How to Convert a Universal Starter Box for Revo 3.3/Platinum These are instructions for converting a common universal electric starter box for starting the Revo 3.3 or Platinum without an on-board starting system. Written By: Brian Sallee 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 1 of 14
INTRODUCTION Creating your own starting system for the Revo 3.3 or Platinum can be very useful if your vehicle does not have an on-board starting system. In just one half hour you can create your own starter box using a stock E-Maxx Chassis. TOOLS: Drill (1) Phillips Screwdriver (1) Protective Eyewear (1) Rotary Cutting Tool (1) PARTS: Stock E-Maxx chassis (1) 40mm Spacer (1) 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 2 of 14
Step 1 Starter Box Prep Remove lid - Disconnect the starter box lid by removing the two hinge screws and locknuts. Remove charge jacks - The charge jacks will need to be removed to make room for the electric starter motors. They can be relocated by drilling new holes approximately 1/2-inch below the original ones. If the charge jacks are not necessary, then they can be removed permanently Step 2 Elevate starter wheel The starter wheel assembly must be elevated approximately 40mm to reach the Revo's flywheel. Disconnect the starter motor wires - The starter motors must be disconnected from the wiring harness to remove the starter motor assembly. Remove the starter motor assembly - Remove the four screws from the bottom of the starter box and lift the starter motor assembly from the box. Lift the starter motor assembly from the starter box. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 3 of 14
Step 3 Raise starter motor assembly 40mm. Attach a 40mm spacer to the bottom of the starter motor assembly and remount the assembly back into the box. Longer hardware will be needed Make sure that the hardware you use is the correct size for your particular box. 1 large spacer or 4 individual spacers will work. Just make sure that the mounted motor assembly is secure. Tip: A wooden 2x4 cut to fit inside the box will also work. Note: Make sure you leave enough room for the battery wires to pass through. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 4 of 14
Step 4 Trim the lid to clear raised motor assembly The wheel opening in the starter box lid must now be trimmed to provide clearance to the elevated motor assembly. The opening must be widened to approximately 40mm in width. This may vary with different starter boxes. Make sure there is proper clearance for the starter wheel. Remount the box lid - Use the two hinge screws and lock nuts to secure the lid to the starter box. Check the clearance for the starter wheel. Note: Do not tighten these screws. The lid needs to pivot smoothly to operate. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 5 of 14
Step 5 Install posts to line up the flywheel with the starter wheel The Revo must be set onto the starter box in a specific location and orientation so that the flywheel lines up with the starter wheel for easy starting. There are multiple ways to key the truck onto the starter lid. OPTION A: Install plastic body posts - Universal plastic body posts can be used to mount onto the lid to key the truck in. Trim the posts to 1/2- inch in length. Correct post location - Refer to the picture for correct post locations for the Revo 3.3. The Post positions are marked in red and are measured from the center of the starter wheel to the center of the post location(s). Note: The positions indicated in the picture may need small adjustments for best performance from your personal Revo 3.3 and starter box. (A) Drill a hole here to mount a post to keep the front skid plate from sliding back. (B) Use this slot closest to the wheel. The slot may need to be lengthened a bit to fit the rear skid plate. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 6 of 14
Step 6 OPTION B: Use front and rear E-Maxx chassis sections for 'drop-on' starting - The front and rear center sections of the molded E-Maxx chassis work great for keying in the Revo 3.3. The front center section of the E-Maxx chassis works great for a front adapter. Cut out the section along the lines shown in the picture with a rotary cutoff tool. Caution: Use proper protective eyewear when operating a rotary tool. Remove any unnecessary material from the adapter. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 7 of 14
Step 7 Use these two holes for mounting the adapter. Use these locations for mounting the front adapter. The slot on the right will need to be notched for the outside screw. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 8 of 14
Step 8 Mount Front Adapter Use the existing screws from the starter box to mount the front adapter onto the lid. (A) The left side hole in the adapter should line up at the end of the slot. (B) The right side hole in the adapter should be positioned in the outside slot, directly across from the left. The slot may need to be notched to fit the screw. Secure the adapter with the screws supplied with the starter box. Step 9 Correct Location and Orientation of the Front Adapter Double check the location of your front adapter. It should be aligned like the front adapter in these photos. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 9 of 14
Step 10 Rear Adapter Cut out the section along the lines shown in the picture with a rotary cutoff tool. Caution: Use proper protective eyewear when operating a rotary tool. Remove any unnecessary material from the adapter. Use these two holes for mounting the adapter. Step 11 Use this slot for the rear adapter. The end of the slot at the side of the lid may need to be lengthened a little for proper fit. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 10 of 14
Step 12 Mount Rear Adapter Use the existing hardware from the starter box to mount the rear adapter onto the lid. Step 13 Completed Starter Box Conversion Your starter box should look something like this. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 11 of 14
Step 14 Correct starter wheel rotation for Revo The engine flywheel rotates counterclockwise (as you're looking at the front of the engine). The starter wheel needs to rotate clockwise in relation to the flywheel. If your wheel rotates the wrong way, just switch electric motor leads to get the proper rotation. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 12 of 14
Step 15 Starting Your Revo 3.3 with the Converted Starter Box Fill the fuel tank with fuel and turn on the radio system. Set the truck onto the box while keying in the front and rear of the truck between the posts. The flywheel should line up with the starter wheel just above the wheel. The rear skid plate should fit between the two adapter posts and just in front of the lower rear suspension arms. The front skid plate should fit between the two posts and push back against the back wall of the adapter. The flywheel should line up with the starter wheel - just above the starter wheel. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 13 of 14
Step 16 Starting Up Use a glow plug igniter to preheat the glow plug. Press down on the truck to engage the flywheel with the spinning starter wheel. The engine should turn over rapidly until the engine starts. This document was last generated on 2017-07-06 06:56:13 AM. 2017 traxxas.dozuki.com Page 14 of 14