8043 Excavator update kit

[86kxt250]

i just got an 8043 excavator for xmas. i haven't had lego technics in years. and this set looks cool. i just had smaller sets back then. but always liked them.

i was reading on here about the update kit needed for this model. how do i go about getting one? i haven't started building it yet, but i think its the old version. it was purchased off ebay. the la's have 01X0 on them. from what i've read these must be the old style?

do they just need to be greased or oiled? can they be taken apart?

thanks for the info

shawn

[Out of Sight]

i just got an 8043 excavator for xmas. i haven't had lego technics in years. and this set looks cool. i just had smaller sets back then. but always liked them.

i was reading on here about the update kit needed for this model. how do i go about getting one? i haven't started building it yet, but i think its the old version. it was purchased off ebay. the la's have 01X0 on them. from what i've read these must be the old style?

do they just need to be greased or oiled? can they be taken apart?

thanks for the info

shawn

You should build it first, and see if you encounter any problem with the LA. Taking off the LAs is very simple even when the model is already built,by simply removing the red pins. I've got a newer edition set, so I didn't have to order the service pack.

Quick installation:

http://technic.lego.com/en-us/Designers/Blog/Default.aspx?date=10/29/2010

Edited December 28, 2010 by Out of Sight

[dolittle]

i just got an 8043 excavator for xmas. i haven't had lego technics in years. and this set looks cool. i just had smaller sets back then. but always liked them.

i was reading on here about the update kit needed for this model. how do i go about getting one? i haven't started building it yet, but i think its the old version. it was purchased off ebay. the la's have 01X0 on them. from what i've read these must be the old style?

do they just need to be greased or oiled? can they be taken apart?

thanks for the info

shawn

Hi,

It is unlikely you have a "kit" that needs updating, as LEGO took all those off the shelves, and replaced them (after a few weeks) with updated versions.

But as mentioned, build it, check http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=46993 for a discussion on how to determine if you have the new or "old" LA.

Thanks,

Noam

[Jurgen Krooshoop]

If you really want to "upgrade" your 8043, then you might try my "Ultimate 8043"-MOD. You will need quite some extra parts (which will not be cheap), but it'll give you a 8043 with properly working boom, better bucket-operation and simultanious controll of all the motorized functions. Instructions and parts list can be found on my website Jurgens Technic Corner.

[davidmull]

If you really want to "upgrade" your 8043, then you might try my "Ultimate 8043"-MOD. You will need quite some extra parts (which will not be cheap), but it'll give you a 8043 with properly working boom, better bucket-operation and simultanious controll of all the motorized functions. Instructions and parts list can be found on my website Jurgens Technic Corner.

is it possible to still buy the 8878 rechargeable battery? What voltage is it?

[DLuders]

@ davidmull: Yes, the 8878 Lego Power Functions Rechargeable Battery Box is still available from Shop.Lego.com . You can change the "Country Code" (if necessary) at the top of the screen to match your country.

@ 86kxt250: If you want to salvage your old Linear Actuators (for your 8043, or for something else), just soak them in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The oil will seep through the gaps in the LA assembly and lubricate the threads. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants, since the plastic will get softened.

Edited December 28, 2010 by DLuders

[Out of Sight]

I've been thinking of swapping to the 8878 Rechargeable pack. I've also downloaded Jurgen's PDF intructions, but it's still unclear, how do you fix this battery box on the 8043? I want it to be placed firmly in place like the original PF battery box that came with the 8043. Any ideas anyone? A pic would be helpful. I have a stock unmodified 8043.

[Jurgen Krooshoop]

I've been thinking of swapping to the 8878 Rechargeable pack. I've also downloaded Jurgen's PDF intructions, but it's still unclear, how do you fix this battery box on the 8043? I want it to be placed firmly in place like the original PF battery box that came with the 8043. Any ideas anyone? A pic would be helpful. I have a stock unmodified 8043.

In my first set of 8043-mods, I placed the 8878 in a "standard"-8043. I hope that in this video you can see how it's attached. I can't take pictures, cause the model has been disassembled already.

[rien]

is it possible to still buy the 8878 rechargeable battery? What voltage is it?

7.4v :S thats why i put lipo in it;)

Edited December 28, 2010 by rien

[Choops]

My set has the newer styled 16 tooth gears also.

Steve

Edited December 28, 2010 by Choops

[Out of Sight]

In my first set of 8043-mods, I placed the 8878 in a "standard"-8043. I hope that in this video you can see how it's attached. I can't take pictures, cause the model has been disassembled already.

Thanks Jurgen! Yeah I think I got the idea. I have the newer edition set of 8043,with updated LAs, and I lightly lubricated the gears with silicone oil. I have rechargeable Nimh inside the battery box (7.2V), I can lift the boom (without any aid of rubber band) and operate the dipper just as quick as yours. Is it because you still have the 'old' LA installed on that vid? Do you think I'll be able to operate the boom faster with 7.4 Lipo and updated LAs? Sorry for asking so many questions..I see that this Lego Lipo is VERY expensive, I need to be sure that it has substantial performance worthiness compared to lesser batteries. Oh one more thing since Lipo is not allowed to be fully exhausted, does the 8878 Rechargeable Box have built in low voltage cutoff circuitry?

Btw I love how you installed the PF lights..you should make a night operation vid. I'll do so once I installed my PF lights I mean noone has made a nightime vid of their 8043 in action right?

Edited December 29, 2010 by Out of Sight

[rien]

Thanks Jurgen! Yeah I think I got the idea. I have the newer edition set of 8043,with updated LAs, and I lightly lubricated the gears with silicone oil. I have rechargeable Nimh inside the battery box (7.2V), I can lift the boom (without any aid of rubber band) and operate the dipper just as quick as yours. Is it because you still have the 'old' LA installed on that vid? Do you think I'll be able to operate the boom faster with 7.4 Lipo and updated LAs? Sorry for asking so many questions..I see that this Lego Lipo is VERY expensive, I need to be sure that it has substantial performance worthiness compared to lesser batteries. Oh one more thing since Lipo is not allowed to be fully exhausted, does the 8878 Rechargeable Box have built in low voltage cutoff circuitry?

Btw I love how you installed the PF lights..you should make a night operation vid. I'll do so once I installed my PF lights I mean noone has made a nightime vid of their 8043 in action right?

I did and my li-po was 10 euro.

Edited December 29, 2010 by rien

[davidmull]

What are the new 16 tooth gears people are talking about has anyone pics of the new and old,I'm half way through my 8043 built and it's great :)

[rien]

What are the new 16 tooth gears people are talking about has anyone pics of the new and old,I'm half way through my 8043 built and it's great :)

They are on the forum somewhere seargh a bit m8.

[Milan]

What are the new 16 tooth gears people are talking about has anyone pics of the new and old,I'm half way through my 8043 built and it's great :)

Here you go...

[86kxt250]

i haven't had the time yet to start building yet. but looks like i have the old set, as i have the old 16 tooth gears and no cardboard packaged instructions.

if i build it and have problems will i be able to get an update kit? can i email lego with the upc code? or...

thanks

[rien]

i haven't had the time yet to start building yet. but looks like i have the old set, as i have the old 16 tooth gears and no cardboard packaged instructions.

if i build it and have problems will i be able to get an update kit? can i email lego with the upc code? or...

thanks

Yes send a email it can take a while bit it wil come.