KM T1000 is a pile of poop...

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admorris

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KM T1000 quality control is suspect...

Probably should cool down before posting, but I've had it with this truck. First trip out to break in and broke servo saver running through a smooth football field. Gave it the benefit of doubt because it was cold outside. Second time out and did fine (for 20 mins). Third time out today (second tank of fuel) and it looks like the transmission locked up and took the pinion gears with it, or at least sheered off the bolt that holds the pinion gears on. I have the two speed transmission and have been taking it relatively easy on break in. Looking through posts now I realize the trans probably had little to no fluid in it....hence the title of the thread.

Just a warning to those thinking of getting this...DON'T DO IT...I should have listened to my damn gut. Have had an hpi savage x 4.6 for three years and bashed the hell out of it with 0 problems...then this turd came along and has pissed me off beyond belief within a weeks time. Have messaged Dan to see what he can do...he has been good so far. Sorry for the bashing, but I meant everything I have said. Junk!
 
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There are a lot of us who have had great success with this truck. It's a rare case when someone has a major problem like this with one. Hopefully you get it worked out.
 
Alright guys...I'm an idiot and I admit it. Took a break (and a deep breath) and went back to work on the truck. After further inspection, the only issue was that the bolt holding the pinion gears on the clutch shaft worked itself loose, so the gears came off. Luckily I didn't run it but literally a second after that, so no damage done. Not sure why 1st gear (big gear) locked up, but I did a little wiggling and it worked itself loose and turns smooth again. I replaced the bolt (with locktite) and lock washer (5mmx12mm) and all is good. I ran it for a few mins and seems strong. Hopefully I did no more damage than it appears. Sorry for the pissed off rant, but that is still pathetic quality control. An important bolt such as that should not be coming loose after 30 mins of easy break in running. Happy that it's fixed, but not feeling so confident in quality at this point.
 
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The biggest issue with the KM's is quality control. I knew that going in, and that's why I spent some time before running mine to make sure everything was where it needed to be. This is why the cost is where it is. The quality of the truck itself is good, but along with the hundreds saved, there are some things that just have to be done to make sure everything's tight and lubed.

It's kind of like buying a kit, except someone did "most" of the work already. A little time is needed to make sure that work was done correctly, and it helps you get to know your truck better.

Glad it's not as big of an issue as it was thought to be.
 
ad if you would have got the hpi the same thing could have happened. the pinion bolt is way to small on all bajas and thats why the turtle clutch set up is so highly sought after, it has a bigger pinion bolt. those who still run the stock hpi set up(or king motors) like to run the bolt in from the backside of the clutch bell and use a nylock nut on the protruding end . so if the bolt breaks which is common you have a way of removing it
 
I appreciate the responses...she's all good now. I almost feel guilty for getting so mad at her...lol. I upgraded to a little bit longer stainless bolt. Hopefully that and loctite will keep the same from happening again.
 
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yah its just like whay cobra said, KM is still a great buy for the money, but everyone needs to realize, that not all of them were serviced correctly when assembled at factory. everyone buying one needs to know, that they really should do at least a partial breakdown, at very least, on these, to check diff fluid, bolt tightness, loctite, if there was even any used, or wrong kind used in places. think of it like buying a used car, sorta, kickin the tires, looking it over, check under the hood, under car, look for leaks, etc.... if everyone keeps this mindset in mind when you get a KM, and know it needs to be a once over done before running it, a lot less headaches will insue.

i wasnt on any forums when i got mine, and i run it a couple times, till PS borked, and after i done some research, found this forum, etc.. i started my upgrading of parts, this gave me great excuse to actually go thru all the things i read bout and check them, my diff had very little fluid in it, bolts not loctited, etc.. i found, luckily long before any damage had been done cuz only a tank and a half run thru it.

maybe, in light of this, someone should actually do a sticky for here, on a BEFORE YOU RUN IT on things to be done, might save some headaches, just a thought. but a good idea possibly.
 
with all new RC's its always best to give it a good once over checking all nuts/bolts are tight & threadlock where needed.. i know we shouldnt have to when its advertised as a "RTR" but guess its best to be safe than sorry!

i know if i was ever to buy another RTR, as soon i got it the 1st thing id do is strip it right down & then re-build it properly :)

but glad to hear u got it sorted dude, i know the feeling @ times when things go wrong, lost count how many times ive said im gunna sell my FG Monster Beetle cuz of things breaking in the past! ...but i stuck with it & upgraded a few parts & now (touch wood!) its going well :)
 
mine was down for like 3 months, but not cuz it was broke, i was doing upgrades, had it tore down pretty much, and got the upgrades as i could, and slowly reassembled it with new upgrades as i could afford them. it did get frustrating a time or 2, walkin in seeing it all tore down, wanting to run it, but knew i was waiting for upgrades. it was worth it tho, trucks alot tuffer now than before, and so far performs really well.
 
pablo said:
mmmmmmmm had a nitro for 3 years and nothing has ever broke did you leave it in the box for the 3 years?
Click to expand...

Seriously...I broke it in and tuned it three years ago, haven't touched the needles since. I'm sure I could get s little more out of it by tweaking it here and there, but that truck has been a beast (watch me break it this afternoon). I did bust a shock a couple years back, so I upgraded to all aluminum heavy duty shocks...other than that it has been pretty much issue free.
 
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I really don't get it, sometimes you get a good one, sometuimes you get a bad one, mine is a good one. I did some stuff that I thought needed looked at, since i am a 20+ year veteran of this hobby. I checked the shocks and screws that go into metal and made sure this that and the other little things were all ok. So far I really haven't broke anything. Amazingly 3.5 gallons into it and the pull starter works like new!

Now granted, I don't take my baja out and cart wheel it like I see alot of people doing, I do jump it though, I just know limits and restrain myself, I don't like replacing broken parts. LOL Wait til this spring, I got it too late last year to have any offroad fun with it since it got cold after I got it. I don't like mixing snow with non waterproof electronics. Now my E-Maxx on the other hand has been the occasional submarine. LOL But the speed control, servo and radio box are all waterproof.
 
I sold off all my nitros except one. An Ofna Blazer SSt. I've had it for about 6 years. It's been real reliable and has never had an issue as far as tune or engine related. I'm not easy on it, and I expect some sort of failure each time. I had it out just yesterday and I stripped all the teeth off the clutch bell after running it for about 15 mins. I don't mind because it's cheap and easy to fix. In general though, nitros are a pain in the ass.

I'm not easy on any of my RC's, but I have learned what sort of limits they all have, and drive accordingly.
 
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admorris said:
Seriously...I broke it in and tuned it three years ago, haven't touched the needles since. I'm sure I could get s little more out of it by tweaking it here and there, but that truck has been a beast (watch me break it this afternoon). I did bust a shock a couple years back, so I upgraded to all aluminum heavy duty shocks...other than that it has been pretty much issue free.
Click to expand...
I know your talking strait, i've had top brand nitro's for around 8 years and had very little trouble in 8 years (only of my own doing when i first got started) if you buy the good stuff and learn what your doing regarding tuning, you will be fine.
I'l tell you one thing, i have a km baja and have had a hpi baja, i also have had two savages and have got two hong nor x1 crts among other nitros i'v had over the years and you can believe me when i tell you, i had more fcuking problems with this km baja in the first month than i'v had with nitros in eight years.
I haven't had that prob with the bolt your talking about with the km but had it with the hpi, only for the help from northwest off road baz, ian, voo, tiz, and halif. to name a few, i would of binned it.
the worst prob i had was the gasket between the carb and the cylinder head was not flat and it was sucking air in and over heating, i thought i had caught it but it seems i hadn't, the piston started rubbing the head until i just couldn't turn it over, but its the same with the nitro's if you buy the cheap crap expect problems, they're not cheap for nothing.
sorry for venting, but no excuse for just not careing.
 
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its like bajamatt said above, sometimes you get a good one and sometimes you don't, don't matter the brand. my KM T1000 hasnt had any issues other than a borked PS on 2nd tank and was replaced with a collared pawl PS and no more probs.
 
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