XXXT MF2 Air in Shocks?
 

At least it sure seems that way.

I'm putting the shocks on my new MF2. No matter what I do (according to Losi's instructs) I keep getting air in the shocks. I keep feeling that evil gurgle that comes from air being forced through/by the piston. I fill the shock to the top, work the piston to free the air trapped there, refill after any spillage, let the shock sit to allow any air to settle up, take care not to work the piston while tightening the cartridge - whatever one might sensibly consider when chargin new shocks. I've tried bleeding on the downstroke and upstoke (w/cartridge pointing up). I get air bleeding out, but it looks like there is either air still trapped in the shock somewhere, or air is leaking back in.

I can't be the only person to have this sort of trouble - at least I hope not.

Is there some trick to getting these shocks set up? Some step I'm missing or obvious mistake I'm making? I'm not to the point of tearing out what little hair I have left, but I'm definitely not a real happy camper.

Help?

TIA.....

What you are experiencing is normal. The shocks don't have any provision for volume compensation. Ideally the air bubble settles at the top of the shock and the gurgling is minimal. There is not way to completely remove air from the Losi shocks or the Associated shocks without adding the Bladder kit to the Associated shocks.

The best way I have found to fill the Losi shocks is to fill them to ~1/8th in from the bottom of the threads (any more is too full) and carefully screw the cartridge in. I then SLOWLY compress the shock with the cartridge loose enough to allow the excess oil to bleed out. Once the shock is bottomed I tighten the cartridge and turn over the shock, draw the shaft back to full extension (again, slowly) and put the spring and retainer on. Should be ready to go after that.

Thanx!

I got to thinking that it might not be possible to get the air completely out, but wanted to be sure.

I took some notice that wasn't a bladder for this shock, and there might be a volumn compensation problem. Sure enough.

I suppose that it isn't going to be that much of an issue performance-wise. You'd think if it was, the Losi folks would have done something about the design.

Otherwise I'm real happy with the kit. Can't wait to get 'er on the track on Sunday!!!