3.3 expected life span?

[lowrhadur]

I'm sure how you drive it has a lot to do with this.

But what should I expect out of my engine at moderate use. (not babying it, but not "driving lot like I stole it")

And I'm ordering some parts this week.
Would like to know if there is a rebuild kit for it and how hard it is to do?
Wouldn't mind havin the stuff to do it with if need be.
Thanks.

[chadkillzone]

It's really in how your tunning ability are, most on a good tune can expect a few gallons and I'm sure someone will say they have 8 plus threw it and all is good. That and maintenance play a huge role as well after run care ect ect.

[dan291000]

I run mine just a little on the rich side in an attempt to boost the engines life span.

[NitroTrout]

I've learned through the school of hard knocks that proper break in
is critical to engine longevity. If you rush it, do it half ___, or not at all
it shortens the lifespan of the engine.

Nothing a new P&S cant fix but still..

[zdragon71]

It all depends on your tuning skills as stated above. Bad thing about the 3.3 is they are notorious for breaking rods. It could be 1 gallon or 10 gallons but usually in between. They do sell sleeve and piston kits and the rod is sold separately. I recommend a David's diesel rod as replacement if rebuilding. The task of rebuilding is fairly simpleBut by the time you buy the parts and a GOOD rod you can just get a brand new 3.3 engine for only a few more bucks. eBay traxxas 3.3 nitro engine. Rand new in box includes air filter carb and pullstart for $110.99 free shipping. You can find em all day. Or you could do the trade up through traxxas direct

[Lincoln87]

i guess tho that being said, you would only need ONE davids rod, so the next rebuild would only require the p&s.

but seems alot easier to just buy a whole new motor WITH a carb and pullstart. Cause im sure the pullstart and carb would eventually give out and require a new/rebuild every so often too.

[Nitronaught]

It all depends on your tuning skills as stated above. Bad thing about the 3.3 is they are notorious for breaking rods. It could be 1 gallon or 10 gallons but usually in between. They do sell sleeve and piston kits and the rod is sold separately. I recommend a David's diesel rod as replacement if rebuilding. The task of rebuilding is fairly simpleBut by the time you buy the parts and a GOOD rod you can just get a brand new 3.3 engine for only a few more bucks. eBay traxxas 3.3 nitro engine. Rand new in box includes air filter carb and pullstart for $110.99 free shipping. You can find em all day. Or you could do the trade up through traxxas direct

Have you tried the Davis Rod? Honestly,,,, I just don't have this issue and EVERY issue I have seen with my own two eyes and hands with a busted conrod is 2 things.

1. Too lean (most cases) usual signs of dark dark brown on the piston, along with piston skirt damage...
2. High RPM's for extended runs
3. Too rich and cool temps not allowing enough expantion of the sleeve and block causing added strain on the internals..


Thing is you can damage a conrod and it won't fail immediately.... So people get confused when it does fail and their temps are within parameters of 210-270 degrees..

Life span is dependent on a few things.

1. Break In.
2. Running the engine within it's operating temps, and tuned properly.
3. Keeping your intake air clean and avoiding ANY dirt contamination.

Most people learning how to tune on their first nitro are lucky to get 4 gallons out of it. But after that I find they hold up to anywhere between 6-8 gallons properly tuned and maintained..

[zdragon71]

I agree just because you put a heavier made con rod doesn't mean you won't still snap it running too lean and above good running temps. So therefore It all depends on tuning skills. Heat weakens metal and all metals will break under stress and high rpm compression.

[chadkillzone]

I agree just because you put a heavier made con rod doesn't mean you won't still snap it running too lean and above good running temps. So therefore It all depends on tuning skills. Heat weakens metal and all metals will break under stress and high rpm compression.

this is true but IMO having a connecting rod with a bushing on the piston side to support the high rpms of these engines was a no brainier for me on my first spilt rod. And yes I do high speed runs down the street tune is spot on, so I quess you can say my heavy trigger finger is to blam for the first split rod

[zdragon71]

It was mine as well and not knowing how to tune correctly. Now I know better and all is good but I still want to put a better rod in my engine.