New Mi3.5 owner

barry · #1 17-10-2009

Hi,

I've recently bought a used Mi3.5 for next season, having racing in the Tamiya stock class this year. Can anyone recommend a good parts supplier? I see you can buy direct from Schumacher, but perhaps they're not the cheapest...

I'd like to stock up on stuff like screws and washers, as these are the types of thing I drop in grass and don't have a spare of!

Also, can anyone tell me if the axle is one piece or does it come apart? I found that with a spur fitted to the front, I was still able to spin the front right wheel without turning the motor. Turns out a pin was missing from universal joint bit of the axle, but when I checked another on the car it seemed to be one piece. Managed to find a pin that slotted in so should be ok.

Cheers,
Barry

barry · #2 17-10-2009

Thought of another question! What different greases/oils will I need to maintain the car throughout the season, apart from shock oil? Does the diff need a certain type of grease etc?

Cheers,
Barry

lochness42 · #3 17-10-2009

It worth to have schumacher diff and moly grease for diffs.
You shoud use diff grease on balls and moly grease on thrust bearing.
It also worth to lube cvd's with moly grease.
Also having some kind of lube for ball bearings is quite necessary
I'm using TF2 spray that is something like WD40 but with teflon.

To CVD's - you are able to disassemble them for maintenance

barry · #4 18-10-2009

Thanks for the reply. Is there meant to be a grub screw that secures the pin in the CVD? This site seems to say so, and even adds shrink tubing to further ensure the pin won't come away.

Cheers,
Barry

lochness42 · #5 18-10-2009

Yes there should be grub screw - I haven't seen cvd without it, however I can't deny that there doesn't exist such cvd. I haven't used shrink tube so far but it really should help.

barry · #6 18-10-2009

Thanks - I'll have another look at the joint.

Which brings me onto another question. This may seem a bit basic but I've never actually asked it so here goes... What's the best way to detach the plastic ball sockets from the ball joint? I've never found a good way - sometimes it takes a lot of force to prise them apart and the other day I almost bled! Using a screwdriver to lever them of disfigures them...

Thanks,
Barry

DCM · #7 18-10-2009

I use a pair of side cutters, slip it underneath, close jaws a little, prise off.

barry · #8 18-10-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCM

I use a pair of side cutters, slip it underneath, close jaws a little, prise off.

Will try that, thanks.

Barry

barry · #9 18-10-2009

This is also my first foray into brushless esc/motor. I've heard they don't like water! Any waterproofing tips e.g. undertray, box to house esc/receiver, baloon etc?

With regard to the plastic box for esc/receiver, doesn't this cause overheating problems? What about the fan on the esc?

Cheers,
Barry

lochness42 · #10 18-10-2009

Big problem is moisture in sensor or sensor wire. But as any electronic device also esc doesn't like water. I don't have any experience with waterproofing as we in Slovakia don't race when it rains.