1/8 4Wd Nitro Monster Truck
1/8 4Wd Nitro Monster Truck
1/8 4Wd Nitro Monster Truck
6218--F
JD6224
Thunder Tiger Corporation guarantees this model kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship. The
total monetary value under warranty will in no case exceed the cost of the original kit purchased. This warranty does
not cover any components damaged by use or modification. Part or parts missing from this kit must be reported within
60 days of purchase. No part or parts will be sent under warranty without proof of purchase. To receive part or parts
under warranty, the service center must receive a proof of purchase and/or the defective part or parts. Should you
find a defective or missing part, contact the authorized Thunder Tiger Service/Distributor nearest you. Under no
circumstances can a dealer or distributor accept return of a kit if assembly has started.
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Thunder Tiger MTA-4 nitro monster truck. Thunder Tiger strives to bring you the
highest level of quality and service we can provide. We race and test our products around the world to bring
you state-of-the-art items.
This User Guide contains the steps you will use to prepare and use your new vehicle. Please read all instructions
and familiarize yourself with the systems and controls of this product before operating. You should enjoy many
hours of trouble free use from this advanced R/C product. We offer on-line help 24-7 on our www.acehobby.com
forum and our product specialists are ready to take your call if you have any technical questions. Have fun and
enjoy the exciting world of R/C.
Power Drill
Glow Igniter 110/220/240V Fuel (10%-30% only.
See Fuel Selection
on STEP 15)
1
WARNING
Thank you for purchasing a Thunder Tiger Product. Please read all instructions thoroughly before operation.
1. This product is not a toy. It is a high performance model product. It is important to familiarize yourself with the
model, its manual, and its construction before assembly or operation.
2. Do not operate model products in rain, on public roads, near crowds, near airport, or near areas with restricted
radio operation.
3. Always keep fuel away from heat, open flame and the reach of children! Only operate in open, well-ventilated
area. Store fuel in cool, dry area. Keep the fuel bottle cap tightly closed. Clean up any leak or excess fuel before
starting the engine.
4. This product, its parts, and its construction tools can be harmful to your health. Always exercise extreme caution
when assembling and/or operating this product. Do not touch any part of model which rotates.
5. Check your radio frequency with the proper operating frequency of the area or country. Always check to see if
there are any modelers operating on the same frequency as your are. Also, check your radio for proper operation
before operating a mode.
6. Improper operations may cause personal and/or property damage. Thunder Tiger and its distributor have no
control over damage resulting from shipping, improper construction, or improper usage.
7. Thunder Tiger assumes and accepts no responsibility for personal and/or property damages resulting from the
use of improper building materials, equipment and operations. By the act of assembling or operating this product,
the user accepts all resulting liability. If the buyer is not prepared to accept this liability, then he/she should
return this kit in new, unassembled, and unused condition to the place of purchase.
d e
2
INSTALLING THE RADIO GEAR
2a
Skip if already assembled in RTR version
b c
d e f
g h i
j K
a. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove two 3x10mm and two 3x14mm Philip screws on the bottom of
chassis, and then take out the radio tray from the car.
b. Install the servos with tap screws. Notice the orientation of the steering, throttle and FWD/REV servo
output shafts.
c. Install the servo saver onto steering servo output shaft.
d. Take out the large body clip on the receiver box and battery box to open the box top.
e. Install the receiver switch onto the side of the battery box with its original screws.
f. Properly plug the connectors/wires into the receiver, steering servo connector/wire into channel 1 slot,
throttle servo connector/wire into channel 2 slot, FWD/REV servo connector/wire into channel 3 slot
and battery switch connector/wire into battery slot.
g. Place the receiver and the wires inside the receiver box, thread the receiver antenna/wire through the
box top hole, and reinstall the box top with large body clip
h. Thread the receiver antenna/wire through the antenna tube, and then install the antenna tube onto
the box top hole.
i. Install 4 AA size alkaline batteries into battery holder and connect the battery holder wire/connector to
the receiver switch wire/connector.
j. Install the battery holder into the enclosed battery box with large body clip.
k. Reassemble the radio tray on the chassis with its original screws.
3
INSTALLING STEERING SERVO LINKAGE
3a
Skip if already assembled in RTR version
b c
a. Find the steering linkages in the part bag as shown on the diagram.
b. Install the steering linkage rod onto steering servo saver.
c. Pop the linkage end onto the standoff ball on the steering rack.
b c
4
CHARGING THE GLOW PLUG IGNITER
6a
Thunder Tiger Optional Part #2165, 1300MAH Glow Starter w/220V Charger.
Thunder Tiger Optional Part #2166, 1300MAH Glow Starter w/110V Charger.
Thunder Tiger Optional Part #2164, 1300MAH Glow Starter w/240V Charger.
b c
d e f
NOTE :
If the igniter gets warm or hot during the charge, unplug the igniter from charger immediately. A warm /
hot igniter means the igniter is overcharged. Overcharging can damage the internal battery in the igniter;
thus, shortening its life.
5
RADIO BATTERY INSTALLATION
8a b c
RADIO OPERATION
9a b c
a. When turning radio on, first turn on the transmitter and extend the transmitter antenna.
b. Then, turn on the receiver. When turning off, first turn the receiver off, then the transmitter off.
c. To reverse the functions of servos, use the small, white servo reverse switches located on side of the
pistol transmitter (or the inset servo reverse switches located at the bottom of the stick transmitter). To
trim the servos on pistol transmitter, use the trim switches on side of the steering wheel (the ST. trims
steering, and the TH trims throttle/brake). On a stick transmitter, the trim levers are located accordingly
around the sticks.
d. For more details, please check the transmitter instruction manual.
10 a
OPERATING RADIO STEERING FUNCTION
b c
a. Check the radio steering functions. With the radio transmitter and receiver on, turn the steering wheel/stick
to the left. The front tires/wheels should turn left accordingly. If not, flip the steering servo reverse switch.
b. Return the steering wheel/stick to neutral. The front tires/wheels should point straight forward. If not,
use the steering trim lever to correct it.
c. Turn the steering wheel/stick to the right. The front tires/wheels should turn right accordingly.
6
OPERATING RADIO THROTTLE / BRAKE
11 a
AND REVERSE FUNCTION
b c
a. Check the radio throttle/brake functions. With the radio transmitter and receiver on, pull the trigger/push
the stick forward. The carburetor should be fully opened and the brake disengaged. To reverse this
function, flip the throttle/brake servo reverse switch.
b. Return the trigger/stick to neutral. The carburetor should be closed to a point where the idle has been
set (see step for ADJUSTING THROTTLE/BRAKE LINKAGE), and the brake still disengaged. If not,
use the throttle/brake trim lever to correct it.
c. Push the trigger/pull the stick backward. The carburetor opening should still be the same at neutral,
throttle spring compressed slightly, and the brake engaged.
d. Press the Forward/Reverse Button. This will shift the truck into Reverse. Press the Forward/Reverse
Button again to shift the truck into Forward.
7
ADJUSTING THROTTLE / BRAKE LINKAGE
12 a b c
1/16"
1/16" Gap
Gap
a. To set the throttle/brake linkage, first the radio should be on and neutral; thus, the servo is at neutral
position.
b. With the servo at neutral, turn and adjust plastic brake adjustment nut at the end of the linkage until
there is a 1/16"(1.5mm) gap between the spring and the brake lever when the spring is not compressed.
( The brake lever should almost engages the brake system, but not yet.)
c. With the servo at neutral, using a 1.5mm Allen wrench driver to loosen the throttle collars. Then,
manually close the carburetor, and set the forward collar (next to the spring) with the spring slightly
compressed. Then, set the other collar (rearward) next to the linkage pivot.
Transmission
in Forward
d e
a. Loosen the setscrews of the collars on the wire linkages using a 1.5mm Allen driver.
b. Turn on the radio and the truck, but do not start the engine.
c. The servo will move automatically to the position for forward driving.
d. Move the rearward collar toward the linkage pivot collar on the servo horn until the spring is fully
compressed. Uncompress the spring about 3/16"(4.5mm) by sliding the collar back and then tighten
the setscrew.
e. Press the FWD/REV button on the radio.
f. Repeat step13d with the forward collar.
8
ADJUSTING CARBURETOR
14 a b c
d e
a. To set the high speed needle (large needle sticking out from the carburetor body), turn the screw as
pictured. Initial high speed needle setting should be 2.5 turns (close the needle completely, then back
out 2.5 turns). Clockwise turn will provide leaner setting (lower fuel to air mixture), and counterclockwise
turn will provide richer setting (higher fuel to air mixture).
b. To set the carburetor idle (small needle sticking out from the carburetor body), turn the screw as
pictured. Initial idle setting should leave 1mm carburetor gap. Clockwise turn will provide higher idle
(larger carburetor opening), and counterclockwise turn will provide lower idle (smaller carburetor
opening). For more details about the engine setting, please refer to ENGINE BREAK-IN/SETTING
procedures to properly set the engine.
c. To set the low speed needle (The low-speed mixture screw is located in the end of the carburetor).
turn the screw as pictured. Initial low speed needle setting should be 6 1/2 turns (close the needle
completely, then back out 6.5 turns). This screw controls how much fuel enters the engine at idle and
low throttle. This adjustment will smooth the idle and improve the acceleration to mid speed. Make
this adjustment with the throttle closed, after setting the idle. Turn the screw clockwise gently until it
stops. DO NOT over tighten.
d. Remove the outer foam from filter and make it moist evenly with a few drops of fuel. Put the filter in a
plastic bag and knead it until the foam is saturated, but not soaked.
e. Finally, make sure the air cleaner boot is securely fastened with a zip-tie.
Never run your vehicle without the air filter .If the vehicle will be operated in an area with fine dust, use
filter oil or caster oil instead of fuel. It is important that the foam is only moist to trap dirt and allow air
passage. With the foam too wet, limited air can pass through; therefore, limiting engine performance.
0.020"
0.020" (0.5mm)
(0.5mm)
Idle Screw
Leaner
Leaner
Richer
Richer (Less
(Less Fuel)
Fuel)
Leaner
Leaner
Richer
Richer
Low Speed
Low Speed Screw
Screw (More
(More Fuel)
Fuel)
9
FUELLING
15 a b c
Fuel Selection
Choose a fuel from a reputable, brand name company that is approved for car/truck use. Do not use
airplane or boat fuels in your truck. Choose methanol based model engine glow fuel that has a nitro
content in the range 10%-30% and 5% to 18% caster/synthetic oil content for lubrication. Lower nitro
percentages will generally result in a cooler engine running temperature and therefore last longer before
needing a rebuild; cooler-running engines also generally produce less power.
20% nitro is the most widely used fuel in these engines. Fuel color is for identification purpose only and
is not important to performance or durability of your engine.
c. Check the glow plug by plugging it into the glow plug igniter. The glow plug element should light up
brightly. If it lights up dimly, then the glow plug igniter is low (and it needs recharging). If it does not
light up or the plug element looks distorted, then the glow plug is bad (replace with new one). After
checking, reinstall the glow plug.
The glow plug used for this engine can be: Thunder Tiger 9281, McCoy #9 / #59, Novarossi C4S /
C5S / C6S,OS #8 / #A3 / #A5, and Picco P6S / P7S.
10
STARTING THE ENGINE
17 a
Start the engine using either the pull start or hex start (corddless drill required)
b c
Check direction of
drill before inserting
into the dual-start
system. It should be
turning clockwise.
a. Bring your truck to a complete stop and idle. Then, Remove the body clips and body.
b. Using needle-nose pliers or a clothespin, pinch off the fuel line just before the carburetor until the
engine stops (1-2 seconds). DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THE MOTOR BY TOUCHING OR
GRABBING THE FLYWHEEL! These motors have a lot of torque and serious injury could occur
from stopping the engine in this manner.
The exhaust gasses can be very hot, stopping the motor by plugging the exhaust with your finger
could result in a serious burn.
c. Turn off your truck and then the radio
11
ENGINE BREAK-IN
19 For a new engine (break-in setting), the high speed needle needs to be set as rich as possible. Turn
the high speed needle 1/4 turn counterclockwise from initial setting (2.5 turns from fully closed). Repeat
step 19b. Keep doing this until the engine stalls at full throttle, then turn the high speed needle 1/4 turn
clockwise. Run the car in an open parking lot with this rich engine setting for at least 5 tanks of fuel to
complete the break-in process. It is normal for a new engine to stall many times during this time due to
the rich setting. When it does, just restart the engine. After break-in, follow the ENGINE SETTING
procedure to set the carburetor for normal operations.
ENGINE SETTING
Due to different fuel formula, operating elevation, humidity . . . etc., the engine may/may not operate
properly at initial setting. Please follow the following procedure to achieve proper carburetor setting. Do
not perform this procedure until the engine has been properly broken in.
a. Start the engine.
b. With a running engine, run the car back and foreth in a straight line (full throttle achieved furing
each passage) in an open parking lot. Repeat and note the sound of the exhaust. Do not hold the
throttle open with car off the ground or the engine connecting rod may break.
c. If the exhaust does not reach a high pitch note, turn the high speed needle (long needle, extending
from carburetor body, pointing up) 1/4 turn clockwise, and repeat step 19b.
d. Repeat step 19c until the engine reaches optimum setting (turning in the high speed needle will no
longer have an effect at full throttle and turning out the needle will cause the engine's full throttle
rpm to drop a little). For normal operations, turn the high speed needle 1/4 turn counterclockwise
from the optimum setting.
e. To set the idle, turn the idle screw in (higher rpm) or out (lower rpm). Basically, the idle needs to be
set at the lowest possible point before the engine stalls.
f. To set the low speed needle (inside the throttle lever), the engine needs to be broken in and high
speed needle needs to be set first.
g. Repeating step 19b every 10 seconds (1 second full throttle and 10 seconds idle). If the engine
rpm at idle drops after a few seconds and stalls, then turn in the low speed needle (clockwise) 1/4
turn. If the engine rpm stays the same or goes up at idle, then turn out the low speed needle
(counterclockwise) 1/4 turn.
h. Keep repeating step 19g until the engine rpm drops (goes to idle rpm, then drops a few more rpm
after a few seconds) but does not stall.
12
SET UP
21 Two-Speed Adjustment
a. Your truck's two-speed shift point is preset from the factory.
It should shift into 2nd gear within 12-15 feet on a full-
Shift
Earlier
Shift
Later
Ride Height
a. The truck ride height can be increased by adding preload clips to
the shocks. Removing preload clips will decrease the ride height.
b. Compress the spring and insert the preload clips between the
spring collar and the shock body flange.
13
Shock Springs
Stiffer springs will give you better handling and higher cornering speed on smooth surfaces such as
asphalt, concrete, and hard pack dirt. Soft springs are better for rougher terrain, rock crawling and jumping.
Softer springs will increase the rollover tendency of the truck at higher speeds.
Optional Gearing
Additional gearing is available for your MTA-4 Monster Truck. Additional gearing allows you to match
your engine and transmission to your driving situation. Bigger gears on the clutch bell (or smaller slipper
gears) will result in greater top speed, but will have slower acceleration from a stop (see chart below).
If you change the gearing you will need to reset the gear mesh:
1. Loosen (or tighten if engine was removed) the four engine mounting bolts located on the underside
of the truck until you can just slide the engine forward and backward.
2. Slide the engine up to the spur gear until the teeth on the clutch bell are meshed tightly with the teeth
on the slipper gear.
3. Move the engine back a little bit (1/32" or 0.8mm). Check the mesh by holding the smaller gear with
one hand and rocking the bigger gear back and forth with the other. The big gear should rock back
and forth slightly with little effort. A gear mesh that is too tight will be noisy, have lower performance
and could ruin the gears.
* Some gear combinations may require modification of the spur gear support guard. Look for equivalent
ratios to avoid making modifications. For example, instead of using the 18-52 combination, choose
either of the 17-49 or 16-46 combos.
14
Features
High power and reliable .21 size engine that has two different starting
methods (pull start and hex shaft start).
A very rigid, extruded aluminum channel chassis was used to handle
the stress of the long travel suspension and high power of the .21
size engine.
Reliable, two-speed, adjustable automatic shifting, forward and reverse
transmission.
1/8 4WD NITRO Long travel suspension is controlled by 8 adjustable oil damped
shocks which handle jump heights in excess of 2 meter.
MONSTER TRUCK One piece electronic equipment container unit.
The large, non-stopping fuel tank features a dual fuel-pick-up system.
Fuel line with primer pump.
High impact absorbing front and rear bumpers protect the chassis
and suspension during hard landings and tumbles.
Realistic styled body shell, wheels and tires match the design of full
size monster trucks.
Easy & quickly body open system.
THUNDER TIGER
PRO-21BX-R(P) ENGINE
Blue Body
Red Body