ASSEMBLY MANUAL and TUNING GUIDE

Transcription

1 ASSEMBLY MANUAL and TUNING GUIDE Features of Your XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro: Factory-Assembled Chassis and Drive Train 3 Millimeter 7075 Aluminum Milled Chassis CVA-Type Front & Rear Drive Axles Threaded Shock Bodies Dual-Chamber Aluminum Racing Tuned Pipe Exhaust Header w/coupler & Spring Retainer Performance 3-Shoe Clutch Assembly Aluminum Heat-Sink Engine Mounts 7075 Aluminum Shock Towers & Chassis Support Braces Carbon-Fiber Radio Tray Complete Ball-Bearing Set - Including Steering Fuel Line w/fuel Filter Clear Body w/rear Spoiler, Body Clips & Decal Sheet Rear Sway Bar Dual Vented Disc Brakes 0º - 3º Rear Suspension Mounts Dish Wheels Shock Dust Boots Dustproof Receiver and Battery Boxes Silicone Dustproof Switch Cover Dual-Sponge Air Filter w/prefilter Sleeve Transponder Mount Thank you for purchasing the XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro. This Assembly Manual is provided to help you enjoy your new X-Terminator Pro without any of the hassles you might expect. Please read through all of the literature that is provided in the box. IMPORTANT Before operating your new X-Terminator Pro, please read and understand the warnings listed on the next page. Failure to do so could lead to bodily harm and/or injury. The XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro is not intended for persons under 12 years of age, unless closely supervised by an adult. The XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro is distributed exclusively by Global Hobby Distributors Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA All contents copyright 2004, Global Hobby Distributors Version V1.0 January 2004 Kit Product # Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at service@globalhobby.net 1

2 FOR YOUR SAFETY - PLEASE READ THESE WARNINGS FIRST! ENGINE WARNINGS Never use any fuel in your engine other than glow fuels specifically designed for use in model car engines. Use of any other types of fuel can cause severe damage to your engine and/or personal injury. NEVER USE GASOLINE! Never operate your model on any public streets. This could cause traffic accidents, personal injury or property damage. Glow fuel engines emit exhaust vapors that are poisonous and can be dangerous to your health. It is important that you operate your engine in a very well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Before starting your engine, make sure that the throttle trim is set to the idle position. Starting your engine at any setting above idle can cause the model to lurch out of your hands. When your engine is running, there are certain parts that rotate at high speeds. Be careful not to touch the drive shafts, gears, clutch assembly or any other moving parts. Otherwise, serious injury could result. It is normal for your engine, exhaust header and tuned pipe to get very hot during operation. Never touch these parts while they are hot or you might be burned. Model car engines produce vibration when they are running. It is important to periodically check the engine mounting screws and other assemblies to ensure they are tight. Running your engine with the engine mounting screws loose can lead to severe engine and/or chassis damage. FUEL WARNINGS Glow fuels like those used in your X-Terminator Pro are poisonous. Follow all the precautions that are printed on the fuel manufacturer's container. Keep fuel out of the reach of children. Glow fuel is extremely flammable. Keep away from high heat, sparks and flame. GENERAL WARNINGS Under no circumstances should you operate your model in crowds of people. Serious injury could result. Never operate your model on busy streets or if there are cars around. Do not use your model to chase pets or other animals. The receiver and battery boxes are not waterproof; therefore, do not drive through water, wet grass, mud or snow. Because your model is operated by radio control, it is important to make sure you always are using fresh and/or fully charged batteries. Never allow the batteries to run low or you could lose control of the model. If your model becomes stuck, allow the engine to idle, then retrieve your model by hand. To prevent excessive r.p.m.'s from damaging your engine and/or drive-train components, we suggest reducing throttle while in the air during jumps. FOR YOUR INFORMATION If you should have any trouble with any of the steps listed in this Assembly Manual and Tuning Guide, we have provided an extensive troubleshooting guide beginning on page # 16. The troubleshooting guide is provided to help you find a quick and immediate resolution to a number of problems that might occur. If you cannot solve a problem using the troubleshooting guide, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us at the address below: Global Services Bandilier Circle Fountain Valley CA Visit Our Website Phone: (714) Fax: (714) service@globalhobby.net CHECK IT OUT! We urge you to come check out our website at There you will find public message boards frequented by other XTM Racing product owners and the XTM Racing support staff. This is a great place to learn about new XTM Racing products, get help and suggestions for your current XTM Racing products or just simply hang out and chat with people that share your same interests. To allow us to serve your needs better, please include your address with any correspondence you send to us. Your address will be added to our Customer Service Database so you will automatically receive free updates and tech notices for your particular product. You will also receive repair status updates (if applicable) and other important information about your product as it becomes available. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ADDRESS Global Hobby Distributors will not disclose the information it collects to outside parties. Global Hobby Distributors does not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to others. Your privacy is important to us. 2 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at

3 INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro 1/8th scale Nitro Buggy. The XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro is one of the best, most affordable 1/8th scale nitro buggies available today. This Pro version of the great X-Terminator RTR Nitro Buggy is an 80% factory-assembled chassis complete with many options that are normally only available as upgrade items: 7075 aluminum shock towers, 7075 aluminum chassis braces, aluminum shocks with threaded shock bodies, dual vented disc brakes, carbon-fiber radio tray, 3-shoe clutch and much more. It doesn't get any better than that. XTM Racing gives you everything serious racers want and none of the things they don't. We've included everything we could for you to customize your X-Terminator Pro to your favorite track's conditions and we've done all the tedious work for you. We've left the stylish racing body clear, too, so that you can paint it in your own favorite colors. And, of course, we've included a great set of die-cut XTM Racing decals to liven up your color scheme. If you're a racer, you'll want to use your own favorite radio control system and your own favorite.21 size rear-exhaust racing engine, according to your racing program's rules. We leave choosing tires up to you, too, since track conditions and personal preference differ so much. You'll be able to use the tires you want the first time. So, forget about the rest, you have the best. Go from the box to the Winner's Circle in only hours, with the X-Terminator Pro from XTM Racing. SECTION 1: PARTS IDENTIFICATION Before beginning assembly, carefully remove the main chassis and the separate parts bags from the box. Use the parts list below to verify that your kit contains all of the correct parts bags. If your kit is missing a parts bag, or even just a singe part, please contact us immediately, using the contact information listed on the bottom of page # Assembled Chassis with Wheels 1 - Tuned Pipe Bag 1 - Exhaust Header Bag 1 - Engine Air Filter Bag 1 - Air Filter Prefilter Bag 1 - Clutch Assembly Bag 1 - Throttle & Brake Linkage Bag 1 - Switch Dust Cover Bag 1 - Engine Mount Bag 1 - Fuel Line & Filter Bag 1 - Molded Toe-Angle Blocks Sprue 1 - Molded Miscellaneous Parts Sprue 1 - Antenna Tube 1 - Tools Bag 1 - Clear Polycarbonate Body w/wing 1 - Decal Sheet The different parts bags contain a number of small parts that are identified throughout this assembly manual. We don't suggest opening the parts bags until you actually need to take a part out of them. This will prevent you from loosing any of the small parts. It will also make it easier for you to identify the parts. Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at service@globalhobby.net 3

4 SECTION 2: RECOMMENDED TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED This section lists the recommended items you need to purchase and have on-hand to finish assembling and to run and maintain your new XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro. Fuel to Suit Your Engine Glow Plug to Suit Your Engine Paint and Materials for the Body Assorted Metric Hex Wrenches Needle Nose Pliers Adjustable Wrench Flat Head Screwdriver Phillips Head Screwdriver.21 Size Rear Exhaust Engine w/sg-style Crankshaft Wire Cutters Rubbing Alcohol Optional Differential Oil Radio Control System with 1 50oz/in or More Torque Servo for Throttle and Brake, and 1 100oz/in or More Torque Servo for Steering Optional Shock Oil Optional Shock Spring Sets XTM Racing 5 Cell 1000Mah NiCD Receiver Battery Pack (P/N ) XTM Racing Air Filter Oil (P/N ) 1/8th Scale Tires to Suit Your Track Associated Thread-Lock Adhesive (P/N ) XTM Racing Mega-Stick Tire Glue (P/N ) 12V Battery (P/N ) 12V Charger (P/N ) XTM Racing 1/8th Scale 4-Way Wrench (P/N ) XTM Racing 1/8th Scale Starter Box (P/N ) Trinity "Final Solution" After-Run Oil (P/N ) XTM Racing Curved Lexan Scissors (P/N ) XTM Racing Glow Starter w/meter & Charger (P/N ) XTM Racing Body Reamer (P/N ) XTM Racing 500cc Fueling Bottle (P/N ) 4 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at

5 SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR X-TERMINATOR PRO Step 1: Installing the Clutch Assembly Install the flywheel, clutch shoes, clutch springs and clutch bell assembly onto your engine. Temporarily install the M3 cap screw and lock nuts onto your engine mounting lugs in preparation for installing the engine. Take your time when installing the clutch shoes and springs. This is a high-performance clutch with very stiff springs. Patience is necessary to get it installed properly. After installing the clutch bell, make sure it spins freely. It should not drag over the clutch shoes. *Note the direction the clutch shoes are installed. Make sure that the long portion of the clutch springs fit firmly in the groove in the clutch shoes. Place the clutch shoes, with the clutch springs, over the three pins on the flywheel. Using a small screwdriver as a lever, bend the short end of each clutch spring behind the clutch nut and push the clutch shoes down to snap them into place. Before installing the clutch bell, lightly sand the inside surface of the clutch bell, using 600 grit sandpaper, then clean it thoroughly, using rubbing alcohol. Doing this will allow the clutch shoes to "bite" better, reducing clutch slipping. Install the flywheel and the clutch nut before installing the clutch shoes and springs. Tighten the clutch nut firmly. For now, only partially thread the lock nuts onto the cap screws. Step 2: Installing the Engine Mounts & Exhaust Header Temporarily slide the two aluminum engine mounts over the M3 lock nuts. Install the exhaust header onto your engine, using the exhaust hanger spring and retainer bracket to hold it in place. The retainer spring connects to the retainer bracket and wraps around the engine to hold the exhaust header firmly in place. The exhaust header fits most.21 size round-port, rear exhaust engines. If you're using a side exhaust engine, after-market headers are available. The flat sides of the hex nuts must line up with the channel in the engine mounts, so that the engine mounts can be slid into position. Do not tighten the cap screws yet. Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at service@globalhobby.net 5

6 Step 3: Installing Your Engine Assembly Install your engine to the chassis, taking care to ensure that the engine is lined up properly and that the gear mesh between the clutch bell and the spur gear is correct. It's important that the gears do not bind. Set your engine assembly onto the chassis and temporarily hold it in place, using the four M5 cap screws. Don't tighten the cap screws yet, though. With the engine mount assembly temporarily in place, slide the engine back within the mounts until the teeth on the clutch bell are even with the spur gear. When satisfied with the alignment, tighten the M3 cap screws to secure the engine to the engine mounts. To set the gear mesh, place a piece of notebook paper between the clutch bell and the spur gear. When set properly, there should be very slight play between the gears. If the gears are too tight they will bind and if they are too loose they will strip out. When satisfied with the alignment, tighten the M5 cap screws securely. With the wheels off the ground, you should be able to spin the clutch bell with your finger. The clutch bell should rotate the spur gear and other drive-train components rather easily. If it's difficult to rotate the clutch bell, your gear mesh is likely too tight. Readjust the gear mesh, making sure to use a piece of notebook paper between the gears. When set properly, the paper should be tightly crinkled, but not ripped or punctured. Step 4: Installing Your Servos and Switch Install your throttle and steering servos and your switch harness into the carbon fiber radio deck. When you install your switch, make sure to slide the silicone dust cover over the switch before installing it. To make it easier to install your servos and switch, we suggest removing the radio deck from the chassis. Use Lock-Tite on the machine screws when reinstalling the radio deck. Install your switch, using the mounting screws provided with your switch. Don't forget to slide the silicone dust boot over your switch before installing it. 6 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at

7 Step 5: Installing Your Receiver and Battery Install your battery into the battery box, then install your receiver into the receiver box. The receiver and battery box covers have been preinstalled. You'll need to remove them first before installing your receiver and battery. When reinstalling the covers, be careful not to pinch the wires. When reinstalling the covers, make sure that they snap firmly into place. Slide the antenna into one end of the plastic antenna tube and out the other end, then push the end of the antenna tube into the molded hole in the top of the receiver box cover. Step 6: Installing the Steering Assembly Install the servo arm onto your servo, making sure that it's centered, as shown in the photo. You'll need to first connect your radio control system and turn it on to center the servo. Make sure that the steering trim lever on your transmitter is centered, too. If necessary, you may need to cut off the unused steering arm, using a pair of wire cutters. Three different servo arm adapters are included. They are labeled for use with Hitec, Futaba and Sanwa. Make sure that you use the correct servo arm adapter for the particular brand of servo you're using. Secure the servo arm to your servo, using the retaining screw provided with your servo. Step 7: Assembling the Throttle and Brake Linkage Assemble the throttle and brake linkage, paying careful attention to how the linkage wires are orientated and to the dimensions shown. The linkage assembly is designed to be used with engines that feature a slide carburetor. If your engine features a rotary carburetor, you will need to modify the linkage accordingly. When fully assembled, the throttle and brake linkage should look like the one below. A servo horn is not included. You must use the servo horn included with your radio control system. Cut one arm from your servo horn, as shown. Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at service@globalhobby.net 7

8 Step 8: Installing and Adjusting the Throttle and Brake Linkage Install the two linkage wires onto your engine's throttle arm and through the brake levers, then install the servo arm onto the servo, making sure that it's centered, as shown. You'll need to first connect your radio control system and turn it on to center the servo. Make sure that the throttle trim lever on your transmitter is centered, too. We suggest waiting to make the final adjustments to the throttle and brake linkages until after you have completed assembly of the buggy. The dimensions given below are rough starting points. Secure the servo arm to your servo, using the retaining screw provided with your servo. With the transmitter and receiver turned on, and the throttle and brake trim lever centered, the spur gear should turn easily (i.e., the brakes should be disengaged). If the brakes are dragging when the throttle trigger is at neutral, the brake discs will wear out very quickly. To ensure that the brakes are disengaged, always make sure that there is a small gap between the linkage collars and the brake levers when the brake levers are in their neutral position. The X-Terminator Pro features a dual-disc brake design that allows each brake disc to be set independently from the other. This means that you can now have differential braking. Depending on your track conditions and driving techniques, you might want the front brakes to engage before the rear brakes or vice-versa. Step 9: Air Filter Assembly and Installation Assemble the air filter, making sure to wet the filter element, using air filter oil, so that small dust and debris cannot enter your engine when it's running. Install the air filter onto your engine, using a cable tie to secure it to the carburetor, then cut and install the prefilter element. It's very important to oil the white filter element to trap small dust and debris. Slide the gray prefilter sleeve over the filter assembly, as shown. This is the prefilter. Do not oil it like you did the white filter. 8 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at

9 Step 10: Tuned Pipe and Fuel Line Installation Install the tuned pipe onto the header, using the silicone coupler and cable ties, then secure the tubed pipe to the tuned pipe mount. Install the fuel lines to the carburetor, pressure nipple and fuel tank. Use the preinstalled clip to hold the fuel filter in place. Tighten the grub screw firmly to secure the tuned pipe to the tuned pipe mount. If the grub screw is not in the parts bag, it is likely already threaded into the end of the tuned pipe. Double-check that the lock nut and screw that secure the tuned pipe mount to the chassis are tight. The plain piece of fuel line should be connected from the pressure nipple on the tuned pipe to the nipple on the fuel tank lid. One end of the fuel line with the fuel filter attached should be connected to the fuel nipple on the carburetor and the other end should be connected to the nipple on the back of the fuel tank. Step 11: Mounting Your Tires and the Wheels Carefully install the foam inserts that came with your tires into your front and rear tires, making sure that they lay flat within the tires. It's important that they don't kink or cause the tires to bulge. Carefully install your tires onto the wheels. You must glue the tires to the wheels, as shown below. Do not drive the X-Terminator Pro without first gluing the tires to the wheels. Install the front and rear wheels, making sure to tighten the wheel retaining nuts firmly. After mounting the tire onto the wheel, carefully glue the tire to the wheel, using a good quality tire glue. Tighten the wheel retaining nuts firmly, using a 17mm diameter wrench. Make sure that the tire bead fits firmly into the molded grooves in the wheel. Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at service@globalhobby.net 9

10 Step 12: Mounting the Body Carefully cut out the clear body along the molded scribe lines, using a pair of Lexan scissors. Using 220 grit sandpaper, carefully sand the edges of the body smooth and straight. Be very careful not to scratch the body during this process. Using a body reamer, cut out the holes in the top of the body for the three body posts and the receiver antenna tube to exit. These locations are marked by molded dimples in the top of the body. Carefully cut out the tuned pipe clearance notch in the left side of the body, the engine cooling hole in the front windshield and the cylinder head clearance hole in the top of the body. Again, follow the molded scribe lines when making these cutouts. Wash the inside of the body with warm water and non-abrasive liquid detergent to remove any chemicals left from the molding process, then completely dry the body, using a soft cloth. After drying with a soft cloth, allow the body to air dry for a while. Paint the inside of the body, using your favorite materials and methods. Do not paint the outside of the body. After the paint dries completely, peel back and remove the protective plastic material from the outside of the body, then apply the decals that are included to the body. Secure the wing to the chassis, using the two nylon washers and long metal mounting clip provided. Secure the body in place, using the two metal body clips provided - one long and one short. The body comes with a thin, self-adhesive protective covering attached to the outer surface of the body. Leave this in place until after painting the inside of the body, then remove it before applying the decals. Drawings represent general trimming, cutting, washing and painting steps. The X-Terminator Pro body shape will differ, although the steps will generally be the same. SECTION 4: PREPARING TO RUN YOUR X-TERMINATOR PRO Now that you are done with the final assembly of your X-Terminator Pro, it's time to prepare your X-Terminator Pro for its first run. Step 1: Final Assembly Step 1: Range-Checking Your Radio System To prevent any chance of a runaway vehicle, your radio system should be range-checked before the first run of the day and/or after a crash. Your radio control system instructions may have similar procedures. To range-check your radio system, do the following: With the transmitter and receiver turned on, extend the transmitter antenna completely. IMPORTANT Remember to always turn on the transmitter first, then turn on the receiver. With the X-Terminator Pro on the ground (without the engine running) walk away from it about 150 feet. Move the steering wheel while looking at the vehicle's wheels. The wheels should pivot back and forth as you rotate the steering wheel back and forth. WARNING Never attempt to operate your X-Terminator Pro if your radio control system is not functioning properly. Doing so could be harmful to others around you and/or to you or your car. 10 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at

11 Step 2: Double-Check the Steering and Throttle and Brake Controls With the transmitter and the receiver turned on, rotate your transmitter's wheel forward (to the right). The front wheels on the X-Terminator Pro should turn right. IMPORTANT If the wheels don't turn right, flip the steering servo reversing switch on your transmitter to change the direction. Rotate your transmitter's wheel backward (to the left). The front wheels on the X-Terminator Pro should turn left. Let go of the wheel. The X-Terminator Pro's wheels should return to center. IMPORTANT If the wheels do not point straight ahead (center) after you return the steering wheel to center, move the steering trim lever on your transmitter to adjust the wheels so that they point straight ahead. Carefully pull the air filter assembly off of your engine's carburetor. Pull back on your transmitter's throttle trigger. The carburetor barrel should open completely and both brakes should be disengaged. Let go of your transmitter's trigger and the carburetor barrel should return to its idle position - open about 1/16". Both brakes should still be disengaged. IMPORTANT If the carburetor barrel does not open when you pull back on the trigger, flip the throttle servo reversing switch on your transmitter to change the direction. If the carburetor barrel does not open completely, move the throttle trim lever on your transmitter until the barrel is opened completely when you pull back completely on the trigger. Push your transmitter's throttle trigger forward. The carburetor barrel should stay in the idle position and both brake levers should move forward and engage the brakes. Let go of the trigger and both brake levers should disengage. IMPORTANT If you need to adjust the brake linkage, see page # 15 "Adjusting the Brake Linkage" for more details. Turn off your transmitter and receiver for now and push the air filter back onto your carburetor. Never run your X-Terminator Pro without the air filter in place. If you don't use the air filter, your engine will be damaged within a short period of time. Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at service@globalhobby.net 11

12 SECTION 5: FUELING AND STARTING YOUR ENGINE The following procedures show the general way to start a nitro engine mounted in the XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro. The starting procedures for your particular engine may differ. Make sure you are familiar with the starting and running procedures for your engine. IMPORTANT Under no circumstances should you operate your engine without the air filter installed. The air filter prevents dust and debris from entering the engine and damaging it. Lift the fuel tank lid and carefully fill the fuel tank until the fuel level is just below the top of the tank. WARNING Use fuel that is appropriate for nitro car and buggy engines. DO NOT USE GASOLINE! Using your glow plug wrench, install and tighten a glow plug into your engine's cylinder head. Connect a fully-charged glow starter to the top of the glow plug, making sure that the glow starter is locked firmly onto the top of the glow plug. You don't want it to fall off while you're trying to start your engine. Carefully start your engine, using your starter box or other favorite method. The X-Terminator Pro's fuel tank does not feature a primer pump. This is consistent with most 1/8th scale buggies. If you're using a starter box to start your engine, the starter box will spin the engine over fast enough to draw fuel on its own. To stop your engine, carefully pinch the fuel line firmly with your fingers until the engine stops. Make sure to pinch the fuel pick-up line and not the fuel pressure line. The fuel pick-up line is connected to your carburetor. Hold your buggy while pinching the fuel line. When you pinch the fuel line, the engine will speed up and quickly stop. WARNING Be careful not to touch any parts of the engine or tuned pipe because they will be hot. SECTION 6: MAKING CHASSIS ADJUSTMENTS Chassis alignment and geometry are important if you want your X-Terminator Pro to perform well. A good performing buggy means a buggy that is easier to drive, too. Follow our guidelines in this section to get the most out of your X-Terminator Pro. IMPORTANT It's very important when making changes to the settings of your buggy that you make the settings the same for each side. For example, if you change the camber angle on the right front tire, you should change the camber angle on the left front tire the same amount. If you change the spring tension on the left front shock, you should change the spring tension on the right front shock the same amount, and so on. Do not make any changes that are more than 3 degrees from the initial settings listed or the handling characteristics of your buggy will become very poor. 12 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at

13 Step 1: Adjusting the Toe Angle The toe angle is the angle of both front tires (or rear tires) to each other, when viewed from above. Toe-in is when the front of both tires point toward each other and toe-out is when the front of both tires point away from each other. For the front tires, toe-in will make your buggy track straighter, but the steering will be more sensitive. Toe-out will desensitize the steering, making your buggy a little more driver-friendly. For the rear tires, if you're running on a smooth surface, we suggest no toe-in. If you are running on a rough surface, we suggest about 1-2 degrees of toe-in. This will give the rear end a little more "bite." Toe Angle Exaggerated for Photo Clarity RECOMMENDED INITIAL SETTINGS: 0 degrees toe-in on the front and rear for overall best 4WD driveability on most surfaces. Adding more than 3 degrees of toe-in or toe-out will result in excessive loss of speed and erratic handling. IMPORTANT For more precise toe-in adjustments, use the R.P.M. Toe-in Gauge part # To adjust the toe-angle of the front tires, turn the tie-rods (steel rods connecting each wheel to the steering arm) in or out with an adjustable wrench. To adjust the toe angle of the rear tires, you need to replace the toe angle block, using the reference below: To adjust the toe-in on the rear tires, use one of the different composite toe angle blocks provided in your kit to set the desired toe angle. For convenience, the degree of toe angle in each block is molded into the back of the blocks. To change the rear toe angle block, carefully remove the two C-Clips holding the rear hinge pins in place. Next, remove the two screws that hold the toe angle block in place. Replace the toe-angle block with the desired one. Installation is the reverse of the disassembly procedure. Step 2: Adjusting the Camber Angle Camber is referred to as the amount of the tire's surface that contacts the ground. Tires that are exactly perpendicular to the ground have 0 degrees of camber. If the top of the tire leans in toward the chassis, the tire has negative camber. If the top of the tire leans out away from the chassis, the tire has positive camber. RECOMMENDED INITIAL CAMBER SETTINGS: For driving on smooth surfaces set both the front and back wheels at 0 degrees. For driving on rough surfaces set the front wheels at -1 degree and the back wheels at -2 degrees. Negative Camber Exaggerated for Photo Clarity Positive Camber Exaggerated for Photo Clarity Camber settings should be measured with the vehicle at its normal ride height. IMPORTANT For more precise camber adjustments, use the R.P.M. Precision Camber Gauge part # Negative Camber Positive Camber Adjust the camber angle of the wheels by turning the upper turnbuckles in or out using an adjustable wrench. Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at service@globalhobby.net 13

14 Step 3: Adjusting Shock Spring Tension By adjusting the spring tension of the shocks, you can increase steering sensitivity and increase the ride-height of your buggy. How you drive your buggy will dictate what settings you should be using. As an example, if you're using your buggy off-road and going over lots of jumps, you may want to increase the spring tension of the front shocks to help prevent the front of the buggy from bottoming out. RECOMMENDED INITIAL SETTINGS: We recommend initially leaving the adjustment rings in the factory locations. Increase or decrease spring tension by threading the adjustment ring up or down the shock body. Threading the ring down increases spring tension and the buggy's ride height and threading the ring up decreases spring tension and the buggy's ride height. When adjusting the spring tension, make sure to adjust the right and left sides equally. Step 4: Adjusting Shock Dampening and Replacement Shock Springs Changing the shock oil (the oil inside the shocks) will change the dampening characteristics of the shocks. Typically, if you are running on smooth surfaces, use a heavier weight oil. If you are running on rough surfaces, use a lighter weight oil. IMPORTANT We recommend using only 100% Silicone Shock Oil. Do not use motor oil. The shock oil in the X-Terminator Pro's shocks is good for most off-road applications. Shock springs are easy to change and can make a difference in the way your buggy handles relative to the type of terrain you're running on. If you run your buggy off-road, in a smooth, high-traction area, use stiffer springs to reduce body roll and weight shift. If the area where you run your buggy is very bumpy, you might consider using softer springs to help absorb the bumps. If the area is bumpy and you use harder springs, the buggy will have a tendency to jump and hop around. The shock springs included with the X-Terminator Pro are suitable for most general off-road applications, but experimentation with different shock springs may be necessary to find a setup that suits your particular driving style and location. Step 5: Adjusting the Brake Linkage The X-Terminator Pro uses a dual-disc brake system that can operate the front and rear brakes independently. This design allows you to set up differential braking. Depending on your track conditions and driving techniques, you might want the front brakes to engage before the rear brakes or vice-versa. With the transmitter and receiver turned on, and the throttle and brake trim lever centered, the buggy should roll smoothly (i.e., the brakes should be disengaged). If the brakes are dragging when the throttle trigger is at neutral, the brake discs will wear out very quickly. To ensure that the brakes are disengaged, always make sure that there is a 1/16" wide gap between the two rear adjustment collars and the brake levers. Both adjustment collars should be adjusted so that they are equal distance behind each of the two brake levers (see important note below). This will ensure that both brake levers engage equally during braking. To make adjustments to the brake linkage, simply loosen the grub screw in the adjustment collar behind each brake lever and reposition it, then retighten the grub screw. IMPORTANT NOTE Since the front and rear brakes can be adjusted independently of each other, you may not want both front and rear brakes to engage at the same time. If you want the rear brakes to engage just before the front brakes, move the collar at the front brake lever just a fraction further back from neutral. This will result in the back brakes engaging just before the front brakes. If you want the front brakes to engage just before the rear brakes, move the collar at the rear brake lever just a fraction further back from neutral. This will result in the front brakes engaging just before the back brakes. Experimentation will be necessary to achieve the desired braking response, dependant on your track conditions and driving style. 14 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at

15 Step 6: Adjusting the Front and Rear Differentials The X-Terminator Pro features front and rear gear differentials that each feature five o-ring seals and cup-style housings. Both differentials are packed with differential grease that is good for most driving conditions. You can make fine-tuned adjustments to each differential by removing the differentials from the chassis, opening them up and replacing the grease already inside the differentials with heavy-weight silicone shock oil. Removal, disassembly and reinstallation of the differentials can be done, using the exploded parts diagram included with your kit. Adding heavier silicone oil will tighten the differentials and adding lighter silicone oil will loosen the differentials. If your buggy feels loose during turns, you can tighten the front differential or loosen the rear differential. If your buggy is pushing during turns, you can loosen the front differential or tighten the rear differential. We recommend using silicone shock oil weights between 30,000 and 100,000. WARNING We don't recommend attempting to make adjustments to the differentials unless you have knowledge of how to remove, disassemble and reassemble gear differentials. If you don't reassemble the differentials properly, damage to the differentials will happen quickly and will not be covered by warranty. Step 7: Changing the Rear Sway Bar Out of the box, the X-Terminator Pro has a stiff sway bar installed. This sway bar will give good performance in most conditions. We have included a more flexible sway bar should you want to change it. To remove the stock sway bar, first loosen the grub screws in the collars at each end of the sway bar. Next, remove the four screws that hold the sway bar block in place, then remove the sway bar block and pull the sway bar out. Replace the sway bar with the more flexible one. Installation is the reverse of the disassembly procedure. For your convenience we've included a maintenance list, along with an extensive troubleshooting guide on the next few pages. If you need to purchase replacement parts for your X-Terminator Pro, please check the information listed on the back page of this Assembly Manual and Tuning Guide. Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at service@globalhobby.net 15

16 SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR X-TERMINATOR PRO Following a simple maintenance schedule will ensure that your X-Terminator Pro, engine and radio system operate in top condition every time you use them. It is strongly suggested. Check the foam air filter element for dirt blockage. If the foam is dirty, remove it from the filter housing and wash it in liquid soap and warm water. Dry the foam element with a paper towel, reinstall it and "wet" it with after-run oil. Check the chassis for any loose screws, especially the engine, tuned pipe and outdrive cup mounting screws. Tighten them if necessary. Check the steering linkage and the throttle and brake linkage for any signs of wear or misalignment. Tighten and/or readjust them if necessary. Once in a while, remove the wheels and clean the wheel bearings using a bearing cleaner. This will remove any dust and grit that may, over time, damage the bearings. After cleaning the bearings, re-oil them using a good quality bearing oil. Never run the bearings dry or damage to the bearings will result. Check the fuel system, including the fuel tank and fuel lines, for any signs of cracking or looseness. Replace any fuel line you suspect may be damaged. Periodically check the condition of the transmitter and receiver batteries. If you think they might be low, replace them with a fresh set and/or recharge them. Included in your kit is a plastic sprue that includes some plastic replacement parts. Included are fuel line clips, throttle linkage mounts and other small accessories. After a period of time the chassis will accumulate a lot of dirt and debris, especially around the engine area. This build-up should be cleaned off using a high-powered spray cleaner like Emerald Nitro Car Cleaner. Some nitro car cleaners will damage anodized and/or plated parts. Test on an inconspicuous area first. After cleaning the chassis and engine with Nitro Car Cleaner you should oil the moving parts of the chassis. Do not oil the clutch bell, spur gears or the brake discs. Always use new fuel and keep the cap on the fuel tightly closed. As fuel ages it absorbs water, which degrades the fuel's performance and causes erratic engine operation. After you have finished using the engine for the day, remove the glow plug and squirt several drops of a high-quality after-run oil into the cylinder. Reinstall the glow plug and crank the engine over a couple of times (without the glow starter attached) to distribute the oil. This will prevent corrosion inside the engine. Never leave unused fuel in the fuel tank for more than a couple of days. The nitromethane and methanol in the fuel will evaporate, leaving the oil behind. This will eventually turn into a thick sludge that will require replacement of the fuel tank to fix. 16 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at

17 SECTION 8: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE This troubleshooting guide has been provided to help you diagnose and solve most problems that you may encounter with your X-Terminator Pro. Most problems encountered can be solved by carefully following the problem-cause-solution sections. If you cannot solve the problem using this troubleshooting guide, please feel free to contact us at the address, phone number or address shown on the second page of this Assembly Manual and Tuning Guide. PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION 1) Vehicle pulls to one side A) Steering trim out of adjustment A) Readjust trim to center both wheels B) Toe angle out of adjustment B) Readjust toe angle C) One wheel is hanging or has damaged bearing C) Remove wheel and clean bearing. Replace if necessary 2) Brakes seem ineffective A) Brake linkage out of adjustment A) Readjust brake linkage B) Brake disc(s) worn B) Replace brake disc(s) 3) Clutch does not engage A) Clutch shoes damaged or worn A) Replace clutch shoes B) Clutch bell damaged or worn B) Replace clutch bell 4) Clutch does not disengage A) Clutch springs worn or damaged A) Replace clutch springs 5) Buggy does not "go" A) Stripped spur gear A) Replace spur gear B) Stripped differential gear(s) B) Replace differential gear(s) C) Clutch shoes slipping D) Clean clutch bell as described on page # 6 and carefully remove any "glaze" from the clutch shoes, using the same method 6) Suspension not smooth or free A) One or more shocks sticking A) Clean and/or rebuild the affected shock B) Bent shock shaft B) Rebuild affected shock C) Bent or otherwise damaged hinge pin C) Replace hinge pin 7) Shocks leaking oil A) Shock seals worn A) Replace shock seals B) Bent shock shaft B) Rebuild affected shock 8) Brakes are ineffective A) Brake linkage out of adjustment A) Readjust brake linkage as described on page # 14 B) Brake disc(s) worn or damaged B) Replace brake disc(s) 9) Spur gear strips out A) Gear mesh too loose A) Replace spur gear and readjust gear mesh as described on page # 5 10) Vehicle rolls while engine A) Engine idle is too high A) Lower your engine's idle speed is idling Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at service@globalhobby.net 17

18 18 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at

19 Need help or have any questions? Call us at or send us an at 19

20 IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION - PLEASE READ! Your XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro is warranted against manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the date of purchase. Warranty service will be provided within 90 days of the date of purchase only if you are able to provide the original or a copy of the original dated sales receipt. IMPORTANT WARRANTY SERVICE INFORMATION Before returning your X-Terminator Pro for warranty consideration, the status of the unit must be within the guarantee as stated above. Do not return your X-Terminator Pro to the place of purchase. They are not authorized or equipped to perform warranty work on XTM Racing products. When requesting warranty service, please observe the following: Crash damage will not be covered under warranty. Do not request warranty service for a crash-damaged product. This warranty only covers the XTM Racing X-Terminator Pro only. It does not cover your own engine or radio control system. Please remove your engine, radio control system and batteries from the chassis before sending the product to us. Include a note detailing the problem or service you are requesting. Service cannot be provided without this information. Include your daytime phone number, shipping address and/or address in the event we need more details pertaining to the service requested. If your vehicle is out of the warranty period you may request an estimate of services at the time you return your vehicle for service. An omission of this request implies permission for Global Services to service your vehicle at our discretion. Include a method of payment for any service charges. Send the unit to us by United Parcel Service, Federal Express or by Insured Mail. Postage is non-refundable. Send your package to: Global Services Bandilier Circle Fountain Valley CA Visit Our Website Phone: (714) Fax: (714) service@globalhobby.net PURCHASING REPLACEMENT PARTS Included with your X-Terminator Pro is a separate booklet listing all of the replacement parts that are available, along with their respective part numbers. Replacement parts are available through your local authorized XTM Racing dealer or directly from us. To locate the dealer nearest you, please call us at (714) or visit our dealer directory on the Internet at or Order Directly From Us at the Address, Phone Number or Web Site Shown Above 20 Visit our website at or for Customer Service at