Tamiya F104X1 Build – Part 3 – Motor Install

The Build – Part 3
Part 3 is simply installing the motor. It’s an easy section and only requires 3 steps.

Build Notes:
Pay attention to the direction of the motor spacer. The cooling fins should be facing the motor.

Only 540 motors will fit the F104X1 (either brushed or brushless).

Installing the motor is pretty simple. Slide the screws through the motor plate, rear pod, motor spacer and into the motor. Do not tighten yet. The motor plate and motor spacer are required to help cool the motor since the rear pod is made out of plastic. If you upgrade the rear pod to aluminum, both of these pieces can be eliminated. Also, make sure the wire connecting tabs on the motor (and sensor wire harness) are all pointed up to make it easier to solder.

Once the motor is in, you can attach the pinion gear.

Slowly slide the motor towards the spur gear until the pinion and spur make contact. Back the motor of a tick and tighten the motor screws. You want there to be a TINY HINT of backlash (free play) between the pinion and spur…as little as possible since we are running 64p gears. If there is too much space you’ll strip the spur, so a smaller gap is better here.

Part 4 – Installing the Front Suspension, Part 1.
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