures need to be richened slightly (on the high speed needle, about
3/4 of a turn counterclockwise when changing from 20% to 33%, about
1/2 of a turn counterclockwise when changing from 10% to 20%). This
allows greater fuel flow through the engine and promotes cooler running,
even at the maximum lean settings.

22

• T-MAXX 3.3

If 33% improves power, then it seems that the highest nitro content
available (beyond 33%) should always be used in the engine. In reality,
there are practical limitations. Engines are designed to run best within a
range of nitro percentages. How the engine is ported, the size of the
combustion chamber and other factors determine how much nitro can be

efficiently used in the engine. The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine responds
exceptionally well to a maximum of 33% nitro, returning cooler temps,
more power, and a smoother throttle response. For those who want to run
higher nitro, 33% Top Fuel is the optimum nitro percentage for the TRX
3.3 Racing Engine. Increasing the nitro beyond 33% can introduce the
need for engine modifications (ports, head shimming, etc.) to avoid
starting and tuning difficulties. There are limits to how much nitro an
engine can effectively use to make more power. Lower nitro percentages
have their own advantages. Nitro is an expensive component in the fuel
so 10% nitro blend is more economical for the sport user. 10% also
provides greater latitude with the needle settings for easier tuning.
When using Traxxas Top Fuel, using higher nitro percentages does not
cause the engine to wear out faster. 33% Top Fuel contains the same
quality lubrication package as 10 and 20% Top Fuel. Some non-Traxxas
high-percentage nitro racing fuels do sacrifice some lubrication in
attempts to increase performance. We urge you to not take chances with
your engine investment and use Top Fuel for consistent performance and
long engine life.

What about Other Fuels?
Can other brands of fuel be used besides Top Fuel? There are other fuels
that can provide satisfactory performance; however there could be longterm costs in the form of decreased engine performance, loss of tuning
ease, and shorter engine life. Only use fuels that contain both castor and
synthetic oil.
Everyone has an opinion or a claim to make about fuel. The engineering
team at Traxxas has spent years developing TRX Racing Engines. No one
knows more about the specific fuel requirements of Traxxas engines,
than Traxxas engineers. We strongly urge you not to take chances with
your engine investment and use the Traxxas fuel made for the TRX 3.3
Racing Engine.

Handling the Fuel
Follow all directions and warnings on the fuel can.
Keep the fuel tightly capped at all times. Some components in the fuel
can evaporate very quickly and upset the balance of the fuel.
Do not store unused fuel in the fuel dispenser. Immediately return fresh
unused fuel back into the fuel can.
Do not mix old and new fuel. Never mix different fuel brands together.
Store the fuel in a cool dry location, away from any source of heat,
ignition, or combustion.
Read and follow the safety precautions on page 4 in this manual.

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

Filling the Fuel Tank
Use a fuel dispensing bottle (Traxxas Top Fueler, part#
5001) to put fuel into the T-Maxx’s fuel tank. To fill the
fuel bottle, squeeze the air out, insert the dispenser tip
into the fuel can, and release your grip on the bottle.
As the bottle expands, fuel will be drawn into it.
To fill your model flip up the springloaded cap on the fuel tank, insert
the tip of the fuel bottle, and
squeeze to dispense the fuel. Fill
the tank until the fuel level reaches
the base of the filler neck. Close
the fuel tank lid, making sure it
closes tightly.

Fuel Tank Seal Adjustment
The rubber seal on the fuel tank is important to the function of the engine.
The fuel tank is pressurized by the exhaust system to provide reliable fuel
flow. If the tank lid does not seal properly, an air leak will be created that
can cause your engine to run erratically and be difficult to start. If necessary,
the rubber O-ring tank seal can be adjusted for improved sealing by
tightening the screw on the underside of the tank lid.

The Air Filter
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine air filter is specifically designed to deliver
maximum performance while protecting your engine from dust and dirt.
Use only the supplied filter. You will not improve engine performance by
switching to an aftermarket filter, and you may risk engine damage due to
poor filtration.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine air filter assembly consists of 3 pieces:
1. A rubber filter base.
2. A plastic housing consisting of a permanently
assembled mesh cap and body.
3. An oiled foam element.
You must clean the filter after every hour of run time, even if the filter
looks clean. This includes the break-in time. Clean your air filter after
break-in. Dust (which is often too fine to see) and dirt constantly move
through the filter anytime the engine is running. Even if you can’t see dirt
on the filter, it is present inside the foam after any amount of run time. If

you exceed the recommended cleaning intervals, your engine will be
damaged. Engine damage or wear due to dirt ingestion is easy
to detect, and one of the top causes of premature engine failure.

Air Filter Cleaning Instructions
1. Remove the air filter from the
carburetor bore by pulling the entire
filter assembly firmly to the side to
release it. Do not pull straight up.
2. Disassemble the filter. Pull the
rubber air filter neck out of the filter
body. With the base removed, the
foam element is visible in the
bottom of the filter body. Pull out
the foam element.
3. Clean the filter parts by thoroughly washing all three pieces of the filter
assembly in hot soapy water (dishwashing detergent works well).
Repeat twice.
4. Thoroughly dry the parts with a clean towel or compressed air.
Remember to wear your safety glasses when working with
compressed air.
5. Oil the foam element with foam filter oil. Use the supplied Traxxas filter
oil (part# 5263) or a high-quality, special-purpose foam filter oil like
what is used for off-road motorcycle and ATV engines.This type of filter
oil is available at motorcycle pro-shops. Apply 30 drops of the Traxxas
filter oil evenly to the top, bottom and sides of the filter element (30
total drops divided among the 3 surfaces). Squeeze the filter element
repeatedly to help spread the oil throughout. The filter element should
be evenly colored by the oil. Even color indicates that the oil is
distributed evenly. Do not squeeze out excess oil.
Note: Do not use the air filter oil for anything other than the air filter.
It is not meant to be a lubricant.
6. Reassemble the filter and install it on the engine, making sure
the rubber filter neck fits securely on the carburetor with no gaps
or air leaks.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 23

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

The Carburetor
See page 32 for more
information on how
air density affects
engine tuning.

A “turn” refers to
tightening (“turning in”) or
loosening (“turning out”)
mixture needles. A “full
turn” refers to turning the
needle 360°, so a “1/2 turn”
would be 180°, a “1/4 turn”
would be 90°, and so on.

Understanding the Carburetor adjustments
The carburetor performs several functions. It controls the engine’s speed
by restricting the intake of air and fuel into the engine. It atomizes the
fuel (suspends the fuel droplets in the air) and also controls the air/fuel
ratio of the mixture entering the engine (how much air for a given
amount of fuel).

molecules) to maintain the correct air/fuel ratio. Warmer air is less dense
(fewer air molecules) and therefore needs less fuel to maintain the
correct air/fuel ratio. The tuning needles are there to adjust how much
fuel is made available for the carburetor to mix with the available air
(atomization).

Cold Air (More Dense)

(Warm Air) Less Dense

Air
Fuel

Full Turn
360°
1/8 Turn
45°

Start

1/4 Turn
90°

3/4 Turn
270°

The Fuel Mixture Needles

1/2 Turn
180°

To help provide a better understanding of engine tuning and why it’s
necessary, the following is a brief explanation of the air/fuel combustion
process that takes place inside the engine.
In order to create the cylinder pressure that results in power, the engine
burns the air/fuel mixture. Both air and fuel, in correct amounts, are
needed for proper combustion. It is the carburetor’s job to mix the air
and fuel together (atomize the fuel), in the correct proportion for the
best possible combustion. This is the ideal air/fuel ratio. The ideal air/fuel
ratio required for the engine remains roughly constant. Due to variations
in atmospheric conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude etc.) fuel flow
adjustment valves (called fuel mixture needles) are required to meter the
fuel and maintain the ideal air/fuel ratio in these ever-changing
conditions. For example, colder air is more dense (more air molecules)
for a given volume of air and therefore requires more fuel (more fuel
24

• T-MAXX 3.3

The amount of fuel metered and atomized by the carburetor is
controlled by the two mixture needles, the high-speed needle and the
low-speed needle. The low-speed needle is used to meter the fuel used
by the engine at idle and low rpm (part-throttle) engine speed. The highspeed needle is used to meter the fuel when the throttle is open from
part throttle to wide-open throttle (WOT). Two needles on the TRX 3.3
Racing Engine provide precise control of the air/fuel ratio across the
engine’s entire rpm range.
The maximum possible fuel flow is always controlled by the high-speed
needle. It works like the main water valve on a garden hose. Turn it
clockwise to close the valve, counter-clockwise to open it. When the
throttle is at idle or partially open, the low-speed needle meters the fuel
flow at the outlet (needle seat) where the fuel enters the carburetor
venturi. This second valve acts like the spray nozzle at the end of the
garden hose in our example. When you accelerate from idle, the throttle
opens and the low-speed needle is pulled away from the needle seat.
This allows more fuel to flow with the increased air flow. As the throttle

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

Water Valve

Richen

Slightly lean fuel mixtures deliver stronger, more efficient
combustion and more power, but with less lubrication.

(Controls Overall Flow)

High Speed Needle

Slightly rich fuel mixtures deliver cooler running and more
lubrication but with slightly less power.
Tuning the engine means finding the perfect balance between the two;
excellent power to meet your needs while maintaining good lubrication
for long engine life. The optimal fuel mixture setting is rich to provide a
safety margin against having a lean condition if some variable changes
(such as the temperature from one day to the next).

Water Nozzle
(Controls Fine Flow)

Low Speed Needle
is increased, the low-speed needle is pulled completely away from the
needle seat leaving it fully open. At that point, fuel metering is entirely
controlled by the high-speed needle. Again, using our water hose
example, when the spray nozzle at the end of our garden hose is fully
open, then the main water valve can be used to adjust how fast the
water flows.
The engine’s performance is directly linked to the fuel mixture.
Richening the fuel mixture increases the amount of fuel in the air/fuel
mixture ratio and leaning the fuel mixture decreases the amount of
fuel in the air/fuel mixture ratio.

Lean

Rich

General fuel mixture settings are measured by the number of turns the
needles are turned out from fully closed. The fuel mixture settings have
been pre-set from the factory to typical break-in settings. Do not
readjust your carburetor from the factory settings until after the engine
is started and running, and you have been able to observe the engine
running to assess what minor adjustments may be required to
compensate for fuel, temperature, and altitude. Adjustments are usually
made in 1/8 or 1/16-turn increments. If the engine sticks at TDC, see
page 44 for instructions on freeing the engine.

The Idle Speed Adjustment
The idle speed screw controls the closed position of the throttle slide.
When the throttle servo is in its neutral position, the throttle slide should
be stopped against the idle adjustment screw. Always use the idle speed
adjusting screw to control engine idle. Do not use the throttle trim on
the transmitter to adjust idle speed. The idle speed should be set as low
as possible and still maintain reliable running.

See Tuning Your TRX 3.3
Racing Engine on page 31
for complete information on
adjusting the air/fuel
mixture and idle speed.

Factory Needle Settings
If your factory preset
carburetor adjustments
have been tampered with,
use the following settings:
• Set the high-speed needle
to 4 turns out from closed.
• Set the low-speed needle
so the screw head (red in
Fig. A) is flush (even) with
the end of the slide (yellow
in Fig. A).
Fig. A

Low Speed
Needle Adjustment

Always use the factory
settings for initial starting.
Only use these settings
when the factory settings
have been lost.

Higher nitro requires a
richer fuel mixture. When
running 33% fuel, richen
your high speed needle 3/4
turn if previously running
20% nitro and then re-tune
the engine for maximum
performance.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 25

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

The Traxxas EZ-Start™ Electric Starting System
Use the Right Charger
The most convenient type
of charger is an AC peakdetecting charger that
plugs directly into an AC
wall outlet, such as the TRX
Power Charger (part
#3030X, see page 12 for
more info). It contains
special peak-detection
circuitry that automatically
shuts the charger off when
the battery is fully charged.
If you’re using a 15-minute
timed charger, always fully
discharge the battery pack
before each charge. Some
high mAh battery packs
(1500 mAh or higher)
require more than the
standard 15 minutes of
charge time. If the battery
pack is cold after 15
minutes of charging, add
another 5 minutes of charge
time. Closely monitor the
battery pack and stop
charging it when it begins
to feel warm to the touch.
Never leave a battery
charging unattended.
Always follow charger
manufacturer’s instructions.
Inexpensive overnight wall
chargers may also be used.

26

• T-MAXX 3.3

The Traxxas EZ-Start brings the convenience of push-button electric
engine starting to your T-Maxx 3.3. The EZ-Start consists of a hand-held
control unit and an on-board motorized starter.
Power for the EZ-Start system comes from a 7.2-volt rechargeable
battery pack installed in the hand-held control unit (battery
not included).
The engine glow plug is heated automatically by the EZ-Start system,
eliminating the need to keep up with a separate glow plug igniter.
The voltage to the glow plug is kept constant, regardless of the load
placed on the starter by the starter motor.
The “Glow Plug” LED (light emitting diode) on the control unit
indicates glow plug continuity.

Installing the EZ-Start Battery
The EZ-Start system requires a fully charged 7.2-volt rechargeable NiCad
or NiMH battery pack (not included). Use a charger (not included)
designed for 7.2-volt battery packs. Charge the battery according to the
charger manufacturer’s directions.
1. Press the tab in the end of the battery compartment door to open. (A)
2. Plug a fully charged 7.2-volt battery pack into the connector inside. (B)
3. Twist the battery 2 or 3 times to twirl the battery plug wires. This helps
hold the wire and battery in place when the battery is installed in the
compartment. (C)
4. Install the battery into the compartment and press the wires
securely into place.
5. Snap the battery compartment door back on and lock the end tab. (D)

The “Motor” LED indicates the status of the EZ-Start electric
starter motor.
The Cush Drive™ mechanism in the drive unit prevents damage to the
gears caused by engine kickback.

A

Smart Start™ protection circuitry prevents damage to the motor by
cutting power if the load on the motor or other electronics exceeds
safe limits.

B
C

D

Using the EZ-Start
Your EZ-Start controller plugs into a 4-prong receptacle in the center of
the bed on your T-Maxx 3.3. When the red button on the controller is
pressed, the EZ-Start motor begins to spin the engine and power from
the control unit heats the glow plug. Assuming all settings and
preparations are correct, the engine should start almost immediately.

off the power to the motor. Allow at least 3 minutes for the starter motor
to cool and the circuit to automatically reset before continuing. Use the
time to find and eliminate the condition that caused the excessive load
on the starter motor.

When the EZ-Start
controller is in protection
mode, wait at least three
minutes before attempting
to start the engine, to give
the starter motor time
to cool.

Glow
Plug

Motor

Glow
Plug

A weak starter battery, or one that has not been fully charged, may not
deliver enough power to crank the engine over at the appropriate rpm
to keep the piston from sticking at top dead center (TDC). A new engine
will typically have a tight fit between the piston and the top of the
sleeve. This is a tapered fit, and a tight piston sleeve fit on initial startup
is desirable for those who want the best-performing engine. Make sure
you are using a good quality battery pack that is fully charged (new
batteries usually require several charge cycles to reach peak voltage and
full capacity). This is especially important with a new engine that needs
to be broken in. If the engine sticks at TDC, see page 44 for instructions
on freeing the engine.
Motor

Glow
Plug
Glow
Plug

Motor

Glow
Plug

Motor

If the Glow Plug LED fails to light,
the glow plug may be bad, or the
glow plug wire may be damaged
or disconnected.

Motor

Use a Strong Starter Battery
Each of the two status indicator LEDs on
the hand-held control unit, the Motor
LED and the Glow Plug LED, should
light green while starting. If either LED
fails to light while starting, there is a
fault indicated with that function:

It’s normal for your EZ-Start
controller to become warm
after repeated use.

Protection Mode
The EZ-Start uses Smart Start™ technology to monitor the condition of
the system and detect failures. The controller monitors the load being
placed on the EZ-Start motor. If the load becomes excessive, the system
shuts off power to the motor to prevent costly damage to the motor and
the controller. This may occur, for example, if the engine floods with fuel
during starting. The starter spins at first but when excessive fuel in the
combustion chamber begins to lock up the engine, the starter motor
slows under the heavier load. This causes the protection circuit to shut

Glow
Plug

Turning off the switch for the radio will
not shut off the engine. To shut off the
engine, use the shut-off clamp on the fuel
line. Squeeze the clamp closed to shut off
the fuel supply to the engine. Don’t forget
to release it when you restart the engine.
Motor

Glow
Plug

Glow
Plug

If the Motor LED fails to light and
the starter fails to operate, then the
EZ-Start is in protection mode.

Motor

Shutting Off The Engine
Motor

Plug

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

Avoid shutting off the engine by placing your finger over the exhaust
outlet, especially if you are through driving for the day. This will leave
more unburned fuel in the engine that could lead to harmful corrosion.
Always be careful not to touch the exhaust pipe after running, it can
become very hot.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 27

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

Breaking in Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
See Important Points to
Remember on page 4 for
other precautions.
Never run your T-Maxx 3.3
indoors. Since the TRX 3.3
Racing Engine exhaust
fumes are harmful, always
run your model outdoors, in
a well-ventilated area.
Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
doesn’t usually require
priming. If you do need to
prime your engine, watch
the fuel line carefully to
avoid flooding your engine.
See page 44 for information
on clearing a flooded engine.
Factory Needle Settings:
Your carburetor is preset at
the factory to give the
correct air-to-fuel ratio and
idle speed for engine breakin. Do not adjust the
carburetor unless you
observe a poor running
condition that requires
correction (see page 25 for
stock settings).
Higher nitro requires a
richer fuel mixture. When
running 33% fuel, richen
your high speed needle 3/4
turn if previously running
20% nitro and then re-tune
the engine for maximum
performance. See page 22
for more information.

28

• T-MAXX 3.3

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine uses a ringless, aluminum-brass-chrome (ABC)
piston/sleeve construction. This type of engine design relies on a very
precise running fit between the piston and sleeve for cylinder sealing.
Engine break-in is necessary to allow the piston and sleeve to develop
an extremely precise fit and optimum cylinder sealing. Therefore,
proper engine break-in is critical to achieving the fastest, most reliable
engine performance.
Allow yourself about 1 to 11/2 hours to complete the break-in procedure.
The engine break-in period will take 5 tanks of fuel in a T-Maxx 3.3. The
break-in time is not the time to impress your friends with your new T-Maxx
3.3. You must wait until the engine is fully broken in before attempting
sustained high speed running. Patience and careful attention during
break-in will reward you with the best-performing TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
possible.
During break-in, your engine may appear to malfunction with symptoms
like stalling, inconsistent performance, and fouled glow plugs. These are
simply the normal “break-in pains” engines sometimes go through. They
will disappear once your engine is fully broken in. Many owners report not
experiencing any of these symptoms with TRX Racing Engines. We
recommend to go ahead and replace the glow plug with a new one
after the engine break in procedure.

Engine Break-in Procedure
The focus during break-in is to vary and limit the engine speed. This will
be accomplished by accelerating and stopping at different rates for the
first 5 tanks of fuel. As the engine begins to break-in, the duration and
intensity of the acceleration will gradually increase. Sustained high-speed
running is not permitted until the 6th tank of fuel. Perform the initial
break-in on a large, flat, paved surface. T-Maxx 3.3 is very fast and by
tanks 4 and 5 you will need plenty of room for the truck to run in. Apply
all throttle and braking actions gently. Abrupt acceleration or braking
could cause the engine to stall unnecessarily.
Special break-in fuels are not recommended. Use the same fuel you
plan to use everyday.
If possible, avoid breaking-in the engine on extremely hot or cold days
(see page 30).
Pay careful attention to the fuel level. Do not allow the fuel tank to run
completely empty. An extremely low fuel level causes the mixture to
run too lean. This could result in a burned glow plug or extremely high
engine temperatures.
Do not attempt to break in the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine by idling it on a
stand. This will produce poor results.

Keep extra Traxxas glow plugs handy. The break-in process can cause
deposits to form on the plug leading to plug failure.
Change or clean your air filter after break-in.
Follow the instructions exactly for each of the first 5 tanks of fuel.

Starting Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine for the First Time
Before you start your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine for the first time, make sure
you have read all instructions and precautions in this manual. Pay close
attention to the tank-by-tank break-in instructions in the next section,
and make sure you have read and understood them before you run
your engine.
Your engine must be at room temperature (70°F or 21° C) or above the
first time you start it. If it’s cooler than room temperature outside, remove
all fuel and keep your T-Maxx 3.3 indoors until you’re ready to start it and
then take it outside. If it’s colder than 45 degrees, special considerations
should be made. See cold weather break-in on page 30. We do not
recommend running the model in temperatures below 35 degrees.
1. Turn on the radio system (see page 16).
2. Make sure the throttle trigger on the
transmitter is in the idle (neutral) position.
3. Connect the EZ-Start controller according to
the instructions on page 27.
4. Press the starter button in short two second
bursts and watch for fuel moving through the
fuel line up to the carburetor. Watch closely!
The fuel moves very fast. If the fuel doesn’t move through the line
within 5 seconds, prime the engine by briefly (one or two seconds)
covering the exhaust outlet with your finger until the fuel is just visible
in the carburetor fuel line. Watch carefully! If the engine is primed too
long, it will flood with fuel and stop turning.
5. Once fuel reaches the carburetor, the engine should
quickly start and idle.
6. Disconnect the EZ-Start controller from the model.
7. Proceed with the engine break-in.
8. Do not rev your engine with no load (wheels off the ground).
If your engine doesn’t start, refer to the troubleshooting tips beginning on
page 43 or go online to www.traxxas.com/support. If your factory fuel
mixture settings have been altered, refer to page 25. If you still have
problems, contact Traxxas Customer Support at 1-888-TRAXXAS or
support@traxxas.com.

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
Note: The wheelie bar is installed in the “down” position to help keep the
front of the T-Maxx 3.3 down during acceleration. Apply throttle gradually
to prevent wheelies during break-in. See page 40 for wheelie bar
adjustment.
Tank 1
1. Drive the model with the body off.
2. Driving procedure: Gently pull the throttle trigger to 1/4 throttle over
a 2-second count. Then gently apply the brake to stop. Count the two
seconds out while accelerating: one thousand one, one thousand two,
and then stop. Operate the throttle trigger as smoothly as you can.
Repeat this starting and stopping procedure until the first tank of
fuel is nearly empty.
3. Look for thick blue smoke exiting the exhaust outlet. If there is
no smoke, richen the high-speed needle 1/4 turn, by turning the needle
counterclockwise.
4. When the fuel tank is nearly empty, shut off the engine by pinching the
fuel line connected to the carburetor (use the installed clamp).
5. Let the engine cool for 15 minutes.
Note: If at any point the engine cuts out or stalls during gentle
acceleration, richen the high-speed needle 1/4 turn by turning the needle
counterclockwise.
Tank 2
1. From tank 2 forward, T-Maxx 3.3 should be driven with the body on.
2. Driving procedure: Gently pull the throttle trigger to 1/2 throttle over
a 2-second count. Then gently apply the brake to stop. Count the two
seconds out while accelerating: one thousand one, one thousand two,
and then stop. Repeat this starting and stopping procedure until the
second tank of fuel is nearly empty.
3. When the fuel tank is nearly empty, shut off the engine and let it cool
for 15 minutes.
Tank 3
1. Driving procedure: Gently pull the throttle trigger to 1/2 throttle over
a 3-second count. Then gently apply the brake to stop. Count the
three seconds out while accelerating: one thousand one, one thousand
two, one thousand three, and then stop. Repeat this starting and
stopping procedure until the third tank of fuel is nearly empty.

Tank

Throttle

1
2
3
4
5

1/4
1/2
1/2
Full
Full

Time
2
2
3
3
5

Seconds
Seconds
Seconds
Seconds
Seconds

2. As the engine loosens, the idle speed may increase and cause
the model to try to creep forward when stopped. Reduce the
idle speed by turning the idle adjustment (see page 19) on the
carburetor counterclockwise.
3. When the fuel tank is nearly empty, shut off the engine and refuel.
From here on, you do not need to let the engine cool between tanks.
Tank 4
1. Driving procedure: Gently pull the throttle trigger to full throttle over
a 3-second count. Then gently apply the brake to stop. Count the
three seconds out while accelerating: one thousand one, one thousand
two, one thousand three, and then stop. Repeat this starting and
stopping procedure until the fourth tank of fuel is nearly empty.
2. Apply the throttle gradually! Your finger should not reach full throttle
until the end of the three-second count. T-Maxx 3.3 may try to shift into
second gear. If it does, reduce the throttle input. Do not let T-Maxx 3.3
shift out of first gear.
3. Keep your driving smooth and consistent.
4. When the fuel tank is nearly empty, shut off the engine and refuel.
Tank 5
1. Driving procedure: Gently pull the throttle trigger to full throttle over
a 3-second count, hold for 2 more seconds, and then gently apply
the brake to stop. Count the five seconds out while accelerating.
Repeat this starting and stopping procedure until the fifth tank of
fuel is nearly empty.
2. The model should now be shifting into second gear. If it is not, try
turning the high-speed needle clockwise 1/8 turn to lean the fuel
mixture slightly and test for shifting.
3. When the fuel tank is nearly empty, shut off the engine and refuel.
Tank 6
STOP! Clean your air filter before you proceed. Refer to the instructions
on page 23. During the sixth tank of fuel, the engine can be tuned
for general performance use. Proceed to the next section in this manual
(page 31).

Cool

Body

15 Minutes
15 Minutes
-

Off
On
On
On
On

High Altitude Operation:
If you live in a high
altitude region (5000 or
more feet above sea level),
the lower air density may
require you to lean your
high-speed fuel mixture
slightly from the factory
break in settings. Try this
if you are experiencing
difficult starting or
extremely sluggish
engine performance at
high altitude.

As you gain experience in
the hobby, you may
discover that many people
have differing opinions on
what is the proper
procedure to break-in a
model engine. Only use the
Traxxas break-in procedure.
Other break-in procedures
could result in a weak,
damaged, or otherwise poor
performing engine. The
procedure outlined here
was extensively tested and
proven to yield better
performing engines than
other “common” break-in
methods. Even if you have
years of experience using
model engines, please do
not ignore this caution!

Notes
Apply throttle gradually.
Apply throttle gradually.
Reduce idle speed if necessary.
Do not allow shifting to high gear.
Accelerate over 3 second count, hold for 2 seconds.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 29

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

Winter Break-in Tips
During the break-in process, the piston and sleeve wear into each other
to form a precise fit. The engine needs to heat up to a temperature
around 200 to 215 degrees to allow the piston and sleeve to achieve this
fit properly. A precise fit between these two components is critical for
proper compression, and optimum performance. If the engine runs too
cold during break-in, the piston and sleeve will not expand to their
appropriate sizes for break-in, and this can lead to premature wear of
these components. This wear may not become apparent until after winter
has past, and the engine is operated under warmer running conditions.
Warm the engine to approximately room temperature by removing
all fuel and storing the vehicle inside at room temperature until just
before starting the engine. An extremely cold engine can become
difficult to start.
After the engine is running, it is important to keep the temperature of
the engine up around 200 to 215 degrees during break-in. In weather
below 45 degrees, the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine will tend to run at lower
temperatures between 160 to 180 degrees (when tuned at proper
break-in mixture settings). This is too cool for break-in. Do not lean the
fuel mixture to increase engine temperature! This will also decrease
lubrication and cause your piston/sleeve to wear prematurely.
Wrap the cooling head with a paper
towel, clean rag or sock to help keep
the engine running around the
recommended 200 to 215 break-in
temp. If too much heat is contained,
the engine can actually run too hot.
Make sure that you monitor the
engine's temp closely for the first
couple of tanks until you get the right
amount of cover for the cooling head. This will, of course, depend on
your current weather conditions. Adjusting the cover up and down,
exposing more or fewer cooling fins, is a convenient way to regulate
engine temps.

30

• T-MAXX 3.3

For owners that do not have access to a temperature probe, a drop of
water on the cooling head (around the glow plug area) should slowly
sizzle for approximately 6 to 8 seconds around 200 to 210 degrees. If
the water sizzles for only a few seconds, then it is likely that it is over
220 degrees, and needs to cool down. If the water takes a long time or
does not evaporate at all, then the engine is too cool.
We do not recommend that you operate your engine below 35
degrees Fahrenheit. If you insist on running your vehicle below 35
degrees, be aware that nitro engines may be very difficult to start and
tune at extremely cold temperatures. Also, at temperatures below
freezing, nitro fuel can actually begin to gel up, and this can be
harmful to the engine.
Follow the remaining break-in procedures as outlined in this Owners
Manual. This, along with the steps listed above, will ensure a good breakin for your new nitro engine, and provide many hours of enjoyment.

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

Tuning Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
The engine’s performance depends on the fuel mixture. Turn the mixture
needles clockwise to lean the fuel mixture and counterclockwise to
richen it. Leaning the fuel mixture will increase engine power up to the
engine’s mechanical limits. Never run the engine too lean (not enough
fuel flow). Never lean the engine until it begins to cut-out or stall.
Leaning the engine beyond the safe allowable limits will result in poor
performance and almost certain engine damage. Indications of an
overly lean mixture include:
Cutting out or sudden loss of power during acceleration.
Overheating (temperature beyond 270° F at the glow plug).
Little or no blue smoke coming from the exhaust.
If any of these conditions are present, stop immediately and richen the
high speed mixture 1/4 turn. The engine will probably be slightly rich at
that setting and you can then retune for performance. Always tune for
performance by starting rich and moving leaner toward the ideal setting.
Never try to tune from the lean side. There should always be a light
stream of blue smoke coming from the exhaust.
Before you begin tuning, the engine should be warmed up to its normal
operating temperature and running slightly rich. All final tuning adjustments
must be made to the engine at its normal operating temperature. You can
tell the engine is running rich by noting any of the following:

3. There is a sudden loss of power during acceleration (Danger!).
4. The engine begins to overheat. Symptoms of overheating include:
Steam or smoke coming from the engine (not exhaust).
Hesitation or stalling during acceleration.
Popping or clattering sound when decelerating (detonation).
Fluctuating idle speed.
Temperature measurement above 270° F at the glow plug
(A temperature reading above 270° alone does not necessarily
indicate overheating. Look for other symptoms of overheating
combined with temperature for a more accurate warning).
Richen the fuel mixture to the optimum setting by richening the highspeed needle at least 1/8 turn counterclockwise and retest. This setting
will extend engine component life.

When tuning for
performance, watch closely
to notice when there is no
longer any increase in speed
or power when the
high-speed mixture is lean.
If you lean the high-speed
mixture to the point that the
engine cuts-out, hesitates,
or stalls, you are well into
the danger zone and engine
damage is likely. Richen the
high-speed needle 1/4 turn
and retune.

For your convenience, the
low-speed needle has a
positive stop that prevents
it from being over tightened
and damaging the needle
and seat. This also provides
an easy way to gauge how
many turns out from closed
the low-speed needle
adjustment is set to.

Sluggish acceleration with blue smoke coming from the exhaust.
T-Maxx 3.3 may not shift into second gear.
There is unburned fuel spraying from the exhaust tip.
Leaning the high-speed fuel mixture increases performance.

High-Speed Fuel Mixture Adjustment
With the engine warm and running at a rich setting, gradually lean the
high-speed fuel mixture in 1/16 turn increments. Make several highspeed passes after each adjustment to clear out the engine and note any
change in performance. The TRX 3.3 is extremely powerful. Remember to
apply the throttle gradually to prevent wheelies or loss of control.
Continue this procedure until there is no longer any performance
improvement. If any one of the following conditions occurs, the fuel
mixture is already past the maximum safe lean setting:
1. There is no longer any performance improvement.
2. The engine begins to cut out at high speed (Danger!).
T-MAXX 3.3 • 31

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

When adjusting the low
speed fuel mixture, it is
very important to make
several high-speed runs
with T-Maxx 3.3 between
adjustments to clear out
any excess fuel. Perform
the pinch test immediately
after. If the engine is
allowed to idle for a long
period of time, it could
“load up” with fuel and
give you an inaccurate
measurement from your
pinch test.

Higher nitro requires a
richer fuel mixture. When
running 33% fuel, richen
your high speed needle 3/4
turn if previously running
20% nitro and then re-tune
the engine for maximum
performance. See page 22
for more information

Low-Speed Fuel Mixture Adjustment

Idle Speed Adjustment

The low-speed mixture is always set after the high-speed needle is
correctly adjusted. The low-speed mixture is set using the pinch test.

Once the high and low-speed mixtures have been set, reduce the idle
speed to the minimum reliable idle speed. Remember, this adjustment
should be made while the engine is running at normal operating
temperature.

1. Once the engine is warm, do several high-speed runs to confirm
that the high-speed needle is set correctly.
2. Bring the vehicle in and pinch closed the fuel line going into the
carburetor (use the engine shut-off clamp). The engine should run
for 2-3 seconds, speed up, and then shut off.
3. If the engine runs longer than 3 seconds, then lean the low-speed
needle 1/16 turn, make several more high-speed runs, and retest.
4. If the engine shuts off immediately without speeding up, then richen
the low-speed needle 1/8 turn, make several more high-speed runs,
and retest.
When the low-speed needle is set correctly, the engine’s throttle
response should be very quick, even to the point of making it difficult to
keep T-Maxx 3.3 from doing a wheelie when you accelerate!

Fuel Mixture Adjustment Chart
If the...

is..

then the air density is...

adjust (correct) the
fuel mixture to be...

Humidity

Lower

Slightly more dense

Slightly richer

Higher

Slightly less dense

Slightly leaner

Lower

Less dense

Leaner

Higher

More dense

Richer

Lower

More dense

Richer

Higher

Less dense

Leaner

Lower

More dense

Richer

Higher

Less dense

Leaner

Pressure (barometer)
Temperature
Altitude
Nitro %

32

• T-MAXX 3.3

1. Turn the throttle trim on the transmitter so the brakes are
applied (note its original position). This ensures that the throttle
slide is resting against the idle adjustment screw.
2. Turn the screw counterclockwise to reduce the idle speed, or
clockwise to increase it. The idle speed should be set as low as
possible while still maintaining reliable running characteristics.
3. Reset the throttle trim on the transmitter to its original position.

Lower

Leaner

Higher

Richer

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

Fine-Tuning the Carburetor
After fine-tuning your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine at the end of the break-in
procedure, no major adjustments to the fuel mixture are usually
necessary. Make note of the temperature, humidity, and barometric
pressure at the time you finished fine tuning your carburetor. Current
weather conditions can be found online from national websites, local TV
news websites, and television. This information will be considered your
baseline setting.
You may need to adjust your carburetor needles to compensate for
changes in temperature and barometric pressure (air density) from day
to day. Generally, you’ll need to richen the fuel mixture when the
weather is colder than your baseline temperature and the air density is
higher. Lean the fuel mixture when weather is warmer than your
baseline temperature and the air density is lower. The chart below
provides general guidelines on how weather conditions affect air density
when they move higher or lower than your baseline setting (see page 24
for detailed info on how air density affects mixture settings).

Tuning the Engine by Temperature
The following procedures require an
optional infrared temperature probe or
on-board temperature gauge (Traxxas
on-board digital temperature gauge, part
#4091). Engine temperature can be used as
an effective tuning aid when you
understand the relationship between
engine temperature and ambient temperature. The engine operating
temperature, when tuned for maximum performance, will vary according
to atmospheric conditions, engine load, gauge accuracy, and many other
factors. The atmospheric condition that has the most influence on engine
temperature is air temperature. Expect the engine temperature to vary
almost in direct proportion to air temperature. Assuming you tuned the
engine for the same maximum performance each day, the engine will run
about twenty degrees hotter when it’s ninety degrees outside than it
would in seventy-degree weather. For this reason, we cannot give
you a definitive temperature range that indicates the best possible
engine tuning.

There is NO optimal temperature that can be used as a target to deliver
the best engine tuning. Do not rely on a temp gauge alone to tune
your engine. Tune the engine by paying very close attention to how it
responds to changes in fuel mixture (more smoke/less smoke,
fast/sluggish, reliable/stalling, smooth sound/ muffled sound, etc).
Once the engine is tuned, then observe the temperature.
The temperature gauge can aid you in tuning by giving you a relative
indication of how your adjustments are affecting the engine and to help
prevent you from reaching excessive engine temperatures. For example,
as you lean the fuel mixture, the engine performance will increase along
with the temperature. If you continue to lean the fuel mixture and the
temperature increases but the engine performance does not change,
then you have exceeded the maximum safe lean setting. Make note of
the engine temperature. Generally, try to keep your engine from
exceeding 270°F when measured at the glow plug. If necessary, increase
airflow to the engine by cutting out the rear of the body, windshield, and
front valance. In some situations, the engine may perform very well with
no stalling, lagging, or hesitation at temperatures above 270°F,
particularly in very hot climates. If richening the fuel mixture to bring the
temperature down to 270°F results in poor, sluggish performance (engine
never cleans out) then return the engine back to a satisfactory state of
tune based on how it sounds and performs (always with a visible stream
of blue smoke coming from the exhaust). If engine temperature is
exceeding 270°F with proper cooling and no signs of abnormal running,
then avoid running the engine at its maximum lean setting. Watch
closely for any signs of overheating. Richen the fuel mixture slightly to
provide a safety margin of additional cooling lubrication. Symptoms of
overheating include:
Steam or smoke coming from the engine (not exhaust).
Hesitation or stalling during acceleration.
Popping or clattering sound when decelerating (detonation).
Fluctuating idle speed.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 33

LEFT

Introduction

RIGHT

Driving Your T-Maxx 3.3

Forward and Reverse Operation

Forward and reverse gears are
SHIFT
Your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is broken in, the fuel mixture is balanced,
REVERSE
selected
with the shift button
and the idle is set…now it’s time to have some fun! This section contains
located in the transmitter handle
instructions on making adjustments to your T-Maxx 3.3. Before you go
grip. The switch
is normally in the
ACCELERATE
BRAKE
on, here are some important precautions to keep in mind.
down, or forward, position.
Don’t run your T-Maxx 3.3 in water, mud, snow, or wet grass. It’s
SHIFT
ToNEUTRAL
shift into reverse, bring your
tempting, but water and mud are easily drawn through the air filter
FORWARD
T-Maxx 3.3 to a complete stop
and will severely damage the engine. Small amounts of moisture can
and push the shift button up.
cause electronics to fail and loss of control over your T-Maxx 3.3.
Accelerate to engage the gear.
Snow is frozen water. Do not drive the T-Maxx 3.3 in snow or the
To return to forward gear, repeat the same procedure but move the
electronics could be damaged by water.
shift button down.
The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is extremely powerful. Remember to apply
T-Maxx 3.3 will not shift between forward and reverse unless the
the throttle gradually to prevent loss of control. T-Maxx 3.3 is very fast
truck is stopped. If it will not shift, then refer to the troubleshooting
and responsive and is intended for experienced drivers. Do not drive
section on www.Traxxas.com or call Traxxas support.
over the limits of your reflexes and ability. Drive with caution at all
times and gradually build up your ability to maintain control at
Driving Tips
T-Maxx 3.3’s upper performance limits.
Monster trucks by design have a high center of gravity that requires a
Don’t hold T-Maxx 3.3 off the ground and rev the engine excessively
different driving technique. To prevent rollovers, slow down as you
with no load on the engine. This practice could result in internal
approach turns and then apply moderate throttle through the turns.
engine damage. Avoid over revving the engine when T-Maxx 3.3 is
This technique will help T-Maxx 3.3 grab the surface and turn sharper.
airborne after a jump.
Do not apply brakes and turn the wheel at the same time. You could
Avoid excessive high-speed running for extended periods of time or
tip the truck over.
over long distances. This could cause the engine to build up enough
speed to exceed maximum safe rpm limits.
When jumping, apply some throttle while T-Maxx 3.3 is in the air to
keep the truck’s nose up and land level on all 4 wheels. Be careful not
Don’t drive your T-Maxx 3.3 with drive train damage of any kind. The
to over-rev the engine or land at full throttle. Either could seriously
engine could be damaged due to overloads caused by drivetrain
damage your T-Maxx 3.3. If the nose of the truck is too high, then
friction, or over-revving caused by loose or missing parts.
quickly tap the brake to level the truck in the air.
Don’t tow anything with your T-Maxx 3.3. The engine is cooled by
CH.1

CH.1

CH.2

CH.2

CH.3

airflow created by speed. Towing creates a high load on the engine, and
at the same time limits cooling of the engine due to low vehicle speed.
If your T-Maxx 3.3 gets stuck, stop driving immediately. Move the
vehicle and then continue driving.
Never turn off the radio system while the engine is running. The truck
could run out of control.

CH.3

Drive over large obstacles (such as curbs and rocks) at an angle,
instead of head on. This will allow the suspension to articulate and
absorb the impact much easier.
Even though T-Maxx 3.3 is capable of high speed in reverse, it is very
difficult to control while driving in reverse. Limit your reverse speed
to prevent crashing or flipping your T-Maxx 3.3.
Change or clean your air filter element after each hour of running.
This is critical for the life of your engine. Running time includes the
engine break-in period.

34

• T-MAXX 3.3

Tuning Adjustments
We recommend using two-hole pistons with a
range of oil viscosities from 10W to 40W
(available from your hobby shop). The thinner
viscosity oils (30W or less) flow with less
resistance and provide less damping, while
thicker oils provide more dampening. Use only
100% pure silicone shock oil to prolong seal life.
From the factory, the T-Maxx 3.3 uses 30W oil.

Suspension Tuning
Adjusting the Pivot Ball Caps
The pivot ball caps should be adjusted
so that the pivot balls operate freely in the
axle carriers with no excess play. Use the
provided four-way suspension multi-tool
to tighten or loosen the pivot ball cap.

Caster Adjustment
The T-Maxx 3.3 offers the ability to adjust the caster angle of the front
suspension. Caster adjustment may be used to influence the understeer/
oversteer handling characteristics of the T-Maxx 3.3. Increasing the caster
angle will increase the tendency of the truck to oversteer (less traction on
the rear tires, more traction on the front tires), while decreasing the caster
angle will cause the truck to have a tendency to understeer (push in the
turns). This effect becomes more pronounced at higher steering angles and
higher spring rates. Caster is adjusted by repositioning the shims on the
pivot point of the upper suspension arms.
Caster adjustment shims (2 Front)

Caster adjustment shims (1 Front, 1 Rear)

Vertical

Vertical

Vertical
7

4
Ground plane

Caster adjustment shims (2 Rear)

Ground plane

10
Ground plane

The stock caster setting is 7-degrees with one shim at each end of the arm.
Reduce the caster angle to 4-degrees by removing the rear shim and
inserting it next to the front shim. The caster angle can be increased to 10degrees by removing the front shim and inserting it next to the rear shim.

Fine Tuning the Shocks
The eight shocks (oil dampers) on your T-Maxx 3.3 have tremendous
influence on its handling. Whenever you rebuild your shocks, or make any
changes to the pistons, springs or oil, always do it carefully and in sets (front
or rear). Piston head selection depends on the range of oil viscosities that
you have available. For example, using a two-hole piston with lightweight oil
will give you the same damping as a three-hole piston with heavier oil.

The ride height for the T-Maxx 3.3 can be
adjusted by adding or removing the clip-on
spring pre-load spacers. Note that changes in ride
height will occur when changes in shock angle or
spring rates are made. You can compensate for
ride height changes by changing the pre-load
spacers on the shocks

For easier access to the
rear-most shock mounting
screw, remove the one end
of the rear turnbuckle. In
the front, remove the
suspension pin from the
lower front suspension arm
to gain easier access to the
lower shock mounting
screws.

Shock Mounting Positions
Big bumps and rough terrain require a softer suspension with the
maximum possible suspension travel and ride height. Racing on a
prepared track or on-road use requires a lower ride height and firmer, more
progressive suspension settings. The more progressive suspension settings
help reduce body roll (increased roll stiffness), dive during braking, and
squat during acceleration.
Upper shock mounting position (A)
should generally be used with lower
shock mounting positions 1 and 2.
Upper shock mounting position (B)
should be generally be used with
lower shock mounting positions 3
and 4. The innermost upper shock
mounting position (0) can be used
for tuning with the inner pair of
lower shock mounting positions on
the arm (1,2). It is not compatible
with lower shock mounting positions
3 and 4. Other combinations may be
used to achieve individualized
suspension settings.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 35

Tuning Adjustments
(1,2 and 3,4) has equal ride height. Use lower ride height for high-speed
cornering and flat terrain, and when racing on relatively smooth tracks.
Increase the ride height for rougher terrain and tracks.

Lower Shock Mounting Positions
In the out-of-the-box configuration, the shocks are installed in position (A)
on the shock tower and position (2) on the lower suspension arm. This
setting allows for firm suspension and low ride height, increasing the spring
force (at the wheel). This setting improves high-speed cornering on
smoother terrain by lowering the center of gravity. Body roll, brake dive,
and squat are also reduced.

Upper Shock Mounting Positions
The upper shock mounting positions will have suspension effects opposite
from the lower shock mounting positions.
Spring rate (at the wheel), increases as the upper shock mounting position
is moved from position (A) to position (B).

The inner pair of holes on the lower suspension arm should
be used to increase the ride height of the T-Maxx 3.3. The more vertical
position of the shocks will allow for lower shock progression and the soft,
plush feel that’s characteristic of a Traxxas Maxx Truck.

Ride height is not affected by changes in the upper shock mounting
position.
Use the chart below to see the effect of the various shock mounting
positions. The horizontal length of the lines indicates the amount of
suspension travel. The angle or slope of the lines indicates the spring rate
(at the wheel).

Spring rate (at the wheel) increases as the lower shock mounting position
is moved from position (1) to position (4). This is equivalent to using stiffer
springs. Use higher spring rate settings for flatter terrain with smaller and
fewer bumps, and lower spring rate settings for bigger bumps.
Ride height decreases as the lower shock mounting position is moved
from position (1) to position (4). Each pair of lower shock mounting holes

Wheel Force vs. Wheel Travel
2.5
Lower Mount 1, Upper Mount 0
Lower Mount 2, Upper Mount 0
Lower Mount 1, Upper Mount A
Lower Mount 2, Upper Mount A
Lower Mount 3, Upper Mount A
Lower Mount 4, Upper Mount A
Lower Mount 1, Upper Mount B
Lower Mount 2, Upper Mount B
Lower Mount 3, Upper Mount B
Lower Mount 4, Upper Mount B

Wheel Force (lb)

2

1.5

Lower Mount 4
Lower Mount 3
Lower Mount 2

More Firm

Lower Mount 1

1

Less Firm

0.5

0
0

10

20

30

40

50

Wheel Travel (mm)
36

• T-MAXX 3.3

60

70

80

90

100

Tuning Adjustments

Alignment Settings

Transmission Tuning

Adjusting the Toe-in

Adjusting the Slipper Clutch

Your T-Maxx 3.3 comes from the factory
with zero degrees of toe-in in the front,
and one degree of toe-in in the rear. You
can adjust the toe-in on the front and rear
of the truck. Set the steering trim on your
transmitter to neutral. Next, adjust your
steering turnbuckles so that both front
wheels are pointing straight ahead and
are parallel to each other (0 degrees toein). This will ensure the same amount of
steering in both directions. Adjust the rear
toe control links so that the rear wheels
have 1˚ of toe-in.

Your T-Maxx 3.3 is equipped with an
adjustable Torque Control slipper
clutch. The slipper clutch is integrated
into the main spur gear on the
transmission (see page 6). The slipper
clutch is adjusted using the springloaded locknut on the slipper shaft.
Use the supplied 8mm open-end
metric wrench. To tighten or loosen the slipper nut, insert the 2.0mm
hex wrench into the hole in the end of the slipper shaft. This locks the
shaft for adjustments. Turn the adjustment nut clockwise to tighten (less
slippage) and counter-clockwise to loosen (more slippage). The slipper
clutch has two functions:

Static Camber Adjustment

1. Limiting the engine’s torque output to the wheels to prevent
wheelspin on low traction surfaces and help to prevent damage
to the gears in the transmission during on-throttle landings.

The wheels can be set to have either positive or
negative camber (see illustration below). The
camber angle changes as the wheel moves up and
down through its range of travel. Static camber is
the camber angle at the wheel when the vehicle is
set at its normal, stationary ride height.
The suspension pivot balls located in the axle
carriers adjust the static camber. The pivot balls
are protected by blue dust plugs. To adjust your
static camber, insert the supplied 2.5mm hex wrench through the slit in
the dust plug and engage the end of the pivot ball (compressing the
suspension until the arms are parallel to the ground will allow for easier
hex wrench engagement). The upper pivot ball is normally screwed all
the way in. Negative camber is achieved by screwing the pivot ball of the
lower control arm out. Note: When camber is changed, the toe angle of
the wheel has to be reset.
Static Camber Base
Factory Settings
Front: 1-degree negative
camber each side
Rear: 1-degree negative
camber each side
Positive Camber

All of the toe links are
installed on the truck so that
the left hand thread
indicators point to the same
direction. This makes it easier
to remember which way to
turn the wrench to increase
or decrease toe link length
(the direction is same at all
four corners). Note that the
groove in the hex indicates
the side of the toe link with
the left-hand threads.
Front of Truck

Left Hand Thread
Indicator

2. Protecting the drivetrain from sudden impact or shock loads (such as
landing from a jump with the engine at full throttle).
From the factory the slipper clutch is set for minimal slippage, just
enough to protect the drivetrain from shock loads. On slippery, low
traction surfaces such as a hard-packed, dry racetrack you may benefit
from loosening the slipper adjustment nut to allow for more clutch
slippage. This will make the truck easier and more forgiving to drive by
helping to reduce the amount of wheel spin. Loosening the slipper
adjustment can also improve performance on extreme high traction
surfaces by preventing the front end from lifting off of the ground when
accelerating. Make slipper adjustments in small 1/8 turn increments.
The maximum tight setting for the slipper is just at the point where
there is little or no tire slippage on a high traction surface such as
concrete or a prepared racetrack. The slipper should not be tightened to
the point that clutch slippage is completely eliminated. Do not
overtighten the slipper nut or you could damage the slipper bearings,
pressure plates, or other components.

Left Side
Front of Truck

Left Hand Thread
Indicator

Right Side
Right Hand
(Normal) Threads
Left Hand
Threads

Increase
Length

Decrease
Length

Negative Camber
T-MAXX 3.3 • 37

Tuning Adjustments

Two Speed Adjustment
note: If the truck will not roll
forward while the spur gear
is held, the transmission
may still be in reverse gear.

Adjusting the Two-Speed Transmission

Adjusting the Spur Gear/Clutch Bell Gear Mesh

T-Maxx 3.3 comes equipped with an adjustable two-speed transmission.
When the shift point on the transmission is adjusted correctly, it will
maximize acceleration and improve drivability. Use a 2mm hex wrench
to adjust the shift point. To make the adjustment, the engine must be off
(not running).

The ideal spur gear/clutch bell gear mesh
for T-Maxx 3.3 is 0.1mm. To set the gear
mesh, place a strip of standard letter/A4 size
copy or printer paper (about 0.1mm thick)
between the mating teeth. Loosen the four
engine mount screws from the bottom side
of the chassis (see image) and slide the
engine mount up to push the clutch bell gear
against the spur gear so the paper is not too
tight to pull out or too loose that it will fall out.
Tighten the engine mount screws securely.
When the paper is removed, you should feel
only the slightest amount of play between the
gears (almost none) and there should be no
binding or friction.

1. Shift the transmission into forward gear
(shift button down).
2. Remove the rubber access plug from the
top of the transmission housing.
3. While looking through the
opening, rotate the spur gear to
align the cutout (notch) on the internal
2-speed clutch drum with the opening.
4. Hold the spur gear and slowly roll the
truck forward until the hex on the black
adjustment set screw becomes visible in
the opening. Note: the truck will only roll
forward (not backwards) when the spur
gear is held stationary.

Changing the Spur Gear
1. Remove the four cap head screws that secure
the engine to the engine mount.
2. Remove the button head screw that secures the
pipe hanger to the rear body mount (see inset).

5. Insert the 2.0mm hex wrench
through the clutch drum and into
the adjustment screw.
6. Turn the adjustment screw 1/8 turn
counter clockwise to lower the shift
point (shifts sooner). Be careful not to
loosen the adjustment screw too much
or you may cause the screw and spring
to fall out (requiring major disassembly
and repair). Turn the adjustment screw
clockwise for later shifts.

3. Carefully remove the engine and exhaust system
from the spur gear area to allow enough room to
remove the spur gear.
Shift
Sooner

CounterClockwise

7. Reinstall the rubber access plug to prevent dirt from entering the
transmission. Do not put oil or other lubricants into the transmission
through the two-speed adjustment access.
8. Check performance by running a test lap after each adjustment. On a
small race track with many tight turns, try setting the shift point later so
that the truck only shifts into second gear on the main straightaway.
This will prevent an unexpected shift in the middle of a turn. On larger
tracks it may be necessary to allow earlier shifts for increased speed.
38

• T-MAXX 3.3

4. Remove the three screws on the slipper clutch assembly using a 2.5mm
hex wrench. Slide the spur gear off of the slipper shaft. If the spur gear
is too tight on the shaft, gently pry on the back of the gear with a flat
screw driver to loosen it.
Repeat the above steps in reverse order to install the new spur gear

Adjusting the Gear Ratio
The gear ratio on T-Maxx 3.3 can be adjusted for different conditions
that may require either increased acceleration or increased top speed.
Adjusting the gear ratio is accomplished by changing the clutch bell on
the engine and/or the spur gear (slipper clutch gear) on the
transmission. From the factory, T-Maxx 3.3 is equipped with a 22-tooth
clutch bell and a 54-tooth spur gear. This combination will provide a
good balance of acceleration and top speed. Optional spur gears and
clutch bell gears are listed on your parts list. Refer to the chart on page
39 for possible gearing combinations

Tuning Adjustments

Adjusting the Two-Speed Ratios
T-Maxx 3.3 is equipped to allow adjustment to the 2-speed by installing
optional close and wide-ratio gearsets. This requires transmission removal
and disassembly (see www.Traxxas.com for detailed instructions). The
close ratio gearsets will reduce top speed slightly but will provide more
powerful acceleration by reducing engine rpm loss when shifting from 1st
gear to 2nd gear. The wide ratio gear set is designed for wide open areas
and will increase top speed, but reduce acceleration due to greater rpm
loss when shifting gears.
The following gear ratio chart shows the available combinations with
optional spur gears, clutch bells, and two-speed gear sets.
With 20T Clutch Bell
2nd gear sets
17T/39T
(Standard)

16T/40T
(Close)

18T/38T
(Wide)

# of Spur Gear Teeth

Gear
1st
2nd
1st
2nd
1st
2nd

With 22T Clutch Bell

(Standard)

16T/40T
(Close)

18T/38T
(Wide)

Gear
1st
2nd
1st
2nd
1st
2nd

With 24T Clutch Bell
2nd gear sets
17T/39T
(Standard)

16T/40T
(Close)

18T/38T
(Wide)

56
26.36
18.28
26.36
19.92
26.36
16.82

58
27.30
18.94
27.30
20.63
27.30
17.42

# of Spur Gear Teeth

(Standard)

2nd gear sets
17T/39T

54
25.42
17.63
25.42
19.21
25.42
16.22

54
23.11
16.03
23.11
17.47
23.11*
14.75*

56
23.96
16.62
23.96
18.11
23.96
15.29

58
24.82
17.21
24.82
18.76
24.82
15.84

# of Spur Gear Teeth

Gear
1st
2nd
1st
2nd
1st
2nd

54
21.18
14.69
21.18
16.01
21.18
13.52

56
21.97
15.24
21.97
16.60
21.97
14.02

Brake Setup & Adjustment
T-Maxx 3.3 is equipped with a disc brake that rides on the yoke of the
transmission’s front output shaft. The brake is preset at the factory and
should not require attention. As the brake material wears, future
adjustments may be necessary.

Brake Shoulder Screw Adjustment
The two shoulder bolts that are used to secure the brake pads to the
transmission housing may need to be adjusted periodically as the brake
material wears down. They should be tightened so a 0.50mm (.020") gap
exists between the disc and the brake pad (on the transmission side).
Adjust in one of the following ways:
1. Use a .50mm feeler gauge
between the brake pad insert
and brake disc.

0.5mm
gap

2. Push the outer brake pad firmly
against the inner pad with your
finger, sandwiching the brake
disc between the brake calipers. Tighten the brake shoulder bolts until
they just barely touch the brake pads. Do not over tighten these
fasteners or you could damage the brake calipers. Loosen each of the
shoulder bolts by 1 turn.

Brake Pad Wear and Replacement
During normal use the brake pads should wear at a relatively slow rate.
However, if the brake pads wear down close to the metal pad holders,
they should be replaced. Any more wear than this could cause damage to
the brake parts and improper operation of the brake system.

58
22.75
15.78
22.75
17.20
22.75
14.52

*stock configuration out of the box

T-MAXX 3.3 • 39

Tuning Adjustments

Wheelie Bar Setup & Adjustment
Wheelie Bar Installation
The Maxx Wheelie Bar can be used on any Maxx truck with the
stock rear skid plate, rear bumper, and rear bumper mounts.
It is also compatible with the Traxxas accessory aluminum rear
bumper (Part #4935X). The wheelie bar is intended for use on hard,
high-traction surfaces, such as pavement, where controlling wheelies
can be difficult. It is easily removed for off-road racing or jumping.

Each setting can offer different results based on the individual ride
height and droop settings for a particular truck. Try to avoid riding on
the wheelie bar wheels during normal driving (this can happen in the
lowest setting with lower than stock ride heights).
Remove the wheelie bar
when the T-Maxx will be
jumped or driven in harsh
off-road conditions.

Position 4 (no wheelies)
The top position on
cross bars. Offers the
flattest launches with
little or no wheelie.
This is the factory
installed position to
reduce wheelies
during break-in.
Position 3

1. Slowly bend the end of the skid plate downward, and then key the
skid plate into the slot of the wheelie bar.
Position 2

2. Slide the wheelie bar down to the bottom of the skid plate,
and then snap the clip over the lower bumper tube.
3. Removal is opposite of installation. Snap the wheelie bar off of the
bumper, and then slide the wheelie bar off of the skid plate.

Wheelie Bar Setup Instructions
Changing the position of the wheelie
bar height setting is easier when the
wheelie bar is installed on the truck.
Snap the upper arms off of the
wheelie position cross bars. Move the
upper arms to the desired wheelie
position cross bar and then snap
them in place.
40

• T-MAXX 3.3

Upper Arms
Position
Cross Bars

Position 1 (big wheelies)
Bottom position on
cross bars. Allows the
truck to tip back the
furthest during a
wheelie for longer,
high-speed wheelies.

Maintaining and Storing Your T-Maxx 3.3
Your T-Maxx 3.3 requires timely maintenance in order to stay in top
running condition. Neglecting the maintenance could allow dirt,
deposits, and moisture to build up inside the engine leading to internal
engine failure. The following procedures should be taken very seriously.
After each hour of running:
Clean and re-oil the air filter. The instructions for this procedure are on
page 23. We cannot stress enough the value of cleaning your air
filter at the scheduled intervals. The cleanliness and condition of your
air filter directly influences the running life span of your engine. Do not
skip air filter maintenance!
Clean the outside of the engine of accumulated dirt, oil, and grime.
Accumulated grime will decrease the engine’s ability to cool itself.
Tighten the wheel nuts (especially on the left side). Use the 8mm end
of the included glow plug wrench.
After each running session:
Perform after-run maintenance on the engine. This clears the engine
of destructive moisture and other corrosive deposits. This is extremely
important for the life of the engine. See page 42 for after-run
maintenance procedures.
Inspect the gears for wear, broken teeth, or debris lodged
between the teeth

Inspect the vehicle for obvious damage or wear. Look for:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Loose or missing screws
Cracked, bent, or damaged parts
Cut or loose wiring
Cut or kinked fuel lines
Signs of fuel leakage

Other periodic maintenance:
Connecting rod: The connecting rod should be replaced when the
piston and sleeve are replaced. Also replace the piston wrist pin and
G-clip whenever the connecting rod is replaced. As with other
internal engine components, connecting rod life depends engine’s
usage and the quality and frequency of the engine maintenance.
Inspect the connecting rod after 3-gallons of fuel have been used.
Slipper clutch pads (friction
material): Under normal use, the
friction material in the slipper
clutch should wear very slowly.
If the thickness of any one of the
slipper clutch pads is 1.8mm or less,
the friction disc should be replaced.
Measure the pad thickness using calipers or
measuring against the diameter of the 1.5 and
2.0mm hex wrenches provided with the model.
Piston/sleeve: The life of the piston and sleeve will
vary greatly with how the engine was used and
maintained. The piston and sleeve should be
replaced when they no longer seal effectively (loss
of compression). Symptoms include the engine
being difficult to start when warm, stalling when
warm, and stalling when throttle is suddenly closed
to idle. Replace the wrist pin and G-clip whenever
the piston and sleeve are replaced.

If the engine is worn or
damaged enough to require
replacing the piston, sleeve,
or connecting rod, consider
exchanging your old engine
for a brand new engine
under the terms of the
Traxxas Lifetime Engine
Replacement Plan (ERP). It
could save you time and
effort. Details are in your
model’s documentation
package.

The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is
designed to be easy to
rebuild. Critical engine
components such as the
crankcase, crankshaft, and
engine bearings are made
to extremely high quality
standards and should under
normal circumstances
outlast multiple sets of
pistons, sleeves, connecting
rods, and wrist pins
(reciprocating assemblies).
It could be more economical
for you to continue to use
your good bearings and
crankshafts, and simply
replace the reciprocating
assembly as needed. Engine
assembly is not difficult and
replacing the reciprocating
assembly does not require
any special tools or skills.

T-MAXX 3.3 • 41

Maintaining and Storing Your T-Maxx 3.3

After-run Procedure
Denatured alcohol
(available from home
centers and paint supply
stores) in a spray bottle is
an extremely effective
cleaner. Be sure to wear
safety glasses and gloves
when working with
denatured alcohol.

Be sure to follow proper
maintenance and storage
procedures to avoid
damage to your engine
and other components of
your T-Maxx 3.3.

Don’t put the fuel from
your tank back into your
fuel jug. Dispose of it
properly, following city or
county regulations.

Always wear eye
protection when using
compressed air or spray
cleaners and lubricants.

You must perform after-run maintenance on your TRX 3.3 Racing Engine
whenever the model will be stored for longer than a few hours. Taking
the time to prepare your engine for storage will reward you with longer
engine life, easier starting, and better performance.
When a nitro engine is shut off, some excess unburned fuel remains in
the engine. The methanol in model engine fuel is hygroscopic, which
means it easily attracts and absorbs moisture. This moisture can cause
rust and corrosion on the steel engine parts (crankshaft, bearings, wrist
pin and starter shaft) if the fuel is not removed from the engine. There are
after run oil products available from your hobby dealer or you can use
WD-40™, a common household lubricant. To ensure your TRX 3.3 Racing
Engine is protected from internal corrosion, use the following procedure:
1. Shut off the engine by pinching the fuel line closed. This allows most
of the excess fuel to be consumed by the engine. Be sure the throttle
is in the idle position. You may have to pinch the fuel line closed for
several seconds before the engine stops.
2. Completely empty the fuel tank. Use your fuel-dispensing bottle to
suck out the old fuel. Do not mix the old fuel with your fresh fuel
supply. If you leave fuel in the tank, transporting or handling your
T-Maxx 3.3 may cause fuel to run into the engine.
3. With the fuel tank empty and the throttle at the idle position, try to
start the engine. The engine will most likely start and run for a few
seconds as it uses up any fuel remaining in the engine and fuel lines.
4. Once the engine stops, clean the outside of the engine with
compressed air or spray motor cleaner. Once the engine is clean and
dry, remove the glow plug power wire, glow plug, and air filter.
5. Open the throttle fully and spray a one-second burst of WD-40 into
the carburetor and into the glow plug hole (Caution! Wear safety
glasses to prevent spray from getting into your eyes). If you are using
after-run oil, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Place a rag or paper towel over the engine to catch any WD-40 or
after-run oil that may come out the carburetor or glow plug hole.

42

• T-MAXX 3.3

7. Connect the EZ-Start controller to the model and spin the engine for
10 seconds.
8. Remove the rag or paper towel and repeat steps 5–7 two more times.
9. Clean and re-oil the air filter so it will be ready for use next time. See
page 23 for air filter maintenance instructions.
10. Replace the glow plug, reconnect the glow plug power wire, and
reinstall the air filter.

Troubleshooting Your T-Maxx 3.3
The following section addresses some very basic engine and radio
questions you may have about your T-Maxx 3.3. Most questions arise from
simple user errors or minor adjustments that are easy to correct. If you can’t
find a solution for your T-Maxx 3.3 here, then visit our Web site at
www.Traxxas.com/support. There you will find a much more extensive and
detailed online troubleshooting area. In addition, you may call Traxxas
Customer Service at 1-888-TRAXXAS (outside the U.S. call 972-265-8000).
Radio system does not work properly:
If the power light on the transmitter does not come on, check for proper
battery installation and that the batteries are new and/or fully charged. If
the power light is blinking, then the transmitter batteries are weak and
should be replaced. See page 11 for more details.
If the transmitter light is on but the radio is still not responding, check for
proper installation of the receiver batteries and that the batteries are
new and/or fully charged. Check to make sure the on/off switch on the
model is in the on position. Finally, if there is still no response check the
red and black wires that connect the battery pack to the “batt” terminal
on the receiver (you will have to remove the receiver cover). Make sure
the wires are not pinched or damaged and that the plug is secure in the
receiver. See page 12 for more details.
Short radio range:
If the radio range appears short, then first check to make sure the
transmitter antenna is fully extended and that the antenna in the T-Maxx
3.3 is in place and has not been cut or damaged. Next, make sure the
batteries are all fresh or fully charged. Finally, if you are still experiencing
short range, try a different location. Sometimes there can be interference
from various sources that can cause your radio to malfunction.
Engine will not spin (EZ-Start will not turn the engine):
If neither LED on the controller lights, the EZ-Start battery could be
discharged or improperly connected. Inspect and recharge if necessary.
If the glow plug LED lights and the motor LED does not, then the EZStart controller is in protection mode. Allow the controller to cool for at
least three minutes. The circuitry should automatically reset.
Check to make sure the wires are connected to the EZ-Start motor in the
T-Maxx 3.3. The red wire should connect to the positive motor terminal,
indicated by a red dot next to the terminal.
The engine could be flooded. If too much fuel accumulates in the
combustion chamber at start up, the engine will hydraulically lock.
Follow the procedure on page 44 for clearing a flooded engine.

Check for binding at the engine flywheel. If you are not able to turn the
engine by hand, the engine could be flooded, there could be binding in
the clutch system, or there could be internal engine damage. (Note: It is
normal for the engine to be extremely tight and hard to turn when the
piston reaches the top of the compression stroke.)
Engine extremely sluggish, hard to start, and will not idle
during tank 1 of the break in:
It is possible that the factory adjusted break-in settings on your
carburetor are too rich for your geographic location, atmospheric
conditions, or fuel brand. Extremes in temperature, humidity, barometric
pressure, and altitude can’t always be accounted for with a single highspeed needle setting. The symptoms described above can occur when
the air density is very low such as in high mountainous elevations, and
extremely cold temperatures. Under these conditions, lean the fuel
mixture slightly, 1/8 turn, to see if there is any improvement in starting
and idling. Only lean the fuel mixture just until the engine will run and
idle reliably and then proceed with the break in.
The contents of different brands of fuel (other than Traxxas Top Fuel) in
combination with extreme atmospheric conditions can also make the
factory preset break-in settings too rich and cause the symptoms
described above. Again, try leaning the fuel mixture slightly, 1/8 turn, to
see if there is any improvement in starting and idling.
Engine spins but will not start:
If the engine is spinning but will not start, first check to make sure that
both the motor and glow plug LEDs on the EZ-Start controller light when
the button is depressed. If the glow plug LED does not light, make sure
the blue glow plug wire is tightly connected and is not damaged in any
way. If the wire is good, then replace the glow plug. It is normal for glow
plugs to require periodic replacement. Only use Traxxas heavy-duty long
glow plugs (see your parts list).
Check to make sure the fuel is getting to the carburetor. Remove the fuel
line where it connects to the carburetor to see if there is fuel in it. If not,
you may need to prime the engine. Reconnect the fuel line and then
refer to page 28 for instructions on priming the engine.
Check your fuel mixture settings. It may be necessary to adjust the fuel
mixture if the outside temperature or barometric pressure has changed
significantly since the last time the engine was run (see Fine Tuning the
Carburetor on page 33). Turn the high-speed needle out
(rich/counterclockwise) 1/4 turn, hold the throttle trigger at about 1/2
throttle and try again to start the engine. Once started, retune the
engine for performance (see page 31).

T-MAXX 3.3 • 43

Troubleshooting Your T-Maxx 3.3
The engine could be worn. If the fit between the piston and sleeve is
loose, compression is reduced and the engine will be difficult to start
when it is warm, and may tend to stall when running and when the
throttle is closed suddenly to idle. Engine life depends on many factors
including fuel type, air filter maintenance, needle settings, and how the
engine was used. For example, if the engine was allowed to ingest dirt
from lack of air filter maintenance or running through water, then the
internal engine components could wear out extremely fast.
Glow plug may have failed. If using an EZ-Start, check to see if the glow
plug light is on during starting. If not, replace the glow plug. If using a
glow ignitor, remove and check the glow plug.
Engine performance sluggish:
Engine performance depends mostly on the fuel mixture settings
and how they compensate for the current atmospheric conditions.
Before you suspect other failures with the engine, richen the high-speed
needle at least 1/4 turn and then retune the engine for performance (see
page 31).
If the fuel mixture seems to be set correctly, make sure the fuel is fresh. If
the fuel is old, or was left uncapped for a long period, then some of the
important fuel components could have evaporated. Try new, fresh,
Traxxas Top Fuel.
Try a new Traxxas glow plug. Sometimes a glow plug will work well
enough to start the engine but not be able to deliver the engine’s full
performance potential.
Check to make sure there is no binding in the driveline that would cause
excessive loads on the engine.
Clearing a Flooded Engine
If the engine is primed for too long during startup, then it can become
flooded with fuel. When the engine is flooded it will no longer turn due to
excess fuel in the combustion chamber preventing upward movement of
the piston. Use the following procedure to clear a flooded engine:
1. Remove the blue glow plug wire.
2. Remove the glow plug and gasket with the glow plug wrench supplied
with your model. A 5/16 or 8mm nut driver will also work.
3. Turn the model upside down and plug in the EZ-Start controller.
4. Push the EZ-Start button for several seconds to clear the engine
of excess fuel. Do not look into the glow plug hole while the
engine is spinning or you could spray fuel into your face!
44

• T-MAXX 3.3

5.
6.
7.
8.

Turn the model over and reinstall the glow plug and gasket.
Reconnect the blue glow plug wire to the glow plug.
Reconnect the EZ-Start controller.
Do not prime the engine. Pull the throttle to 1/2 throttle and push
the EZ-Start button. The engine should start immediately.

Piston stuck at “top dead center” (TDC)
“Top dead center” is the position where the piston is at the very top of the
tapered sleeve. Occasionally an engine can get “stuck” at this position. This
is most likely to happen on new engines during break-in, but can also
happen at other times. If the engine is stuck at TDC, use the following
procedure to release the piston from the sleeve:
1. Remove the glow plug using the included tool
or 8mm (5/16") nut driver and verify that the
piston is at the top of its stroke.
2. Use a flat blade screwdriver to rotate the
flywheel. Place the blade of the driver into one
of the grooves of the flywheel and push down,
turning the flywheel counter-clockwise when
viewed from the front. The flywheel should
turn, unsticking the piston from the sleeve.
3. Put two or three drops of light machine oil into
the glow plug hole to lubricate the piston and
sleeve. Do not use too much oil. It will hydrolock the engine. Verify the starter will spin the
engine with the glow plug out.
4. Rotate the flywheel so the piston is at bottom
dead center and replace the glow plug with
gasket. Reconnect the blue glow plug wire.
5. You should now be able to start
the engine with the EZ-Start.

Top Dead Center

Bottom Dead Center

Index
.20 20
ABC 20
Address 3
After-run procedure 43
Air density 33
Air filter 5, 6, 20, 23
cleaning 23
foam 20
housing 19
oil 5
Air/fuel mixture 24
Air/fuel ratio 24
Alignment settings 37
Altitude 29, 32
Antenna 13
crimp nut 13
mount 6
post 13
sleeve 13
tip 13
transmitter 9, 13
tube 13
wrench 13
Atmospheric conditions 24
Axle Carrier 6
Barometric pressure 33
Baseline setting 33
Batteries 5
7.2V battery pack 5
alkaline 5
battery box 6
charger 5, 12, 26
NiCad 10
NiMH 10
receiver 12
RX power pack 5
BDC 20
Body Mount Post 6
Brake 6
brake pad 39
setup & adjustment 39
shoulder screw adjustment 39

Bulkhead 6
Bumper 6, 40
Bumper Mount 6, 40
Camber 37
Carburetor 19, 20, 24
air intake 19
fine-tuning 33
fuel intake 19
fuel mixture needles 24, 31, 32
slide 21
throttle arm 19
Channel 10
Chassis 6
Clean-out 20
Clutch bell 19, 38
Crystal (X-tal) 10
Customer support 3
Cylinder sealing 28
Decals 8
Differential 6
Driveshaft 6
Driving 34
tips 34
Dyno 20
e-mail 3
Engine (TRX 3.3) 6, 18
break-in 20, 28
tank 1 29
tank 2 29
tank 3 29
tank 4 29
tank 5 29
tank 6 29
winter break-in 30
clearing a flood 45
combustion chamber 20
connecting rod 20, 42
crankcase 19, 20
crankshaft 19, 20
cylinder head 19, 20
cooling fins 20
fit 20

head protector 19
header 21
mount 19
piston 21, 42
port 21
shut-off clamp 6, 19, 27
shutting off 27
sleeve 21, 42
starting 28
terms 20
tuning 31
by temperature 33
EZ-Start™ 20, 26
battery 27
controller 19
drive unit 19
motor 6, 19
plug 6, 19
glow plug wire 19
ground wire 19
negative wire 19
positive wire 19
protection mode 27
using 27
Factory needle settings 25, 28
Flag color 10
Flame-out 20
Flywheel 19
Forward and reverse operation (shifting) 9, 34
Frequency 10
clearing 10
Fuel (see also nitromethane) 5, 20, 22
dispensing bottle 5
fuel line 6, 19, 20
handling 22
mixture 20
other fuels 22
pressure line 6, 19
tank 6, 19
filling with fuel 23
fuel cap 6
tank seal adjustment 23

T-MAXX 3.3 • 45

Index

46

• T-MAXX 3.3

Gear Ratio 38
Glow plug 19, 20
driver 20
fouled 28
igniter 26
Hex Hub 6
High-speed needle 19, 21
adjustment 31
Humidity 32
Idle speed screw 19, 21
adjustment 25, 32
Jumping 34
Lean 21, 25
Low-speed needle 19, 21
adjustment 32
mAh 10
Maintenance 42
after each hour 42
after each session 42
after-run maintenance 43
periodic 42
Needle seat 24
Needle valve 21
Neutral position 10
Nitromethane (nitro) 21
content 21, 22
percentage 20, 22
O-ring 21
On/Off switch 6, 9
OptiDrive™ 6, 9, 15
Pinch test 32
Pivot Ball 6
Priming 21
Punch 21
Quick Start 7
Radio system (TQ-3) 9
adjustments 14
servo reversing 15
steering trim 14
throttle neutral 14
throttle trim 14
controls 14

range 9, 44
range testing 17
rules 16
terminology 10
using 17
Receiver 9, 10
box 6
Rich 21, 25
rpm 21
Safety 4
Servos 10
shifting 6, 9
steering 6, 9
throttle/brake 6, 9
Shift Rod 6
Shock (Damper) 6
fine tuning 35
mounting positions 35, 36
tower 6
Skid Plate 6, 40
Slipper clutch 6, 42
adjusting 37
Spur gear 6
changing 38
mesh 38
Stall 21
Storage 42
Suspension Arm 6
Suspension tuning 35
caster adjustment 35
pivot ball caps 35
TDC 21, 45
Tire gluing 8
Toe-in 37
Tools and equipment 5
Transmission 6
access plug 6
adjusting 38
tuning 37
Transmitter 9, 10
adjustment 14
battery compartment 9

controls 14
installing batteries 11
power indicator 9
power switch 9
servo reversing switch 9
steering wheel 9
throttle neutral adjust 9
throttle trigger 9
trim 10
steering trim 9
throttle trim 9
Troubleshooting 44
Tuned pipe 6, 19, 21
exhaust header 6
exhaust tip 19
pipe hanger 6
Turnbuckle (Toe Links) 6, 37
Two-speed (see also Transmission) 38
Two-speed ratio 39
Wear-in 21
Weather conditions 33
Wheelie Bar 6
installation 40
setup 40
Wiring diagram 9
WOT 21

owners manual

MODEL 4909

1100 Klein Road, Plano Texas 75074
1-888-TRAXXAS
051216



---

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