Getting a 1/5 scale RC running... It's like a tractor ... Right?

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,746]

So when I’m not working on my tractors, I have another hobby I’m pretty deep into. My other hobby is R/C cars specifically 1/5 scale weed wacker engine powered ones. I have a 1/5 scale Redcat Rampage MT. It’s mostly stock except for a tuned pipe. Lately, I’ve hit a bit of an impasse with it though. I figured that the same things to look for when getting a tractor applied here. Any ideas or tips to get this going?

 

My conundrum is two weeks ago, I got it out after it sat for two years and got it going. It was dungy and would run but had no top end. It’s usually not much of a speed demon but it seemed off. It usually doesn’t have much in speed as the heavy tires slow it down. I tried to tune it up with no big change. Once I brought it back in, I noticed one of the fuel lines was rock hard so I swapped it out. I ran some other fuel line but it seemed too small. It would start after the swap, but it acted like it was too rich and you could give it no throttle. I have fuel line now that was the right size but it is still running the same. I also went through and checked the carburetor which was clean, checked the intake gaskets and made new ones if needed. I fixed the exhaust coupling and I vented the gas tank as well. It’s getting gas and spark and I would assume air if it runs in short bursts. I did notice that at the base of the head was wet in the joint from the crank case to the head. It will start and run now for about 3 seconds then die with no throttle. If I change the settings on the carb it doesn't seem to do much. I’m thinking I blew the head gasket.TIA!!!

 

 

 

Here’s some pics of it.

 

Edited 3 hours ago by MainelyWheelhorse