Electric to Nitro Conversion version 2 (The new problem)

[RC Rick]

I'll need a clutch. I called Traxxas and asked them if the engine would stay running if there was no clutch, and I got what I expected, it would die the second it hit the water. So I'll probably need a new clutch bell, are there any that could connect a nitro engine to a shaft to an "electric motor shaft" sized shaft? This is my new #1 problem, and ANY help is very appreciated!

- Rick -

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¡Compito radio coches controlados!

[CChase86]

Why would the boat die without a clutch? Did you specify that it wouldn't be the Nitro Vee, that it would be in another boat?

I don't think it would stall it out, and if it would, just rev the engine a little while you're idling, just enough to keep the engine running, I mean, how often do you sit with your boat still in the water anyway?

[RC Rick]

I did a little experiment late last night, what I did was I took the shaft out of the boat with the propeller on. Then I filled up the bath room sink, and spun the shaft with prop submerged, using my fingers, and I didn't feel one bit of difference between in the water, or out. The only thing that worries me is that I will probably be getting a larger propeller, but couldn't I just increase the idle speed?

Thanks!

- Rick -

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¡Compito radio coches controlados!

[Subaru]

first of all traxxas is just pulling your leg. more than 1/2 of the nitro boats on the market don't have clutches and will idle in the water just fine.

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PETERBILT: the "caddy" of all trucks

[RC Rick]

What about the connection between the engine and the shaft. I have a modified adapter, that is held in by set screws. Will these screws be able to take the vibration? OR can I drill a hole in the engine shaft, and get a longer set screw to go through it, I'll see if I can draw a diagram, scan it, and post it.

- Rick -

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¡Compito radio coches controlados!

[RC Rick]

Well, Photopoint is being a pain, it won't upload! If yo want to see the diagram, give me your e-mail address.

- Rick -

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¡Compito radio coches controlados!

[RC Rick]

I just sent it, you may have to use the zoom, but its a sharp pic (black and white).

I went a head, and drilled my hole for my aluminum engine mount platform in the hull. I'm counter sinking the screws in the hull, but it doesn't matter anyway, because that part of the hull is always out of the water anyway. Plus the part I drilled the holes is a good spot because the ABC plastic is think there from the old motor mount that I took out. Plus, when I took motor, the hull was more flexible, but when I mounted in the aluminum platform, it was very stiff! I still think I will drill a hole through the engine shaft, and put the set screw half way through that so if I hit something, it won't slide off the shaft.

- Rick -

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¡Compito radio coches controlados!

[pooycow]

please can i have a pic too? my e-mail address is rabbit@shed.fsbusiness.co.uk